Egr1 plays a major role in the transcriptional response of white adipocytes to insulin and environmental cues

It is believed that insulin regulates metabolic functions of white adipose tissue primarily at the post-translational level via the PI3K-Akt-mediated pathway. Still, changes in transcription also play an important role in the response of white adipocytes to insulin and environmental signals. One transcription factor that is dramatically and rapidly induced in adipocytes by insulin and nutrients is called Early Growth Response 1, or Egr1. Among other functions, it directly binds to promoters of leptin and ATGL stimulating the former and inhibiting the latter. Furthermore, expression of Egr1 in adipocytes demonstrates cell autonomous circadian pattern suggesting that Egr1 not only mediates the effect of insulin and nutrients on lipolysis and leptin production but also, coordinates insulin action with endogenous circadian rhythms of adipose tissue.

Automated summary

Insulin primarily regulates the metabolic functions of white adipose tissue at the post-translational level, but changes in transcription also play a significant role. Egr1 is a transcription factor that is rapidly induced by insulin and nutrients in adipocytes. It directly regulates the expression of leptin and ATGL, and its expression in adipocytes follows a cell-autonomous circadian pattern, suggesting its involvement in coordinating insulin action with the circadian rhythms of adipose tissue.