Transcriptional regulation of the mouse uncoupling protein-2 gene. Double E-box motif is required for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma-dependent activation

RESISTANCE TO EXCESSIVE BODYWEIGHT GAIN IN RISPERIDONE-INJECTED RATS

1. The present study was carried out to explain the resistance of rats injected subcutaneously with risperidone, the atypical antipsychotic drug, for 21 consecutive days at 0.1 mg/kg per day (a dose equivalent to the one used for patients) to result in an excessive bodyweight despite the increase in diet-uptake in rats against risperidone-induced decrease in body temperature. 2. Rectal temperature measurements were made in 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats maintained under standard laboratory conditions using a 12 h daylight cycle. A s.c. injection of risperidone (0.05 mg/kg) produced hypothermia in rats, which was observed during the daily injection for 21 consecutive days. 3. Sera, white and brown adipose tissues, skeletal muscle and liver were extracted from 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats injected subcutaneously with risperidone (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg per day) or a vehicle for 21 consecutive days. Serum levels of lipids, ketones and thyroid hormone were measured. The mRNA expression levels in these tissues and organs of the genes encoding the substances involved in heat production and/or lipid metabolism were investigated by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification. 4. Serum nonesterified fatty acid levels in risperidone 0.1 mg/kg per day s.c. injected rats were significantly lower than those in vehicle-injected ones. Serum beta-hydroxybutyrate levels in risperidone-injected rats tended to decrease compared with those in vehicle-injected ones. The serum level of neither triiodothyronine nor thyroxine was affected by risperidone s.c. injection at the doses examined, although their values were within normal limits. 5. Risperidone injection (0.1 mg/kg per day) for 21 consecutive days upregulated mRNA expressions in white adipose tissue of uncoupling protein 3 which dissipates energy as heat; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator 1alpha which activates mitochondrial biogenesis to expand the oxidative machinery; and PPARalpha which is necessary for the fat-depletion of adipocytes for thermogenesis. The mRNA of lipogenic enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha, fatty-acid synthase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase), hormone sensitive lipase and beta1-adrenoceptor were also enhanced in white adipose tissue by the injection of 0.1 mg/kg per day risperidone. 6. These findings suggest that the materials for heat generation in white adipose tissue would be readily supplied, which in turn would reduce a storage of lipids in white adipose tissue resulting in the lower rate of bodyweight gain of rats.

Transgenic mice overexpressing nuclear SREBP-1c in pancreatic beta-cells

Influx of excess fatty acids and the resultant accumulation of intracellular triglycerides are linked to impaired insulin secretion and action in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c is a transcription factor that controls cellular synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides. SREBP-1c is highly expressed in high-energy and insulin-resistant states. To investigate effects of this synthetic lipid regulator on insulin secretion, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing nuclear SREBP-1c under the insulin promoter. beta-Cell-specific expression of SREBP-1c caused reduction in islet mass and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and was associated with accumulation of triglycerides, suppression of pancreas duodenal homeobox-1, and upregulation of uncoupling protein 2 gene expression. The mice presented with impaired glucose tolerance that was exacerbated by a high-energy diet. Taken together with enhanced insulin secretion from SREBP-1-null islets, these data suggest that SREBP-1c and endogenous lipogenesis could be involved in beta-cell dysfunction and diabetes.

Ghrelin regulates mitochondrial-lipid metabolism gene expression and tissue fat distribution in liver and skeletal muscle

Ghrelin is a gastric hormone increased during caloric restriction and fat depletion. A role of ghrelin in the regulation of lipid and energy metabolism is suggested by fat gain independent of changes in food intake during exogenous ghrelin administration in rodents. We investigated the potential effects of peripheral ghrelin administration (two times daily 200-micrograms [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] sc injection for 4 days) on triglyceride content and mitochondrial and lipid metabolism gene expression in rat liver and muscles. Compared with vehicle, ghrelin increased body weight but not food intake and circulating insulin. In liver, ghrelin induced a lipogenic and glucogenic pattern of gene expression and increased triglyceride content while reducing activated (phosphorylated) stimulator of fatty acid oxidation, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, all P < 0.05), with unchanged mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities. In contrast, triglyceride content was reduced (P < 0.05) after ghrelin administration in mixed (gastrocnemius) and unchanged in oxidative (soleus) muscle. In mixed muscle, ghrelin increased (P < 0.05) mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activities independent of changes in expression of fat metabolism genes and phosphorylated AMPK. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, the activation of which reduces muscle fat content, was selectively increased in mixed muscle where it paralleled changes in oxidative capacities (P < 0.05). Thus ghrelin induces tissue-specific changes in mitochondrial and lipid metabolism gene expression and favors triglyceride deposition in liver over skeletal muscle. These novel effects of ghrelin in the regulation of lean tissue fat distribution and metabolism could contribute to metabolic adaptation to caloric restriction and loss of body fat.

