Activation of glycogen phosphorylase and glycogenolysis in rat skeletal muscle by AICAR--an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside is independent of AMP-activated protein kinase

Recent studies suggest AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme involved in energy homeostasis, might be a novel signaling pathway in regulating inflammatory response, but the precise intracellular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we have demonstrated that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR), an activator of AMPK, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in macrophages and microglial cells at the gene transcription level. Data obtained from electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and promoter activity assay have further confirmed the ability of AICAR to block LPS-mediated NF-kappaB, AP-1, CREB, and C/EBPbeta activation. However, AICAR did not affect LPS-mediated IKK, ERK, and p38 activation. Regardless of the ability of AICAR to activate AMPK, the inhibitory effects of AICAR on iNOS and COX-2 expression were not associated with AMPK. An adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-iodotubercidin, which effectively abolished AMPK activation caused by AICAR, did not reverse the anti-inflammatory effect of AICAR. Moreover, another AMPK activator metformin was not able to mimic the effects of AICAR. Direct addition of AICAR in EMSA assay interrupted binding of NF-kappaB, CREB, and C/EBPbeta to specific DNA elements. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory effects of AICAR against LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 gene transcription are not associated with AMPK activation, but might be resulting from the direct interference with DNA binding to transcription factors.

SIK2 can be activated by deprivation of nutrition and it inhibits expression of lipogenic genes in adipocytes

OBJECTIVE

Determine the biological function of SIK2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with serum-free, serum/glucose-free, or complete Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) for 15 min, or 10 microg/ml oligomycin in serum-free DMEM for 15 min, or different doses of 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide (AICAR) for different periods of time in serum-free DMEM. After treatment, SIK2 kinase activity was measured by examining phosphorylation of a peptide substrate. SIK2 was overexpressed and knocked down in 3T3-L1 CAR adipocytes using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer for the assessment of lipogenic gene expression and triglyceride content. Electroporation was used to transiently transfect 3T3-L1 adipocytes with fatty acid synthase (FAS) promoter-driven luciferase construct to evaluate the effect of SIK2 on FAS transcription.

RESULTS

In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, SIK2 can be activated by nutrient deprivation, inhibition of ATP synthesis, and treatment of AICAR. Overexpression of SIK2 repressed the expression of lipogenic genes, including FAS, acetyl CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), and reduced triglyceride content. Reduction of endogenous SIK2 expression through RNA interference increased the expression of FAS, ACC2, and SCD1. This effect is independent of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) since neither phosphorylation state nor protein level of AMPKalpha1 and AMPKalpha2 was affected by SIK2 overexpression. SIK2 inhibits the expression of FAS-promoter driven luciferase reporter gene, and this effect can be reversed by overexpression of constitutively active sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1). Furthermore, SIK2 also reduces the nuclear translocation of endogenous SREBP-1.

DISCUSSION

Our results support a role for SIK2 in adipocyte energy metabolism. SIK2 may function similarly to AMPK for turning off lipogenesis in low-energy state.

Ischemia-induced activation of AMPK does not increase glucose uptake in glycogen-replete isolated working rat hearts

Alterations in myocardial glucose metabolism are a key determinant of ischemia-induced depression of left ventricular mechanical function. Since myocardial glycogen is an important source of endogenous glucose, we compared the effects of ischemia on glucose uptake and utilization in isolated working rat hearts in which glycogen content was either replete (G replete, 114 micromol/g dry wt) or partially depleted (G depleted, 71 mumol/g dry wt). The effects of low-flow ischemia (LFI, 0.5 ml/min) on glucose uptake, glycogen turnover (glycogenolysis and glycogen synthesis), glycolysis, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, and GLUT4 translocation were measured. Relative to preischemic values, LFI caused a time-dependent reduction in glycogen content in both G-replete and G-depleted groups due to an acceleration of glycogenolysis (by 12-fold and 6-fold, respectively). In G-replete hearts, LFI (15 min) decreased glucose uptake (by 59%) and did not affect GLUT4 translocation. In G-depleted hearts, LFI also decreased initially glucose uptake (by 90%) and glycogen synthesis, but after 15 min, when glycogenolysis slowed due to exhaustion of glycogen content, glucose uptake increased (by 31%) in association with an increase in GLUT4 translocation. After 60 min of LFI, glucose uptake, glycogenolysis, and glycolysis recovered to near-preischemic values in both groups. LFI increased AMPK activity in a time-dependent manner in both groups (by 6-fold and 4-fold, respectively). Thus, when glycogen stores are replete before ischemia, ischemia-induced AMPK activation is not sufficient to increase glucose uptake. Under these conditions, an acceleration of glycogen degradation provides sufficient endogenous substrate for glycolysis during ischemia.

Evidence for the regulation of contraction-induced fatty acid oxidation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation independent of changes in fatty acid uptake

Data show that extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) may be involved in the regulation of fatty acid (FA) uptake during muscle contraction via stimulation of CD36 translocation to the plasma membrane. The perfused hind limb model was used to determine (1) the importance of ERK1/2 signaling on contraction-induced FA uptake and (2) the effect of ERK1/2-mediated FA uptake on contraction-induced FA oxidation. We perfused rat hind limbs with 8 mmol/L glucose, 550 micromol/L palmitate, and no insulin at rest in the absence of inhibitor and during moderate-intensity electrical stimulation and dose-dependent pharmacologic inhibition of ERK1/2 using increasing concentrations of PD98059 (P1 = none, P2 = 10 micromol/L, P3 = 20 micromol/L, P4 = 50 micromol/L). Increasing PD98059 concentration resulted in a gradual decrease in contraction-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and this was accompanied by a decrease in contraction-induced FA uptake (concentration required for 50% inhibition [IC(50)] = 15.8 +/- 1.6 mumol/L) and in plasma membrane CD36 content (IC(50) = 8.7 +/- 0.3 micromol/L) (P < .05). Percent FA oxidation was significantly lower in P3 and P4 compared with P1 and P2. Based on IC(50) values, FA oxidation demonstrated a greater sensitivity than FA uptake to changes in ERK1/2 phosphorylation (IC(50) = 5.4 +/- 0.3 micromol/L) (P < .05). A positive correlation was found between FA uptake and plasma membrane CD36 content (R(2) = 0.85, P < .05). Plasma membrane CD36 content, FA uptake, and FA oxidation each shared a positive correlation with ERK1/2 phosphorylation (R(2) = 0.64, 0.66, and 0.71, respectively; P < .05). These results suggest that during moderate-intensity muscle contraction, ERK1/2 phosphorylation is required for translocation of CD36 to the plasma membrane and the subsequent increase in FA uptake. In addition, these data suggest that ERK1/2 signaling may be involved in the regulation of FA oxidation independently of its effects on FA uptake.

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside stimulates tyrosine hydroxylase activity and catecholamine secretion by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in PC12 cells

The activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is regulated by the metabolic and nutritional state of the cell. 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) is transformed into riboside monophosphate (ZMP) via phosphorylation by adenosine kinase inside the cell and exerts it effect by stimulating AMPK. AICAR significantly induces an increase in AMPK activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12. In addition, compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, as well as 5'-amino-5'-dAdo, an adenosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits the AICAR-induced AMPK activity. AICAR significantly stimulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamine) activity and the corresponding mRNA level, which closely matches with the TH protein level. In addition, AICAR provokes a rapid and long-lasting increase in the phosphorylation of TH at Ser19, Ser31 and Ser40. AICAR also markedly activates ERKs, JNK and p38. The MEK-1-inhibitor (PD-098059) causes a partial, but significant, inhibition of AICAR-induced TH enzyme activity by phosphorylation of Ser31 without affecting phosphorylation at the two other sites. By contrast, neither the JNK-inhibitor nor the p38-inhibitor affects TH enzyme activity and phosphorylation. Similarly, PD-098059 partially, but significantly, inhibits the AICAR-induced increase in the TH mRNA level. Furthermore, AICAR increases the level of cAMP in PC12 cells. The present study also shows that H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, abolishes the AICAR-induced increase in the level of TH mRNA, as well as the corresponding enzyme activity and Ser40 phosphorylation. Finally, AICAR significantly increases dopamine secretion from PC12 cells. These findings indicate that AICAR activates catecholamine synthesis and secretion through AMPK activation in chromaffin cells.

