ObjectiveIntrauterine growth restriction followed by postnatal catch-up growth (CG-IUGR) increases the risk of insulin resistance-related diseases. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) plays a substantial role in glucose metabolism. However, whether LRP6 is involved in the insulin resistance of CG-IUGR is unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of LRP6 in insulin signaling in response to CG-IUGR.MethodsThe CG-IUGR rat model was established via a maternal gestational nutritional restriction followed by postnatal litter size reduction. The mRNA and protein expression of the components in the insulin pathway, LRP6/beta-catenin and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/S6 kinase (S6K) signaling, was determined. Liver tissues were immunostained for the expression of LRP6 and beta-catenin. LRP6 was overexpressed or silenced in primary hepatocytes to explore its role in insulin signaling.ResultsCompared with the control rats, CG-IUGR rats showed higher homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and fasting insulin level, decreased insulin signaling, reduced mTOR/S6K/ insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) serine307 activity, and decreased LRP6/beta-catenin in the liver tissue. The knockdown of LRP6 in hepatocytes from appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) rats led to reductions in insulin receptor (IR) signaling and mTOR/S6K/IRS-1 serine307 activity. In contrast, LRP6 overexpression in hepatocytes of CG-IUGR rats resulted in elevated IR signaling and mTOR/S6K/IRS-1 serine307 activity.ConclusionLRP6 regulated the insulin signaling in the CG-IUGR rats via two distinct pathways, IR and mTOR-S6K signaling. LRP6 may be a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance in CG-IUGR individuals.