Selenium attenuates expression of MnSOD and uncoupling protein 2 in J774.2 macrophages: molecular mechanism for its cell-death and antiinflammatory activity

Selenium can activate cell death. However, the mechanism of action is not yet fully defined. We hypothesized that selenium may impede mitochondrial superoxide dismutation to H2O2 and O2, leading to cell death in macrophages and that this effect may be relevant to antiinflammatory treatment by selenium. In this study, the mechanism of action of selenium was investigated in nonactivated and activated (immune-stimulated) J774.2 macrophages. Sodium selenite treatment decreased dichlorodihydrofluorescein-reacting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) (mainly peroxides and hydroxyl radicals), with no correlation to glutathione peroxidase activity. However, selenite decreased the transcription and expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This cellular effect was due to inhibition of specificity protein-1 (Sp1) binding to its DNA binding site. Following immune stimulation of macrophages using lipopolysaccharides plus interferon-gamma, MnSOD was up-regulated. Activated macrophages showed higher mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular ROS levels, and cellular resistance to cell death. Selenite treatment attenuated all of these parameters. Selenite prevented nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation as a mechanism of its inhibitory activity on MnSOD expression in the immune-stimulated cells. In addition, overexpression of human MnSOD protected against death induced by selenite treatment. It is therefore concluded that selenium at high nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations shifts the balance between inflammatory response and cell death toward the latter, through a direct effect on the transcription factors Sp1 and NF-kappaB, and down-regulation of MnSOD and UCP2.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K enhances insulin-induced expression of mitochondrial UCP2 protein

The uncoupling protein 2, UCP2, is a member of a family of inner mitochondrial membrane ion carriers involved in a host of metabolic processes. UCP2 protein is encoded by nuclear genome, but the protein is found exclusively in the mitochondria. The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) is an RNA-binding protein involved in many processes that compose gene expression, including mRNA processing and translation. The yeast three-hybrid screen revealed K protein bound to ucp2 mRNA through sites located in the 3'-untranslated region of the transcript. ucp2 mRNA-K protein complexes were associated with polysome-coated mitochondria. Expression of exogenous K protein augmented the insulin-induced mitochondrial level of UCP2 protein that was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in ucp2 mRNA. These results suggest the insulin stimulates translation of ucp2 mRNA in a process that involves K protein.

Hypertension and abnormal fat distribution but not insulin resistance in mice with P465L PPARgamma

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), the molecular target of a class of insulin sensitizers, regulates adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. A dominant negative P467L mutation in the ligand-binding domain of PPARgamma in humans is associated with severe insulin resistance and hypertension. Homozygous mice with the equivalent P465L mutation die in utero. Heterozygous mice grow normally and have normal total adipose tissue weight. However, they have reduced interscapular brown adipose tissue and intra-abdominal fat mass, and increased extra-abdominal subcutaneous fat, compared with wild-type mice. They have normal plasma glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, and increased glucose tolerance. However, during high-fat feeding, their plasma insulin levels are mildly elevated in association with a significant increase in pancreatic islet mass. They are hypertensive, and expression of the angiotensinogen gene is increased in their subcutaneous adipose tissues. The effects of P465L on blood pressure, fat distribution, and insulin sensitivity are the same in both male and female mice regardless of diet and age. Thus the P465L mutation alone is sufficient to cause abnormal fat distribution and hypertension but not insulin resistance in mice. These results provide genetic evidence for a critical role for PPARgamma in blood pressure regulation that is not dependent on altered insulin sensitivity.