Discovery and SAR development of thienopyridones: A class of small molecule AMPK activators

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is well established as a sensor and regulator of intracellular and whole-body energy metabolism. A high-throughput screen was performed in order to identify chemotypes that are bound by AMPK. A novel thienopyridone compound (1) was identified and subsequently optimized. The structure-activity relationships that emerged from this effort are described.

Neurotensin receptor binding and neurotensin-induced growth signaling in prostate cancer PC3 cells are sensitive to metabolic stress

Neurotensin (NT) stimulates the proliferation of prostate cancer PC3 cells, which express high levels of its G protein-coupled receptor NTS1. To shed light on mechanisms that might serve to coordinate mitogenic responses to metabolic status, we studied the effects of metabolic inhibitors on NTS1 function. We also related these effects to cellular ATP levels and to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Glycolytic and mitochondrial inhibitors, at concentrations that reduced cellular ATP levels, altered NT binding to the cells, inhibited NT-induced inositol phosphate formation, and inhibited NT-induced DNA synthesis. For eight of the nine inhibitors, the potencies to alter NT receptor function correlated to the potencies to decrease cellular ATP levels. In keeping with its known role to oppose metabolic stress, AMPK was activated by the metabolic inhibitors. Accordingly, the AMPK activator AICAR elevated cellular ATP levels and produced effects on NTS1 function that were opposite to those for the metabolic inhibitors. These results indicate that metabolic stress inhibited NTS1 function by a mechanism that involved a fall in cellular ATP levels and that was opposed by activation of AMPK. In a broader context, these findings are compatible with the idea that one means by which cells might coordinate mitogenic signaling to metabolic status could involve changes in growth factor receptor function.

Regulation of contraction-induced FA uptake and oxidation by AMPK and ERK1/2 is intensity dependent in rodent muscle

Muscle contraction activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), two signaling molecules involved in the regulation of muscle metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activation of AMPK and/or ERK1/2 contributes to the regulation of muscle fatty acid (FA) uptake and oxidation in contracting muscle. Rat hindquarters were perfused during rest (R) or electrical stimulation (E) of increasing intensity by manipulating train duration (E1 = 25 ms, E2 = 50 ms, E3 = 100 ms, E4 = 200 ms). For matched FA delivery, FA uptake was significantly greater than R during E1, E2, and E3 (7.8 +/- 0.7 vs. 14.4 +/- 0.3, 16.9 +/- 0.8, 15.2 +/- 0.5 nmol.min(-1).g(-1), respectively, P < 0.05), but not during E4 (8.3 +/- 0.3 nmol.min(-1).g(-1), P > 0.05). FA oxidation was significantly greater than R during E1 and E2 (1.5 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.2, 2.5 +/- 0.2 nmol.min(-1).g(-1), P < 0.05) before returning to resting levels for E3 and E4 (1.8 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.2 nmol.min(-1).g(-1), P > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between FA uptake and ERK1/2 phosphorylation from R to E3 (R(2) = 0.55, P < 0.05) and between FA oxidation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation from R to E2 (R(2) = 0.76, P < 0.05), correlations that were not maintained when the data for E4 and E3 and E4, respectively, were included in the analysis (R(2) = 0.04 and R(2) = 0.03, P > 0.05). A positive correlation was also found between FA uptake and FA oxidation and AMPK activity for all exercise intensities (R(2) = 0.57, R(2) = 0.65 respectively, P < 0.05). These results, in combination with previous data from our laboratory, suggest that ERK1/2 and AMPK are the predominant signaling molecules regulating FA uptake and oxidation during low- to moderate-intensity muscle contraction and during moderate- to high-intensity muscle contraction, respectively.

Effect of acute activation of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase on glycogen regulation in isolated rat skeletal muscle

5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been implicated in glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle. However, the physiological relevance of increased AMPK activity during exercise has not been fully clarified. This study was performed to determine the direct effects of acute AMPK activation on muscle glycogen regulation. For this purpose, we used an isolated rat muscle preparation and pharmacologically activated AMPK with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside (AICAR). Tetanic contraction in vitro markedly activated the alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-isoforms of AMPK, with a corresponding increase in the rate of 3-O-methylglucose uptake. Incubation with AICAR elicited similar enhancement of AMPK activity and 3-O-methylglucose uptake in rat epitrochlearis muscle. In contrast, whereas contraction stimulated glycogen synthase (GS), AICAR treatment decreased GS activity. Insulin-stimulated GS activity also decreased after AICAR treatment. Whereas contraction activated glycogen phosphorylase (GP), AICAR did not alter GP activity. The muscle glycogen content decreased in response to contraction but was unchanged by AICAR. Lactate release was markedly increased when muscles were stimulated with AICAR in buffer containing glucose, indicating that the glucose taken up into the muscle was catabolized via glycolysis. Our results suggest that AMPK does not mediate contraction-stimulated glycogen synthesis or glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle and also that acute AMPK activation leads to an increased glycolytic flux by antagonizing contraction-stimulated glycogen synthesis.

AMP-activated protein kinase and the regulation of glucose transport

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy-sensing enzyme that is activated by acute increases in the cellular [AMP]/[ATP] ratio. In skeletal and/or cardiac muscle, AMPK activity is increased by stimuli such as exercise, hypoxia, ischemia, and osmotic stress. There are many lines of evidence that increasing AMPK activity in skeletal muscle results in increased rates of glucose transport. Although similar to the effects of insulin to increase glucose transport in muscle, it is clear that the underlying mechanisms for AMPK-mediated glucose transport involve proximal signals that are distinct from that of insulin. Here, we discuss the evidence for AMPK regulation of glucose transport in skeletal and cardiac muscle and describe research investigating putative signaling mechanisms mediating this effect. We also discuss evidence that AMPK may play a role in enhancing muscle and whole body insulin sensitivity for glucose transport under conditions such as exercise, as well as the use of the AMPK activator AICAR to reverse insulin-resistant conditions. The identification of AMPK as a novel glucose transport mediator in skeletal muscle is providing important insights for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Impact of in vivo fatty acid oxidation blockade on glucose turnover and muscle glucose metabolism during low-dose AICAR infusion

AMPK plays a central role in influencing fuel usage and selection. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of low-dose AMP analog 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribosyl monophosphate (ZMP) on whole body glucose turnover and skeletal muscle (SkM) glucose metabolism. Dogs were restudied after prior 48-h fatty acid oxidation (FA(OX)) blockade by methylpalmoxirate (MP; 5 x 12 hourly 10 mg/kg doses). During the basal equilibrium period (0-150 min), fasting dogs (n = 8) were infused with [3-(3)H]glucose followed by either 2-h saline or AICAR (1.5-2.0 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) infusions. SkM was biopsied at completion of each study. On a separate day, the same protocol was undertaken after 48-h in vivo FA(OX) blockade. The AICAR and AICAR + MP studies were repeated in three chronic alloxan-diabetic dogs. AICAR produced a transient fall in plasma glucose and increase in insulin and a small decline in free fatty acid (FFA). Parallel increases in hepatic glucose production (HGP), glucose disappearance (R(d tissue)), and glycolytic flux (GF) occurred, whereas metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCR(g)) did not change significantly. Intracellular SkM glucose, glucose 6-phosphate, and glycogen were unchanged. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC approximately pSer(221)) increased by 50%. In the AICAR + MP studies, the metabolic responses were modified: the glucose was lower over 120 min, only minor changes occurred with insulin and FFA, and HGP and R(d tissue) responses were markedly attenuated, but MCR(g) and GF increased significantly. SkM substrates were unchanged, but ACC approximately pSer(221) rose by 80%. Thus low-dose AICAR leads to increases in HGP and SkM glucose uptake, which are modified by prior FA(ox) blockade.

