In skeletal muscle, the Rab GTPase-activating (GAP) protein TBC1D1 is phosphorylated by AKT and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in response to insulin and muscle contraction. Genetic ablation of Tbc1d1 or mutation of distinct phosphorylation sites impairs intracellular GLUT4 retention and GLUT4 traffic, presumably through alterations of the activation state of downstream Rab GTPases. Previous studies have focused on characterizing the C-terminal GAP domain of TBC1D1 that lacks the known phosphorylation sites, as well as putative regulatory domains. As a result, it has been unclear how phosphorylation of TBC1D1 would regulate its activity. In the present study, we have expressed, purified, and characterized recombinant full-length TBC1D1 in Sf9 insect cells via the baculovirus system. Full-length TBC1D1 showed RabGAP activity toward GLUT4-associated Rab8a, Rab10, and Rab14, indicating similar substrate specificity as the truncated GAP domain. However, the catalytic activity of the full-length TBC1D1 was markedly higher than that of the GAP domain. Although in vitro phosphorylation of TBC1D1 by AKT or AMPK increased 14-3-3 binding, it did not alter the intrinsic RabGAP activity. However, we found that TBC1D1 interacts through its N-terminal PTB domains with the cytoplasmic domain of the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, a resident protein of GLUT4 storage vesicles, and this binding is disrupted by phosphorylation of TBC1D1 by AKT or AMPK. In summary, our findings suggest that other regions outside the GAP domain may contribute to the catalytic activity of TBC1D1. Moreover, our data indicate that recruitment of TBC1D1 to GLUT4-containing vesicles and not its GAP activity is regulated by insulin and contraction-mediated phosphorylation.

Rab (Ras-related proteins in brain) GTPases are key proteins responsible for a multiplicity of cellular trafficking processes. Belonging to the family of monomeric GTPases, they are regulated by cycling between their active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound conformations. Despite possessing a slow intrinsic GTP hydrolysis activity, Rab proteins rely on RabGAPs (Rab GTPase-activating proteins) that catalyze GTP hydrolysis and consequently inactivate the respective Rab GTPases. Two related RabGAPs, TBC1D1 and TBC1D4 (=AS160) have been described to be associated with obesity-related traits and type 2 diabetes in both mice and humans. Inactivating mutations of and lead to substantial changes in trafficking and subcellular distribution of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GLUT4, and to subsequent alterations in energy substrate metabolism. The activity of the RabGAPs is controlled through complex phosphorylation events mediated by protein kinases including AKT and AMPK, and by putative regulatory interaction partners. However, the dynamics and downstream events following phosphorylation are not well understood. This review focuses on the specific role and regulation of TBC1D1 and TBC1D4 in insulin action.