Links between fatty acids and expression of UCP2 and UCP3 mRNAs

Physiological and pathological states that are associated with elevated plasma fatty acids (FAs) increase uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) mRNA in white adipose tissue and UCP3 mRNA in skeletal muscle and heart. A direct effect of unsaturated fatty acids from all classes has been shown in various cultured cells. There is evidence that FAs could induce expression of UCPs by acting as ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, influencing the function of sterol responsive element binding protein or activating 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase. Oleic acid has been shown to stimulate the activity of the promoter regions of UCP2 and UCP3 genes and the FA responsive regions are beginning to be characterised.

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is the central regulator of cyclic AMP-dependent transcription of the brown fat uncoupling protein 1 gene

It is well established that catecholamine-stimulated thermogenesis in brown fat requires beta-adrenergic elevations in cyclic AMP (cAMP) to increase expression of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene. However, little is known about the downstream components of the signaling cascade or the relevant transcription factor targets thereof. Here we demonstrate that cAMP- and protein kinase A-dependent activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in brown adipocytes is an indispensable step in the transcription of the UCP1 gene in mice. By phosphorylating activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) coativator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha), members of two distinct nuclear factor families, p38 MAPK controls the expression of the UCP1 gene through their respective interactions with a cAMP response element and a PPAR response element that both reside within a critical enhancer motif of the UCP1 gene. Activation of ATF-2 by p38 MAPK additionally serves as the cAMP sensor that increases expression of the PGC-1alpha gene itself in brown adipose tissue. In conclusion, our findings illustrate that by orchestrating the activity of multiple transcription factors, p38 MAPK is a central mediator of the cAMP signaling mechanism of brown fat that promotes thermogenesis.

Sp2 DNA Binding Activity and trans-Activation Are Negatively Regulated in Mammalian Cells

Previous studies have indicated that Sp2 binds poorly to GC-rich sequences bound by Sp1 and Sp3, and further functional analyses of Sp2 have been limited. To study Sp2-mediated transcription, we employed a PCR-based protocol to determine the Sp2 consensus DNA-binding sequence (5'-GGGCGGGAC-3') and performed kinetic experiments to show that Sp2 binds this consensus sequence with high affinity (225 pm) in vitro. To determine the functional consequence of Sp2 interaction with this sequence in vivo, we transformed well characterized Sp-binding sites within the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) promoter to consensus Sp2-binding sites. Incorporation of Sp2-binding sites within the DHFR promoter increased Sp2-mediated trans-activation in transient co-transfection experiments but also revealed Sp2 to be a relatively weak trans-activator with little or no capacity for additive or synergistic trans-activation. Using chimeric molecules prepared with portions of Sp1 and Sp2 and the human prostate-specific antigen promoter, we show that Sp2 DNA binding activity and trans-activation are negatively regulated in mammalian cells. Taken together, our data indicate that Sp2 is functionally distinct relative to other Sp family members and suggest that Sp2 may play a unique role in cell physiology.

Glucose metabolism in cancer: importance of transcription factor-DNA interactions within a short segment of the proximal region og the type II hexokinase promoter

A common signature of many cancers is a high glucose catabolic rate frequently dependent on the overexpression of Type II hexokinase (HKII), a mitochondrial bound enzyme that also suppresses cell death. As the tumor HKII promoter plays a significant role in HKII overexpression, studies reported here were undertaken to identify both the major regions and transcription factors involved under tumor-like conditions. Reporter gene assays following transfection of hepatoma cells with decreasing segments of the HKII promoter traced its known strength to the proximal region (-281 to -35). Mutational analyses showed that in this short region GC boxes 1, 2, 5, and 6, a CCAAT box, an inverted CCAAT box, and CRE are involved in promoter activation. Other studies demonstrated binding of transcription factors Sp1, Sp2, and Sp3 to GC boxes 1 and 6, Sp1 and Sp2 to GC boxes 2 and 5, NF-Y to CCAAT boxes, and CREB, ATF1, and CREM to CRE. In addition, transfection studies involving Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, CREB, and NFY (dominant negative form) provided evidence that these proteins are promoter activators. Finally, alignment of available HK proximal promoters showed strong conservation only among HKII sequences. These findings implicate signaling pathways directed to a short segment of the proximal region of the HKII promoter as major contributors to HKII overexpression in many cancers.