Inhibition of insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis by 5-aminoimidasole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside-induced adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation: interactions with Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3-3alpha/beta, and glycogen synthase in isolated rat soleus muscle

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 5-aminoimidasole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR)-induced AMP-activated protein kinase activation on glycogen metabolism in soleus (slow twitch, oxidative) and epitrochlearis (fast twitch, glycolytic) skeletal muscles. Isolated soleus and epitrochlearis muscles were incubated in the absence or presence of insulin (100 nM), AICAR (2 mM), and AICAR plus insulin. In soleus muscles exposed to insulin, glycogen synthesis and glycogen content increased 6.4- and 1.3-fold, respectively. AICAR treatment significantly suppressed ( approximately 60%) insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis and completely prevented the increase in glycogen content induced by insulin. AICAR did not affect either basal or insulin-stimulated glucose uptake but significantly increased insulin-stimulated ( approximately 20%) lactate production in soleus muscles. Interestingly, basal glucose uptake was significantly increased ( approximately 1.4-fold) in the epitrochlearis muscle, even though neither basal nor insulin-stimulated rates of glycogen synthesis, glycogen content, and lactate production were affected by AICAR. We also report the novel evidence that AICAR markedly reduced insulin-induced Akt-Thr308 phosphorylation after 15 and 30 min exposure to insulin, which coincided with a marked reduction in glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK)-3alpha/beta phosphorylation. Importantly, phosphorylation of glycogen synthase was increased by AICAR treatment 45 min after insulin stimulation. Our results indicate that AICAR-induced AMP-activated protein kinase activation caused a time-dependent reduction in Akt308 phosphorylation, activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha/beta, and the inactivation of glycogen synthase, which are compatible with the acute reduction in insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis in oxidative but not glycolytic skeletal muscles.

Role of reactive oxygen species in contraction-mediated glucose transport in mouse skeletal muscle

Exercise increases glucose transport into skeletal muscle via a pathway that is poorly understood. We investigated the role of endogenously produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in contraction-mediated glucose transport. Repeated contractions increased 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake roughly threefold in isolated, mouse extensor digitorum longus (fast-twitch) muscle. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a non-specific antioxidant, inhibited contraction-mediated 2-DG uptake by approximately 50% (P < 0.05 versus control values), but did not significantly affect basal 2-DG uptake or the uptake induced by insulin, hypoxia or 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR, which mimics AMP-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, AMPK). Ebselen, a glutathione peroxidase mimetic, also inhibited contraction-mediated 2-DG uptake (by almost 60%, P < 0.001 versus control values). Muscles from mice overexpressing Mn2+-dependent superoxide dismutase, which catalyses H2O2 production from superoxide anions, exhibited a approximately 25% higher rate of contraction-mediated 2-DG uptake versus muscles from wild-type control mice (P < 0.05). Exogenous H2O2 induced oxidative stress, as judged by an increase in the [GSSG]/[GSH + GSSG] (reduced glutathione + oxidized glutathione) ratio to 2.5 times control values, and this increase was substantially blocked by NAC. Similarly, NAC significantly attenuated contraction-mediated oxidative stress as judged by measurements of glutathione status and the intracellular ROS level with the fluorescent indicator 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (P < 0.05). Finally, contraction increased AMPK activity and phosphorylation approximately 10-fold, and NAC blocked approximately 50% of these changes. These data indicate that endogenously produced ROS, possibly H2O2 or its derivatives, play an important role in contraction-mediated activation of glucose transport in fast-twitch muscle.

Identification and characterization of a small molecule AMPK activator that treats key components of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key sensor and regulator of intracellular and whole-body energy metabolism. We have identified a thienopyridone family of AMPK activators. A-769662 directly stimulated partially purified rat liver AMPK (EC50 = 0.8 microM) and inhibited fatty acid synthesis in primary rat hepatocytes (IC50 = 3.2 microM). Short-term treatment of normal Sprague Dawley rats with A-769662 decreased liver malonyl CoA levels and the respiratory exchange ratio, VCO2/VO2, indicating an increased rate of whole-body fatty acid oxidation. Treatment of ob/ob mice with 30 mg/kg b.i.d. A-769662 decreased hepatic expression of PEPCK, G6Pase, and FAS, lowered plasma glucose by 40%, reduced body weight gain and significantly decreased both plasma and liver triglyceride levels. These results demonstrate that small molecule-mediated activation of AMPK in vivo is feasible and represents a promising approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.

Role of AMPK in skeletal muscle metabolic regulation and adaptation in relation to exercise

The 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a potent regulator of skeletal muscle metabolism and gene expression. AMPK is activated both in response to in vivo exercise and ex vivo contraction. AMPK is therefore believed to be an important signalling molecule in regulating muscle metabolism during exercise as well as in adaptation of skeletal muscle to exercise training. The first part of this review is focused on different mechanisms regulating AMPK activity during muscle work such as alterations in nucleotide concentrations, availability of energy substrates and upstream AMPK kinases. We furthermore discuss the possible role of AMPK as a master switch in skeletal muscle metabolism with the main focus on AMPK in metabolic regulation during muscle work. Finally, AMPK has a well established role in regulating expression of genes encoding various enzymes in muscle, and this issue is discussed in relation to adaptation of skeletal muscle to exercise training.

AMPK alterations in cardiac physiology and pathology: enemy or ally?

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has emerged as a key regulator of energy metabolism in the heart. The high energy demands of the heart are primarily met by the metabolism of both fatty acids and glucose, both processes being regulated by AMPK. During myocardial ischaemia a rapid activation of AMPK occurs, resulting in an activation of both glucose uptake and glycolysis, as well as an increase in fatty acid oxidation. This activation of AMPK has the potential to increase energy production and to inhibit apoptosis, thereby protecting the heart during the ischaemic stress. However, at clinically relevant high levels of fatty acids, ischaemic-induced activation of AMPK also stimulates fatty acid oxidation during and following ischaemia. This can contribute to ischaemic injury secondary to an inhibition of glucose oxidation, which results in a decrease in cardiac efficiency. In a number of other non-cardiac tissues, AMPK has been shown to have pro-apoptotic effects. As a result, the question of whether AMPK activation benefits or harms the ischaemic heart remains controversial. The role of AMPK in cardiac hypertrophy is also controversial. Activation of AMPK inhibits protein synthesis, and may be an adaptive response to pathological cardiac hypertrophy. However, none of mouse models of AMPK deficiency (excluding those that may involve the gamma2 subunit mutations) demonstrate increased cardiac mass, suggesting that AMPK is not essential for restriction of cardiac growth. In addition to the potential effects of AMPK on myofibrillar hypertrophy associated with pressure overload, there is also controversy with respect to the cardiac hypertrophy associated with the gamma2 subunit mutations. In the cardiac hypertrophy associated with glycogen overload, both activating and inactivating mutations of AMPK in mice are associated with a marked cardiac hypertrophy. This review will address the issue of whether AMPK activation acts as an enemy or ally to the ischaemic and hypertrophied heart. Resolving this issue has important implications as to whether therapeutic approaches to protect the ischaemic heart should be developed which either activate or inhibit AMPK.

α2 isoform-specific activation of 5'adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside at a physiological level activates glucose transport and increases glucose transporter 4 in mouse skeletal muscle

5'Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been implicated in exercise-induced stimulation of glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Although skeletal muscle expresses both the alpha1 and alpha2 isoforms of AMPK, the alpha2 isoform is activated predominantly in response to moderate-intensity endurance exercise in human and animal muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activation of alpha2 AMPK plays a role in increasing the rate of glucose transport, promoting glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression, and enhancing insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. To selectively activate the alpha2 isoform, we used 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribonucleoside (AICAR), which is metabolized in muscle cells and preferentially stimulates the alpha2 isoform. Subcutaneous administration of 250 mg/kg AICAR activated the alpha2 isoform for 90 minutes, but not the alpha1 isoform in hind limb muscles of the C57/B6J mouse. The maximal activation of the alpha2 isoform was observed 30 to 60 minutes after administration of AICAR and was similar to the activation induced by a 30-minute swim in a current pool. The increase in alpha2 activity paralleled the phosphorylation of Thr(172), the essential residue for full kinase activation, and the activity of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase beta, a known substrate of AMPK in skeletal muscle. Subcutaneous injection of AICAR rapidly increased, by 30%, the rate of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) transport into soleus muscle; 2DG transport increased within 30 minutes and remained elevated for 4 hours after administration of AICAR. Repeated intraperitoneal injection of AICAR, 3 times a day for 4 to 7 days, increased soleus GLUT4 protein by 30% concomitant with a significant 20% increase in insulin-stimulated 2DG transport. These data suggest that moderate endurance exercise promotes glucose transport, GLUT4 expression, and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle at least partially via activation of the alpha2 isoform of AMPK.

