Disulfide-bond-A oxidoreductase-like protein (DsbA-L, previously named as GST Kappa) is an adiponectin-interacting protein. DsbA-L is highly expressed in adipose tissue, and its expression level is negatively correlated with obesity in mice and humans. DsbA-L expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes is stimulated by the insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone and inhibited by the inflammatory cytokine TNFalpha. Polymorphism of DsbA-L gene has recently been implicated in insulin secretion and body fat distribution. DcbA-L expression by RNAi markedly and selectively reduces adiponectin levels and secretion in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Recent studies identify DsbA-L as a key regulator for adiponectin biosynthesis.