PPARgamma inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2, PGE2 synthase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in cardiac myocytes

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. They regulate lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, cell proliferation, and differentiation and modulate inflammatory responses. We examined whether PPARgamma is functional in cultured neonatal ventricular myocytes and studied its role in inflammation. Western blots revealed PPARgamma in myocytes. When myocytes were transfected with a PPAR response element reporter plasmid (PPRE-TK-luciferase), the PPARgamma activator 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15dPGJ2) increased promoter activity, whereas cotransfection of a dominant negative PPARgamma inhibited it. To determine the role of 15dPGJ2 in expression of proinflammatory genes, we tested its effect on interleukin-1beta induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). 15dPGJ2 decreased interleukin-1beta stimulation of COX-2 by 40% and PGE2 production by 73%. We next questioned whether 15dPGJ2 was modulating the expression of inducible prostaglandin E2 synthase (PGES) and found that it completely blocked interleukin-1beta induction of PGES. Use of a second PPARgamma agonist, troglitazone, and the selective PPARgamma antagonist GW9662 demonstrated that the effects seen were PPARgamma-dependent. In addition, we found that 15dPGJ2 blocked interleukin-1beta stimulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We concluded that 15dPGJ2 may play an anti-inflammatory role in a PPARgamma-dependent manner, decreasing COX-2, PGES, and PGE2 production, as well as iNOS expression.

Pancreatic beta-cell lipotoxicity induced by overexpression of hormone-sensitive lipase

Lipid perturbations associated with triglyceride overstorage in beta-cells impair insulin secretion, a process termed lipotoxicity. To assess the role of hormone-sensitive lipase, which is expressed and enzymatically active in beta-cells, in the development of lipotoxicity, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing hormone-sensitive lipase specifically in beta-cells. Transgenic mice developed glucose intolerance and severely blunted glucose-stimulated insulin secretion when challenged with a high-fat diet. As expected, both lipase activity and forskolin-stimulated lipolysis was increased in transgenic compared with wild-type islets. This was reflected in significantly lower triglycerides levels in transgenic compared with wild-type islets in mice receiving the high-fat diet, whereas no difference in islet triglycerides was found between the two genotypes under low-fat diet conditions. Our results highlight the importance of mobilization of the islet triglyceride pool in the development of beta-cell lipotoxicity. We propose that hormone-sensitive lipase is involved in mediating beta-cell lipotoxicity by providing ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and other lipid-activated transcription factors, which in turn alter the expression of critical genes. One such gene might be uncoupling protein-2, which was found to be upregulated in transgenic islets, a change that was accompanied by decreased ATP levels.

Thyroid hormone and uncoupling proteins

Thyroid hormone (TH/T3) exerts many of its effects on energy metabolism by affecting gene transcription. However, although this is an important target for T3, only a limited number of T3-responsive genes have been identified and studied. Among these, the genes for uncoupling proteins (UCPs) have attracted the interest of scientists. Although the role of UCP1 seems quite well established, uncertainty surrounds the physiological function of the recently discovered UCP1 analogs, UCP2 and UCP3. The literature suggests that T3 affects both the expression and the activity of each of these UCPs but further studies are needed to establish whether the mechanisms activated by the hormone are the same. Recently, because of their larger range of expression, much attention has been devoted to UCP2 and UCP3. Most detailed studies on the involvement of these proteins as mediators of the effects of T3 on metabolism have focused on UCP3 because of its expression in skeletal muscle. T3 seems to be unique in having the ability to stimulate the expression and activity of UCP3 and this may be related to the capacity of T3 to activate the integrated biochemical processes linked to UCP activity, such as those related to fatty acids, coenzyme Q and free radicals.

Adipocyte low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein gene expression and function is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The alpha(2)-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a large multifunctional receptor that interacts with a variety of molecules. It is implicated in biologically important processes such as lipoprotein metabolism, neurological function, tissue remodeling, protease complex clearance, and cell signal transduction. However, the regulation of LRP gene expression remains largely unknown. In this study, we have analyzed 2 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the LRP gene and identified a predicted peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE) from -1185 to -1173. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligands such as fatty acids and rosiglitazone increased functional cell surface LRP by 1.5-2.0-fold in primary human adipocytes and in the SW872 human liposarcoma cell line as assessed by activated alpha(2)-macroglobulin binding and degradation. These agents were found to increase LRP transcription. Gel shift analysis of the putative PPRE demonstrated direct binding of PPARgamma/retinoid X receptor alpha heterodimers to the PPRE in the LRP gene. Furthermore, these heterodimers could no longer interact with a mutated PPRE probe. The isolated promoter was functional in SW872 cells, and its activity was increased by 1.5-fold with the addition of rosiglitazone. Furthermore, the isolated response element was similarly responsive to rosiglitazone when placed upstream of an ideal promoter. Mutagenesis of the predicted PPRE abolished the ability of this construct to respond to rosiglitazone. These data demonstrate that fatty acids and rosiglitazone directly stimulate transcription of the LRP gene through activation of PPARgamma and increase functional LRP expression.