Activation of cardiac AMP-activated protein kinase by LKB1 expression or chemical hypoxia is blunted by increased Akt activity

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a major role in the regulation of cardiac energy substrate utilization and can be negatively regulated by Akt activation in the heart. It has recently been shown that Akt directly phosphorylates AMPKalpha(1)/alpha(2) on Ser(485/491) in vitro and prevents the AMPK kinase (AMPKK) LKB1 from phosphorylating AMPKalpha at its primary activation site, Thr(172) (S Horman, D Vertommen, R Heath, D Neumann, V Mouton, A Woods, U Schlattner, T Wallimann, D Carling, L Hue, and MH Rider. J Biol Chem 281: 5335-5340, 2006). To determine whether this is also the case in the cardiac myocyte, neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCM) were infected with a recombinant adenovirus expressing a constitutively active mutant of Akt1 (myrAkt1) and then with or without adenoviruses expressing the active LKB1 complex. Expression of myrAkt1 blunted LKB1-induced phosphorylation of AMPKalpha at Thr(172), which resulted in a dramatic decrease in phosphorylation of AMPK's target, acetyl CoA-carboxylase. This decrease in AMPK activity was associated with prior Akt1-dependent phosphorylation of AMPKalpha(1)/alpha(2) at Ser(485/491). To investigate whether Akt1 activation was also able to prevent other AMPKKs from phosphorylating AMPKalpha, we subjected NRCM to chemical hypoxia and noted a marked increase in phosphorylation of AMPKalpha at Thr(172), despite no change in LKB1 activity. NRCM expressing myrAkt1 demonstrated increased phosphorylation of AMPKalpha(1)/alpha(2) at Ser(485/491) and a complete inhibition of chemical hypoxia-induced phosphorylation of AMPKalpha at Thr(172). Taken together, our data show that activation of Akt1 is able to prevent activation of cardiac AMPK by LKB1 and at least one other AMPKK, likely by prior phosphorylation of AMPKalpha(1)/alpha(2) at Ser(485/491).

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside renders glucose output by the liver of the dog insensitive to a pharmacological increment in insulin

This study aimed to test whether stimulation of net hepatic glucose output (NHGO) by increased concentrations of the AMP analog, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribosyl-5-monophosphate, can be suppressed by pharmacological insulin levels. Dogs had sampling (artery, portal vein, hepatic vein) and infusion (vena cava, portal vein) catheters and flow probes (hepatic artery, portal vein) implanted >16 days before study. Protocols consisted of equilibration (-130 to -30 min), basal (-30 to 0 min), and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic (0-150 min) periods. At time (t) = 0 min, somatostatin was infused, and basal glucagon was replaced via the portal vein. Insulin was infused in the portal vein at either 2 (INS2) or 5 (INS5) mU.kg(-1).min(-1). At t = 60 min, 1 mg.kg(-1).min(-1) portal venous 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) infusion was initiated. Arterial insulin rose approximately 9- and approximately 27-fold in INS2 and INS5, respectively. Glucagon, catecholamines, and cortisol did not change throughout the study. NHGO was completely suppressed before t = 60 min. Intraportal AICAR stimulated NHGO by 1.9 +/- 0.5 and 2.0 +/- 0.5 mg.kg(-1).min(-1) in INS2 and INS5, respectively. AICAR stimulated tracer-determined endogenous glucose production similarly in both groups. Intraportal AICAR infusion significantly increased hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC, Ser(79)) phosphorylation in INS2. Hepatic ACC (Ser(79)) phosphorylation, however, was not increased in INS5. Thus intraportal AICAR infusion renders hepatic glucose output insensitive to pharmacological insulin. The effectiveness of AICAR in countering the suppressive effect of pharmacological insulin on NHGO occurs even though AICAR-stimulated ACC phosphorylation is completely blocked.

AMP-activated protein kinase alpha2 activity is not essential for contraction- and hyperosmolarity-induced glucose transport in skeletal muscle

To examine the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in muscle glucose transport, we generated muscle-specific transgenic mice (TG) carrying cDNAs of inactive alpha2 (alpha2i TG) and alpha1 (alpha1i TG) catalytic subunits. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from wild type and TG mice were isolated and subjected to a series of in vitro incubation experiments. In alpha2i TG mice basal alpha2 activity was barely detectable, whereas basal alpha1 activity was only partially reduced. Known AMPK stimuli including 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR), rotenone (a Complex I inhibitor), dinitrophenol (a mitochondrial uncoupler), muscle contraction, and sorbitol (producing hyperosmolar shock) did not increase AMPK alpha2 activity in alpha2i TG mice, whereas alpha1 activation was attenuated by only 30-50%. Glucose transport was measured in vitro using isolated EDL muscles from alpha2i TG mice. AICAR- and rotenone-stimulated glucose transport was fully inhibited in alpha2i TG mice; however, the lack of AMPK alpha2 activity had no effect on contraction- or sorbitol-induced glucose transport. Similar to these observations in vitro, contraction-stimulated glucose transport, assessed in vivo by 2-deoxy-d-[(3)H]glucose incorporation into EDL, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles, was normal in alpha2i TG mice. Thus, AMPK alpha2 activation is essential for some, but not all, insulin-independent glucose transport. Muscle contraction- and hyperosmolarity-induced glucose transport may be regulated by a redundant mechanism in which AMPK alpha2 is one of multiple signaling pathways.

Contraction signaling to glucose transport in skeletal muscle

Contracting skeletal muscles acutely increases glucose transport in both healthy individuals and in people with Type 2 diabetes, and regular physical exercise is a cornerstone in the treatment of the disease. Glucose transport in skeletal muscle is dependent on the translocation of GLUT4 glucose transporters to the cell surface. It has long been believed that there are two major signaling mechanisms leading to GLUT4 translocation. One mechanism is insulin-activated signaling through insulin receptor substrate-1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. The other is an insulin-independent signaling mechanism that is activated by contractions, but the mediators of this signal are still unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that the energy-sensing enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase plays an important role in contraction-stimulated glucose transport. However, more recent studies in transgenic and knockout animals show that AMP-activated protein kinase is not the sole mediator of the signal to GLUT4 translocation and suggest that there may be redundant signaling pathways leading to contraction-stimulated glucose transport. The search for other possible signal intermediates is ongoing, and calcium, nitric oxide, bradykinin, and the Akt substrate AS160 have been suggested as possible candidates. Further research is needed because full elucidation of an insulin-independent signal leading to glucose transport would be a promising pharmacological target for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through the inhibition of cell cycle progression

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is a critical event in the development and progression of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. We investigated whether the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could suppress VSMC proliferation and inhibit cell cycle progression. Treatment of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) or isolated rabbit aortas with the AMPK activator 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) induced phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl Co-A carboxylase. AICAR significantly inhibited HASMC proliferation induced by both platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and fetal calf serum (FCS). Treatment with AICAR inhibited the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma gene product (Rb) induced by PDGF-BB or FCS, and increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(CIP) but not that of p27(KIP). Pharmacological inhibition of AMPK or overexpression of dominant negative-AMPK inhibited both the suppressive effect of AICAR on cell proliferation and the phosphorylation of Rb, suggesting that the effect of AICAR is mediated through the activation of AMPK. Cell cycle analysis in HASMCs showed that AICAR significantly increased cell population in G0/G1-phase and reduced that in S- and G2/M-phase, suggesting AICAR induced cell cycle arrest. AICAR increased both p53 protein and Ser-15 phosphorylated p53 in HASMCs, which were blocked by inhibition of AMPK. In isolated rabbit aortas, AICAR also increased Ser-15 phosphorylation and protein expression of p53 and inhibited Rb phosphorylation induced by FCS. These data suggest for the first time that AMPK suppresses VSMC proliferation via cell cycle regulation by p53 upregulation. Therefore, AMPK activation in VSMCs may be a therapoietic target for the prevention of vascular diseases.

