Role of insulin in the expression of PMP22, a myelin protein during diabetic peripheral neuropathy

One of the long-term complications of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN, which is characterized by the neuron demyelination often causes sensory loss.We have earlier reported the role of insulin in the expression of myelin proteins such as myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) during diabetic peripheral neuropathy condition. But the effect of insulin on the expression of Peripheral Myelin Protein 22 (PMP22) was not clear. Therefore, in this current study, we have analyzedthe effect of insulin on the expression of PMP22, both in vitro and in vivo using protein and mRNA expression studies. Results from both Western blotting and real time PCR confirmed that, expression of PMP22 concentration was decreased in diabetic condition and was recovered to normal upon treatment with insulin. These results corroborate the possibleneurotrophic role of insulin in enhancing the expression of PMP22 in the diabetic neuropathy condition.