Rosiglitazone and retinoic acid induce uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) in a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent manner in fetal primary brown adipocytes

Brown adipose tissue expresses the thermogenic uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), which is positively regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists and retinoids through the activation of the heterodimers PPAR/retinoid X receptor (RXR) and retinoic acid receptor (RAR)/RXR and binding to specific elements in the ucp-1 enhancer. In this study we show that in fetal rat brown adipocyte primary cultures the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone (Rosi), as well as retinoic acids 9-cis-retinoic acid and all-trans-retinoic acid also have "extragenic" effects and induce p44/p42 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation. The latter is involved in UCP-1 gene expression, because inhibition of p38MAPK activity with PD169316 impairs the ability of Rosi and retinoids for UCP-1 induction. The inhibitory effects of PD169316 are mimicked by the antioxidant GSH, suggesting a role for reactive oxygenated species (ROS) generation in the increase of UCP-1 expression in response either to Rosi or 9-cis-retinoic acid. Thus, we propose that Rosi and retinoids act as PPAR/RXR and RAR/RXR agonists and also activate p38MAPK. These two coordinated actions could result in a high increase of transcriptional activity on the ucp-1 enhancer and hence on thermogenesis. PPARalpha and gamma agonists but not retinoids also increase UCP-3 expression in fetal brown adipocytes. However, the regulation of UCP-3, which is not involved in thermogenesis, seems to differ from UCP-1 given the fact that is not affected by p38MAPK inhibition.

Genetic manipulations of fatty acid metabolism in beta-cells are associated with dysregulated insulin secretion

Triacylglyceride (TG) accumulation in pancreatic beta-cells is associated with impaired insulin secretion, which is called lipotoxicity. To gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of lipotoxicity, we generated three models of dysregulated fatty acid metabolism in beta-cells. The overexpression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c induced lipogenic genes and TG accumulation. Under these conditions, we observed a decrease in glucose oxidation and upregulation of uncoupling protein-2, which might be causally related to the decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The overexpression of AMP-activated protein kinase was accompanied by decreased lipogenesis, increased fatty acid oxidation, and decreased glucose oxidation; insulin secretions to glucose and depolarization stimuli were decreased, probably because of the decrease in glucose oxidation and cellular insulin content. It was notable that the secretory response to palmitate was blunted, which would suggest a role of the fatty acid synthesis pathway, but not its oxidative pathway in palmitate-stimulated insulin secretion. Finally, we studied islets of PPAR-gamma(+/-) mice that had increased insulin sensitivity and low TG content in white adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. On a high-fat diet, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was decreased in association with increased TG content in the islets, which might be mediated through the elevated serum free fatty acid levels and their passive transport into beta-cells. These results revealed some aspects about the mechanisms by which alterations of fatty acid metabolism affect beta-cell functions.

Regulation of the uncoupling protein-2 gene in INS-1 beta-cells by oleic acid

Current evidence suggests that uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) is a regulator of insulin secretion. It is also known that chronic exposure of pancreatic islets to free fatty acids (FFAs) blunts glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and is accompanied by elevated levels of UCP2. However, the mechanisms regulating expression of UCP2 in beta-cells are unknown. Here, we show that UCP2 mRNA and protein levels were increased after a 48-h exposure of INS-1(832/13) beta-cells to oleic acid (0.5 mm) by activation of the UCP2 promoter. Furthermore, progressive deletions of the mouse UCP2 promoter (from -7.3 kb to +12 bp) indicated that an enhancer region (-86/-44) was responsible for both basal and FFA-stimulated UCP2 gene transcription. This enhancer contains tightly clustered Sp1, sterol regulatory element (SRE), and double E-Box elements. While all three sequence motifs were required for basal activity of the UCP2 promoter, the mutations in either the SRE or the E-Box elements eliminated the response to FFAs. The SRE and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP1) appear to be crucial for the response of the UCP2 gene to FFAs, since overexpression of the nuclear forms of the SREBPs increased UCP2 promoter activity by 7-10-fold and restored the ability of E-Box mutants to respond to oleic acid. These data support a model in which SREBP is the major modulator of UCP2 gene transcription by FFA, while E-Box binding factors play a supportive role.