3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine powerfully reduces adiposity in rats by increasing the burning of fats

The effect of thyroid hormones on metabolism has long supported their potential as drugs to stimulate fat reduction, but the concomitant induction of a thyrotoxic state has greatly limited their use. Recent evidence suggests that 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2), a naturally occurring iodothyronine, stimulates metabolic rate via mechanisms involving the mitochondrial apparatus. We examined whether this effect would result in reduced energy storage. Here, we show that T2 administration to rats receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) reduces both adiposity and body weight gain without inducing thyrotoxicity. Rats receiving HFD + T2 showed (when compared with rats receiving HFD alone) a 13% lower body weight, a 42% higher liver fatty acid oxidation rate, appoximately 50% less fat mass, a complete disappearance of fat from the liver, and significant reductions in the serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels (-52% and -18%, respectively). Thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) serum levels were not influenced by T2 administration. The biochemical mechanism underlying the effects of T2 on liver metabolism involves the carnitine palmitoyl-transferase system and mitochondrial uncoupling. If the results hold true for humans, pharmacological administration of T2 might serve to counteract the problems associated with overweight, such as accumulation of lipids in liver and serum, without inducing thyrotoxicity. However, the results reported here do not exclude deleterious effects of T2 on a longer time scale as well as do not show that T2 acts in the same way in humans.

Regulation of glucose transport by the AMP-activated protein kinase

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy-sensing enzyme that is activated during exercise and muscle contraction as a result of acute decreases in ATP:AMP and phosphocreatine:creatine. Physical exercise increases muscle glucose uptake, enhances insulin sensitivity and leads to fatty acid oxidation in muscle. An important issue in muscle biology is to understand whether AMPK plays a role in mediating these metabolic processes. AMPK has also been implicated in regulating gene transcription and, therefore, may function in some of the cellular adaptations to training exercise. Recent studies have shown that the magnitude of AMPK activation and associated metabolic responses are affected by factors such as glycogen content, exercise training and fibre type. There have also been conflicting reports as to whether AMPK activity is necessary for contraction-stimulated glucose transport. Thus, during the next several years considerably more research will be necessary in order to fully understand the role of AMPK in regulating glucose transport in skeletal muscle.

Portal venous 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside infusion overcomes hyperinsulinemic suppression of endogenous glucose output

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in regulating metabolism, serving as a metabolic master switch. The aim of this study was to assess whether increased concentrations of the AMP analog, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribosyl-5-monophosphate, in the liver would create a metabolic response consistent with an increase in whole-body metabolic need. Dogs had sampling (artery, portal vein, hepatic vein) and infusion (vena cava, portal vein) catheters and flow probes (hepatic artery, portal vein) implanted >16 days before a study. Protocols consisted of equilibration (-130 to -30 min), basal (-30 to 0 min), and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic or -hypoglycemic clamp periods (0-150 min). At t = 0 min, somatostatin was infused and glucagon was replaced in the portal vein at basal rates. An intraportal hyperinsulinemic (2 mU . kg(-1) . min(-1)) infusion was also initiated at this time. Glucose was clamped at hypoglycemic or euglycemic levels in the presence (H-AIC, n = 6; E-AIC, n = 6) or absence (H-SAL, n = 6; E-SAL, n = 6) of a portal venous 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-ribofuranoside (AICAR) infusion (1 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1)) initiated at t = 60 min. In the presence of intraportal saline, glucose was infused into the vena cava to match glucose levels seen with intraportal AICAR. Glucagon remained fixed at basal levels, whereas insulin rose similarly in all groups. Glucose fell to 50 +/- 2 mg/dl by t = 60 min in hypoglycemic groups and remained at 105 +/- 3 mg/dl in euglycemic groups. Endogenous glucose production (R(a)) was similarly suppressed among groups in the presence of euglycemia or hypoglycemia before t = 60 min and remained suppressed in the H-SAL and E-SAL groups. However, intraportal AICAR infusion stimulated R(a) to increase by 2.5 +/- 1.0 and 3.4 +/- 0.4 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1) in the E-AIC and H-AIC groups, respectively. Arteriovenous measurement of net hepatic glucose output showed similar results. AICAR stimulated hepatic glycogen to decrease by 5 +/- 3 and 19 +/- 5 mg/g tissue (P < 0.05) in the presence of euglycemia and hypoglycemia, respectively. AICAR significantly increased net hepatic lactate output in the presence of hypoglycemia. Thus, intraportal AICAR infusion caused marked stimulation of both hepatic glucose output and net hepatic glycogenolysis, even in the presence of high levels of physiological insulin. This stimulation of glucose output by AICAR was equally marked in the presence of both euglycemia and hypoglycemia. However, hypoglycemia amplified the net hepatic glycogenolytic response to AICAR by approximately fourfold.

Microarrayed compound screening (microARCS) to identify activators and inhibitors of AMP-activated protein kinase

A novel and innovative high-throughput screening assay was developed to identify both activators and inhibitors of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) using microarrayed compound screening (microARCS) technology. Test compounds were arrayed at a density of 8640 on a polystyrene sheet, and the enzyme and peptide substrate were introduced into the assay by incorporating them into an agarose gel followed by placement of the gels onto the compound sheet. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was delivered via a membrane, and the phosphorylated biotinylated substrate was captured onto a streptavidin affinity membrane (SAM trade mark ). For detection, the SAM trade mark was removed, washed, and imaged on a phosphor screen overnight. A library of more than 700,000 compounds was screened using this format to identify novel activators and inhibitors of AMPK.

Thiazolidinediones, like metformin, inhibit respiratory complex I: a common mechanism contributing to their antidiabetic actions?

Metformin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are believed to exert their antidiabetic effects via different mechanisms. As evidence suggests that both impair cell respiration in vitro, this study compared their effects on mitochondrial functions. The activity of complex I of the respiratory chain, which is known to be affected by metformin, was measured in tissue homogenates that contained disrupted mitochondria. In homogenates of skeletal muscle, metformin and TZDs reduced the activity of complex I (30 mmol/l metformin, -15 +/- 2%; 100 micromol/l rosiglitazone, -54 +/- 7; and 100 micromol/l pioglitazone, -12 +/- 4; P < 0.05 each). Inhibition of complex I was confirmed by reduced state 3 respiration of isolated mitochondria consuming glutamate + malate as substrates for complex I (30 mmol/l metformin, -77 +/- 1%; 100 micromol/l rosiglitazone, -24 +/- 4; and 100 micromol/l pioglitazone, -18 +/- 5; P < 0.05 each), whereas respiration with succinate feeding into complex II was unaffected. In line with inhibition of complex I, 24-h exposure of isolated rat soleus muscle to metformin or TZDs reduced cell respiration and increased anaerobic glycolysis (glucose oxidation: 270 micromol/l metformin, -30 +/- 9%; 9 micromol/l rosiglitazone, -25 +/- 8; and 9 micromol/l pioglitazone, -45 +/- 3; lactate release: 270 micromol/l metformin, +84 +/- 12; 9 micromol/l rosiglitazone, +38 +/- 6; and 9 micromol/l pioglitazone, +64 +/- 11; P < 0.05 each). As both metformin and TZDs inhibit complex I activity and cell respiration in vitro, similar mitochondrial actions could contribute to their antidiabetic effects.

Activation of glycogen phosphorylase with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR). Assessment of glycogen as a precursor of mannosyl residues in glycoconjugates

The experimental evaluation of the contribution of glycogen phosphorylase (GP) to biochemical pathways is limited to methods that raise cAMP, activating the cAMP-dependent protein kinase/phosphorylase kinase/GP cascade. Such methods convert the unphosphorylated form, "GPb," which catalyzes glycogenolysis only in the presence of appropriate allosteric activators such as AMP, to the phosphorylated, constitutively activated form, "GPa." However, activation of GP in this way is indirect, requires a functional cAMP kinase cascade, and is complicated by other actions of cAMP. Here, we demonstrate a strategy for the experimental manipulation of GP in intact dermal fibroblasts, involving activation by the membrane-permeable adenosine analog 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR) and inhibition by caffeine and Pfizer compound CP-91149, which bind to GP at distinct sites. Potential complications because of activation of AMP-activated protein kinase by AICAR were assessed with metformin, which activates this kinase but does not activate GP. Using this strategy, we show that glycogen can be a significant and regulatable precursor of mannosyl units in lipid-linked oligosaccharides and glycoproteins.

