Genome-wide analyses identify filamin-a as a novel downstream target for insulin and IGF1 action

Insulin analogs were developed to improve diabetes therapy. However, certain modifications introduced into the insulin molecule were shown to enhance their affinity to the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R). Most tumors, including endometrial cancers, express high levels of IGF1R. The present study was aimed at identifying the entire set of genes that are differentially activated by insulin glargine or detemir, in comparison to insulin and IGF1, in Type 1 and Type 2 endometrial cancer cell lines (ECC-1 and USPC-1, respectively). Global gene expression analyses demonstrated a ligand-dependent upregulated expression of filamin-A (FLNA), a gene that encodes an actin filament cross-linking protein, in both endometrial cancer cell types. Silencing experiments linked to migration assays confirmed the role of FLNA in cell growth and motility. Our data suggest that the activation of distinct sets of genes by glargine may lead to stimulation of specific pathways or, alternatively, may provide additive effects, different from those classically induced by insulin. Given that metastases are probably the main factor contributing to tumor invasiveness, the identification of FLNA as a downstream target for insulin-like hormones may be of translational relevance in oncology. Clinical studies in endometrial cancer may add further relevant information regarding the possible differential actions of insulin analogs with respect to native insulin.