GATA-3 as a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

Impaired adipogenesis plays an important role in the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as it leads to ectopic fat deposition. The anti-adipogenic transcription factor GATA-3 was identified as one of the potential molecular targets responsible for impairment of adipogenesis. The expression of GATA-3 is higher in insulin resistant obese individuals compared to BMI-matched insulin sensitive counterparts. Adipose tissue inflammation is a crucial mediator of this process. Hyperglycemia mediates the activation of immune system, partially through upregulation of GATA-3, causing exacerbation of the inflammatory state associated with obesity. This review discusses evidence supporting the inhibition of GATA-3 as a useful therapeutic strategy in obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, through up-regulation adipogenesis and amelioration of the immune response.