Glucose 6-phosphate causes translocation of phosphorylase in hepatocytes and inactivates the enzyme synergistically with glucose

The role of glucose 6-P (glucose 6-phosphate) in regulating the activation state of glycogen synthase and its translocation is well documented. In the present study, we investigated the effects of glucose 6-P on the activation state and compartmentation of phosphorylase in hepatocytes. Glucose 6-P levels were modulated in hepatocytes by glucokinase overexpression or inhibition with 5-thioglucose and the effects of AMP were tested using AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta-D-ribofuranoside), which is metabolized to an AMP analogue. Inhibition of glucokinase partially counteracted the effect of glucose both on the inactivation of phosphorylase and on the translocation of phosphorylase a from a soluble to a particulate fraction. The increase in glucose 6-P caused by glucokinase overexpression caused translocation of phosphorylase a to the pellet and had additive effects with glucose on inactivation of phosphorylase. It decreased the glucose concentration that caused half-maximal inactivation from 20 to 11 mM, indicating that it acts synergistically with glucose. AICAR activated phosphorylase and counteracted the effect of glucose 6-P on phosphorylase inactivation. However, it did not counteract translocation of phosphorylase by glucose 6-P. Glucose 6-P and AICAR had opposite effects on the activation state of glycogen synthase, but they had additive effects on translocation of the enzyme to the pellet. There was a direct correlation between the translocation of phosphorylase a and of glycogen synthase to the pellet, suggesting that these enzymes translocate in tandem. In conclusion, glucose 6-P causes both translocation of phosphorylase and inactivation, indicating a more complex role in the regulation of glycogen metabolism than can be explained from regulation of glycogen synthase alone.

5??? Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase, Metabolism and Exercise

The 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a member of a metabolite-sensing protein kinase family that functions as a metabolic 'fuel gauge' in skeletal muscle. AMPK is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric protein, consisting of an alpha catalytic, and beta and gamma regulatory subunits that exist in multiple isoforms and are all required for full enzymatic activity. During exercise, AMPK becomes activated in skeletal muscle in response to changes in cellular energy status (e.g. increased adenosine monophosphate [AMP]/adenosine triphosphate [ATP] and creatine/phosphocreatine ratios) in an intensity-dependent manner, and serves to inhibit ATP-consuming pathways, and activate pathways involved in carbohydrate and fatty-acid metabolism to restore ATP levels. Recent evidence shows that although AMPK plays this key metabolic role during acute bouts of exercise, it is also an important component of the adaptive response of skeletal muscles to endurance exercise training because of its ability to alter muscle fuel reserves and expression of several exercise-responsive genes. This review discusses the putative roles of AMPK in acute and chronic exercise responses, and suggests avenues for future AMPK research in exercise physiology and biochemistry.

5'-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells

5'-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICA riboside) has been previously shown to be toxic to two neuronal cell models [Neuroreport 11 (2000) 1827]. In this paper we demonstrate that AICA riboside promotes apoptosis in undifferentiated human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), inducing a raise in caspase-3 activity. In order to exert its effect on viability, AICA riboside must enter the cells and be phosphorylated to the ribotide, since both a nucleoside transport inhibitor, and an inhibitor of adenosine kinase produce an enhancement of the viability of AICA riboside-treated cells. Short-term incubations (2 h) with AICA riboside result in five-fold increase in the activity of AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK). However, the activity of AMPK is not significantly affected at prolonged incubations (48 h), when the apoptotic effect of AICA riboside is evident. The results demonstrate that when the cell line is induced to differentiate both toward a cholinergic phenotype (with retinoic acid) or a noradrenergic phenotype (with phorbol esters), the toxic effect is significantly reduced, and in the case of the noradrenergic phenotype differentiation, the riboside is completely ineffective in promoting apoptosis. This reduction of effect correlates with an overexpression of Bcl-2 during differentiation. AICA riboside, derived from the hydrolysis of the ribotide, an intermediate of purine de novo synthesis, is absent in normal healthy cells; however it may accumulate in those individuals in which an inborn error of purine metabolism causes an increase in the rate of de novo synthesis and/or an overexpression of cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase, that appears to be the enzyme responsible for AICA ribotide hydrolysis. In fact, 5'-nucleotidase activity has been shown to increase in patients affected by Lesch-Nyhan syndrome in which both acceleration of de novo synthesis and accumulation of AICA ribotide has been described, and also in other neurological disorders of unknown etiology. Our results raise the intriguing clue that the neurotoxic effect of AICA riboside on the developing brain might contribute to the neurological manifestations of syndromes related to purine dismetabolisms.

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta -D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) stimulates myocardial glycogenolysis by allosteric mechanisms

We tested the hypothesis that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) promotes myocardial glycogenolysis by decreasing glycogen synthase (GS) and/or increasing glycogen phosphorylase (GP) activities. Isolated working hearts from halothane-anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats perfused in the absence or presence of 0.8 or 1.2 mM 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR), an adenosine analog and cell-permeable activator of AMPK, were studied. Glycogen degradation was increased by AICAR, while glycogen synthesis was not affected. AICAR increased myocardial 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta-d-ribofuranotide (ZMP), the active intracellular form of AICAR, but did not alter the activity of GS and GP measured in tissue homogenates or the content of glucose-6-phosphate and adenine nucleotides in freeze-clamped tissue. Importantly, the calculated intracellular concentration of ZMP achieved in this study was similar to the K(m) value of ZMP for GP determined in homogenates of myocardial tissue. We conclude that the data are consistent with allosteric activation of GP by ZMP being responsible for the glycogenolysis caused by AICAR in the intact rat heart.

Malonyl CoA control of fatty acid oxidation in the ischemic heart

Abnormally high rates of fatty acid metabolism is an important contributor to the severity of ischemic heart disease. During and following myocardial ischemia a number of alterations in fatty acid oxidation occur that result in an excessive amount of fatty acids being used as a fuel source by the heart. This contributes to a decrease in cardiac efficiency both during and following the ischemic episode. Central to the regulation of fatty acid oxidation in the heart is malonyl CoA, which is a potent endogenous inhibitor of mitochondrial fatty acid uptake. The levels of malonyl CoA are regulated both by its synthesis by acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) and its degradation by malonyl CoA decarboxylase (MCD). ACC is in turn controlled by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which acts as a fuel gauge in the heart. The control of these enzymes are altered during ischemia, such that malonyl CoA levels in the heart decrease, resulting in an increased relative contribution of fatty acids to oxidative metabolism. Activation of AMPK during and following ischemia appears to be centrally involved in this decrease in malonyl CoA. Clinical evidence is now accumulating that show that inhibition of fatty acid oxidation is an effective approach to treating ischemic heart disease. As a result, modulation of fatty acid oxidation by targeting the enzymes controlling malonyl CoA may be a novel approach to treating angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction. This paper will discuss some of the molecular changes that occur in fatty acid oxidation in the ischemic heart and will include a discussion of the important role of malonyl CoA in this process.

The antidiabetic drug metformin activates the AMP-activated protein kinase cascade via an adenine nucleotide-independent mechanism

Metformin, a drug widely used to treat type 2 diabetes, was recently shown to activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in intact cells and in vivo. In this study we addressed the mechanism for this effect. In intact cells, metformin stimulated phosphorylation of the key regulatory site (Thr-172) on the catalytic (alpha) subunit of AMPK. It did not affect phosphorylation of this site by either of two upstream kinases in cell-free assays, although we were able to detect an increase in upstream kinase activity in extracts of metformin-treated cells. Metformin has been reported to be an inhibitor of complex 1 of the respiratory chain, but we present evidence that activation of AMPK in two different cell types is not a consequence of depletion of cellular energy charge via this mechanism. Whereas we have not established the definitive mechanism by which metformin activates AMPK, our results show that the mechanism is different from that of the existing AMPK-activating agent, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA) riboside. Metformin therefore represents a useful new tool to study the consequences of AMPK activation in intact cells and in vivo. Our results also show that AMPK can be activated by mechanisms other than changes in the cellular AMP-to-ATP ratio.

