ChREBP downregulates SNAT2 amino acid transporter expression through interactions with SMRT in response to a high-carbohydrate diet

Abstract

This study highlights the key role of carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) in the fine-tuned regulation between glucose and amino acid metabolism in the liver via regulation of the amino acid transporter small neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) expression after the consumption of a high-carbohydrate diet. ChREBP binds to a carbohydrate response element (ChoRE) site in the SNAT2 promoter region and recruits silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) corepressor to reduce SNAT2 transcription. This study revealed that ChREBP prevents the uptake of glucogenic amino acids upon the consumption of a high-carbohydrate diet.