Invited review: intracellular signaling in contracting skeletal muscle

Physical exercise is a significant stimulus for the regulation of multiple metabolic and transcriptional processes in skeletal muscle. For example, exercise increases skeletal muscle glucose uptake, and, after exercise, there are increases in the rates of both glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. A single bout of exercise can also induce transient changes in skeletal muscle gene transcription and can alter rates of protein metabolism, both of which may be mechanisms for chronic adaptations to repeated bouts of exercise. A central issue in exercise biology is to elucidate the underlying molecular signaling mechanisms that regulate these important metabolic and transcriptional events in skeletal muscle. In this review, we summarize research from the past several years that has demonstrated that physical exercise can regulate multiple intracellular signaling cascades in skeletal muscle. It is now well established that physical exercise or muscle contractile activity can activate three of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, including the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2, the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, and the p38. Exercise can also robustly increase activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase, as well as several additional molecules, including glycogen synthase kinase 3, Akt, and the p70 S6 kinase. A fundamental goal of signaling research is to determine the biological consequences of exercise-induced signaling through these molecules, and this review also provides an update of progress in this area.

Characterization of the role of the AMP-activated protein kinase in the stimulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle cells

Stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle has been correlated with an increase in glucose transport. Here, we demonstrate that adenoviral-mediated expression of a constitutively active mutant of AMPK alpha leads to activation of glucose transport in a skeletal-muscle cell line, similar to that seen following treatment with 5-amino-imidazolecarboxamide (AICA) riboside, hyperosmotic stress or insulin. In contrast, expression of a dominant-negative form of AMPK blocked the stimulation of glucose transport by both AICA riboside and hyperosmotic stress, but was without effect on either insulin or phorbol-ester-stimulated transport. These results demonstrate that activation of AMPK is sufficient for stimulation of glucose uptake into muscle cells, and is a necessary component of the AICA riboside- and hyperosmotic-stress-induced pathway leading to increased glucose uptake. On the other hand, AMPK is not required in the insulin- or phorbol-ester-mediated pathways. Long-term (5 days) expression of the constitutively active AMPK mutant increased protein expression of GLUT1, GLUT4 and hexokinase II, consistent with previous reports on the chronic treatment of rats with AICA riboside. Expression of constitutively active AMPK had no detectable effect on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase levels, although interestingly the level of protein kinase B was decreased. These results demonstrate that long-term activation of AMPK is sufficient to cause increased expression of specific proteins in muscle. Our results add further support to the hypothesis that long-term activation of AMPK is involved in the adaptive response of muscle to exercise training.

Effect of AICAR treatment on glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is proposed to stimulate fat and carbohydrate catabolism to maintain cellular energy status. Recent studies demonstrate that pharmacologic activation of AMPK and mutations in the enzyme are associated with elevated muscle glycogen content in vivo. Our purpose was to determine the mechanism for increased muscle glycogen associated with AMPK activity in vivo. AMPK activity and glycogen metabolism were studied in red and white gastrocnemius muscles from rats treated with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) in vivo, and also in muscles incubated with AICAR in vitro. In vivo AICAR treatment reduced blood glucose and increased blood lactate compared with basal values. AICAR increased muscle alpha2 AMPK activity, glycogen, and glucose-6-phosphate concentrations. Glycogen synthase activity was increased in the red gastrocnemius but was decreased in the white gastrocnemius. Glycogen phosphorylase activity increased in both muscles, with an inhibition initially observed in the red gastrocnemius. In vitro incubation with AICAR activated alpha2 AMPK but had no effect on either glycogen synthase or glycogen phosphorylase. These results suggest that AICAR treatment does not promote glycogen accumulation in skeletal muscle in vivo by altering glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase. Rather, the increased glycogen is due to the well-known effects of AICAR to increase glucose uptake.

Glycogen-dependent effects of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA)-riboside on AMP-activated protein kinase and glycogen synthase activities in rat skeletal muscle

5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a metabolic switch in mammalian cells and can be artificially activated by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA)-riboside. AMPK activation during muscle contraction is dependent on muscle glycogen concentrations, but whether glycogen also modifies the activation of AMPK and its possible downstream effectors (glycogen synthase and glucose transport) by AICA-riboside in resting muscle is not known. Thus, we have altered muscle glycogen levels in rats by a combination of swimming exercise and diet and investigated the effects of AICA-riboside in the perfused rat hindlimb muscle. Two groups of rats, one with super-compensated muscle glycogen content (approximately 200-300% of normal; high glycogen [HG]) and one with moderately lowered muscle glycogen content (approximately 80% of normal; low glycogen [LG]), were generated. In both groups, the degree of activation of the alpha2 isoform of AMPK by AICA-riboside depended on muscle type (white gastrocnemius >> red gastrocnemius > soleus). Basal and AICA-riboside-induced alpha2-AMPK activity were markedly lowered in the HG group (approximately 50%) compared with the LG group. Muscle 2-deoxyglucose uptake was also increased and glycogen synthase activity decreased by AICA-riboside. Especially in white gastrocnemius, these effects, as well as the absolute activity levels of AMPK-alpha2, were markedly reduced in the HG group compared with the LG group. The inactivation of glycogen synthase by AICA-riboside was accompanied by decreased gel mobility and was eliminated by protein phosphatase treatment. We conclude that acute AICA-riboside treatment leads to phosphorylation and deactivation of glycogen synthase in skeletal muscle. Although the data do not exclude a role of other kinases/phosphatases, they suggest that glycogen synthase may be a target for AMPK in vivo. Both basal and AICA-riboside-induced AMPK-alpha2 and glycogen synthase activities, as well as glucose transport, are depressed when the glycogen stores are plentiful. Because the glycogen level did not affect adenine nucleotide concentrations, our data suggest that glycogen may directly affect the activation state of AMPK in skeletal muscle.

Energy-sensing and signaling by AMP-activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is emerging as an important energy-sensing/signaling system in skeletal muscle. This kinase is activated allosterically by 5'-AMP and inhibited allosterically by creatine phosphate. Phosphorylation of AMPK by an upstream kinase, AMPK kinase (also activated allosterically by 5'-AMP), results in activation. It is activated in both rat and human muscle in response to muscle contraction, the extent of activation depending on work rate and muscle glycogen concentration. AMPK can also be activated chemically in resting muscle with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-riboside, which enters the muscle and is phosphorylated to form ZMP, a nucleotide that mimics the effect of 5'-AMP. Once activated, AMPK is hypothesized to phosphorylate proteins involved in triggering fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake. Evidence is also accumulating for a role of AMPK in inducing some of the adaptations to endurance training, including the increase in muscle GLUT-4, hexokinase, uncoupling protein 3, and some of the mitochondrial oxidative enzymes. It thus appears that AMPK has the capability of monitoring intramuscular energy charge and then acutely stimulating fat oxidation and glucose uptake to counteract the increased rates of ATP utilization during muscle contraction. In addition, this system may have the capability of enhancing capacity for ATP production when the muscle is exposed to endurance training.

Regulation of fatty acid oxidation and glucose metabolism in rat soleus muscle: effects of AICAR

Previous studies have shown that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), a cell-permeable activator of AMP-activated protein kinase, increases the rate of fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle of fed rats. The present study investigated the mechanism by which this occurs and, in particular, whether changes in the activity of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD) and the beta-isoform of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC beta) are involved. In addition, the relationship between changes in fatty acid oxidation induced by AICAR and its effects on glucose uptake and metabolism was examined. In incubated soleus muscles isolated from fed rats, AICAR (2 mM) increased fatty acid oxidation (90%) and decreased ACC beta activity (40%) and malonyl-CoA concentration (50%); however, MCD activity was not significantly altered. In soleus muscles from overnight-fasted rats, AICAR decreased ACC beta activity (40%), as it did in fed rats; however, it had no effect on the already high rate of fatty acid oxidation or the low malonyl-CoA concentration. In keeping with its effect on fatty acid oxidation, AICAR decreased glucose oxidation by 44% in fed rats but did not decrease glucose oxidation in fasted rats. It had no effect on glucose oxidation when fatty acid oxidation was inhibited by 2-bromopalmitate. Surprisingly, AICAR did not significantly increase glucose uptake or assayable AMP-activated protein kinase activity in incubated soleus muscles from fed or fasted rats. These results indicate that, in incubated rat soleus muscle, 1) AICAR does not activate MCD or stimulate glucose uptake as it does in extensor digitorum longus and epitrochlearis muscles, 2) the ability of AICAR to increase fatty acid oxidation and diminish glucose oxidation and malonyl-CoA concentration is dependent on the nutritional status of the rat, and 3) the ability of AICAR to diminish assayable ACC activity is independent of nutritional state.

Acute exposure to AICAR increases glucose transport in mouse EDL and soleus muscle

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may regulate a number of metabolic processes including glucose transport. 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamideribonucleoside (AICAR), an AMPK activator, has been used to study the potential role of AMPK in rat skeletal muscle; however, its effects on glucose transport in mouse skeletal muscle are unknown. Incubation with 2 mM AICAR increased 2-deoxyglucose transport in EDL muscle from both rats and mice by 86 and 37%, respectively. In contrast, AICAR did not increase 2-deoxyglucose transport in rat soleus muscle. However, AICAR induced a large (81%) increase in 2-deoxyglucose transport in soleus muscles obtained from mice. It is proposed that nonspecificity of the stimulation of glucose transport in mouse muscle may be due to a greater percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers within the muscles.

A role for AMP-activated protein kinase in contraction- and hypoxia-regulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle

Eukaryotic cells possess systems for sensing nutritional stress and inducing compensatory mechanisms that minimize the consumption of ATP while utilizing alternative energy sources. Such stress can also be imposed by increased energy needs, such as in skeletal muscle of exercising animals. In these studies, we consider the role of the metabolic sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), in the regulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle. Expression in mouse muscle of a dominant inhibitory mutant of AMPK completely blocked the ability of hypoxia or AICAR to activate hexose uptake, while only partially reducing contraction-stimulated hexose uptake. These data indicate that AMPK transmits a portion of the signal by which muscle contraction increases glucose uptake, but other AMPK-independent pathways also contribute to the response.

Neurologic aspects of adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency

Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency is an autosomal-recessive disorder of the purine de novo synthesis pathway, diagnosed up to now in approximately 40 patients. The clinical presentation is characterized by severe neurologic involvement including seizures, developmental delay, hypotonia, and autistic features. Neonatal seizures and a severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy are often the first manifestations of this disorder. The existence of genetic heterogeneity for the adenylosuccinate lyase defect could account for variability of the clinical presentation. Deficiency of purine nucleotides, impairment of energy metabolism, and toxic effects are potential mechanisms of cerebral damage. Laboratory investigations show the presence in urine and cerebrospinal fluid of succinylpurines, which are normally undetectable. Currently, no effective treatment is available for adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency. A search for this disorder should be included in the screening program of children with unexplained neonatal seizures or severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy.

Identification and characterization of a novel sucrose-non-fermenting protein kinase/AMP-activated protein kinase-related protein kinase, SNARK

Subtraction hybridization after the exposure of keratinocytes to ultraviolet radiation identified a differentially expressed cDNA that encodes a protein of 630 amino acid residues possessing significant similarity to the catalytic domain of the sucrose-non-fermenting protein kinase (SNF1)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family of serine/threonine protein kinases. Northern blotting and reverse-transcriptase-mediated PCR demonstrated that mRNA transcripts for the SNF1/AMPK-related kinase (SNARK) were widely expressed in rodent tissues. The SNARK gene was localized to human chromosome 1q32 by fluorescent in situ hybridization. SNARK was translated in vitro to yield a single protein band of approx. 76 kDa; Western analysis of transfected baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells detected two SNARK-immunoreactive bands of approx. 76-80 kDa. SNARK was capable of autophosphorylation in vitro; immunoprecipitated SNARK exhibited phosphotransferase activity with the synthetic peptide substrate HMRSAMSGLHLVKRR (SAMS) as a kinase substrate. SNARK activity was significantly increased by AMP and 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside (AICAriboside) in rat keratinocyte cells, implying that SNARK might be activated by an AMPK kinase-dependent pathway. Furthermore, glucose deprivation increased SNARK activity 3-fold in BHK fibroblasts. These findings identify SNARK as a glucose- and AICAriboside-regulated member of the AMPK-related gene family that represents a new candidate mediator of the cellular response to metabolic stress.

Physiological and nutritional regulation of enzymes of triacylglycerol synthesis

Although triacylglycerol stores play the critical role in an organism's ability to withstand fuel deprivation and are strongly associated with such disorders as diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerotic heart disease, information concerning the enzymes of triacylglycerol synthesis, their regulation by hormones, nutrients, and physiological conditions, their mechanisms of action, and the roles of specific isoforms has been limited by a lack of cloned cDNAs and purified proteins. Fortunately, molecular tools for several key enzymes in the synthetic pathway are becoming available. This review summarizes recent studies of these enzymes, their regulation under varying physiological conditions, their purported roles in synthesis of triacylglycerol and related glycerolipids, the possible functions of different isoenzymes, and the evidence for specialized cellular pools of triacylglycerol and glycerolipid intermediates.

Phosphorylation and activation of heart PFK-2 by AMPK has a role in the stimulation of glycolysis during ischaemia

BACKGROUND

The role of protein phosphorylation in the Pasteur effect--the phenomenon whereby anaerobic conditions stimulate glycolysis--has not been addressed. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated when the oxygen supply is restricted. AMPK acts as an energy-state sensor and inhibits key biosynthetic pathways, thus conserving ATP. Here, we studied whether AMPK is involved in the Pasteur effect in the heart by phosphorylating and activating 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFK-2), the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, a potent stimulator of glycolysis.

RESULTS

Heart PFK-2 was phosphorylated on Ser466 and activated by AMPK in vitro. In perfused rat hearts, anaerobic conditions or inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation (oligomycin and antimycin) induced AMPK activation, which correlated with PFK-2 activation and with an increase in fructose 2,6-bisphosphate concentration. Moreover, in cultured cells transfected with heart PFK-2, oligomycin treatment resulted in a parallel activation of endogenous AMPK and PFK-2. In these cells, the activation of PFK-2 was due to the phosphorylation of Ser466. A dominant-negative construct of AMPK abolished the activation of endogenous and cotransfected AMPK, and prevented both the activation and phosphorylation of transfected PFK-2 by oligomycin.

CONCLUSIONS

AMPK phosphorylates and activates heart PFK-2 in vitro and in intact cells. AMPK-mediated PFK-2 activation is likely to be involved in the stimulation of heart glycolysis during ischaemia.

UCP-3 expression in skeletal muscle: effects of exercise, hypoxia, and AMP-activated protein kinase

Uncoupling protein 3 (UCP-3), a member of the mitochondrial transporter superfamily, is expressed primarily in skeletal muscle where it may play a role in altering metabolic function under conditions of fuel depletion caused, for example, by fasting and exercise. Here, we show that treadmill running by rats rapidly (30 min) induces skeletal muscle UCP-3 mRNA expression (sevenfold after 200 min), as do hypoxia and swimming in a comparably rapid and substantial fashion. The expression of the mitochondrial transporters, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and the tricarboxylate carrier, is unaffected under these conditions. Hypoxia and exercise-mediated induction of UCP-3 mRNA result in a corresponding four- to sixfold increase in rat UCP-3 protein. We treated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle with 5'-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), a compound that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme known to be stimulated during exercise and hypoxia. Incubation of rat EDL muscle in vitro for 30 min with 2 mM AICAR causes a threefold increase in UCP-3 mRNA and a 1.5-fold increase of UCP-3 protein compared with untreated muscle. These data are consistent with the notion that activation of AMPK, presumably as a result of fuel depletion, rapidly regulates UCP-3 gene expression.