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits uncoupling protein 2 expression in human adipocytes

We recently demonstrated that suppressing 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 by increasing dietary calcium decreases adipocyte intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), stimulates lipolysis, and inhibits lipogenesis. High calcium diets also increase core temperature and white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression in aP2-agouti transgenic mice. Accordingly, we have evaluated the role of 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 in regulating human adipocyte UCP2 expression. Treatment of human adipocytes for 48 h with 1 nM 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 inhibited UCP2 mRNA and protein levels by 50% (P<0.002) and completely blocked isoproterenol- or fatty acid-stimulated two- to threefold increases in UCP2 expression. However, a specific agonist for the membrane vitamin D receptor (mVDR), 1alpha,25-dihydroxylumisterol3, was unable to inhibit basal, isoproterenol-stimulated, or fatty acid-stimulated UCP2 expression, whereas a specific mVDR antagonist,1beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, was unable to prevent the 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 inhibition of UCP2 expression. In contrast, nuclear vitamin D receptor (nVDR) knockout via antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) prevented the inhibitory effect of 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 on adipocyte UCP2 expression and protein levels. These data indicate that 1a,25-(OH)2-D3 exerts an inhibitory effect on adipocyte UCP2 expression via the nVDR. Thus, suppression of 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 and consequent up-regulation of UCP2 may contribute to our previous observation of increased thermogenesis in mice fed with high calcium diets.

Regulation of uncoupling protein-2 mRNA in L6 myotubules: II: Thyroid hormone amplifies stimulation of uncoupling protein-2 gene by thiazolidinediones and other peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ligands in L6 myotubules: evidence for a priming effect

The stimulation of the uncoupling protein-2 gene (ucp2) by thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine [T3]) in vivo is variable, suggesting complex interactions and even the possibility of indirect effects. We investigated the effect of T3 on ucp2 expression in L6 myotubules. Alone, T3 did not significantly stimulate ucp2 expression in L6 cells, but it amplified the stimulation by thiazolidinediones (TZDs). L6 cells expressed both alpha1 and beta1 thyroid hormone receptors and the data were consistent with the effect being mediated by these receptors. T3 also enhanced the stimulation of ucp2 by the nonselective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligands bezafibrate and carbacyclin, but not that by oleic acid or norepinephrine. L6 cells expressed PPARbeta and PPARgamma, but not PPARalpha. As short as a 1-h preexposure of L6 cells to T3 was sufficient to amplify the effect of PPAR ligands. Neither transcription nor translation was needed for this effect of T3. T3 did not affect the t1/2 of UCP2 mRNA. The histone deacetylases inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) stimulated the expression of ucp2 but did not add to the effect of T3 nor did this hormone enhance the effect of TSA. These results suggest that T3 selectively enhances the transcriptional stimulation of ucp2 by TZDs and nonselective PPAR ligands by priming the gene to a transactivating signal(s) generated by such ligands.

USF-1 and USF-2 trans-repress IL-1beta-induced iNOS transcription in mesangial cells

Transcriptional activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene requires multiple interactions of cis elements and trans-acting factors. Previous in vivo footprinting studies (Goldring CE, Reveneau S, Algarte M, and Jeannin JF. Nucleic Acids Res 24: 1682-1687, 1996) of the murine iNOS gene demonstrated lipopolysaccharide-inducible protection of guanines in the region -904/-883, which includes an E-box motif. In this report, by using site-directed mutagenesis of the -893/-888 E-box and correlating functional assays of the mutated iNOS promoter with upstream stimulatory factor (USF) DNA-binding activities, we demonstrate that the -893/-888 E-box motif is functionally required for iNOS regulation in murine mesangial cells and that USFs are in vivo components of the iNOS transcriptional response complex. Mutation of the E-box sequence augmented the iNOS response to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in transiently transfected mesangial cells. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that USFs cannot bind to the -893/-888 E-box promoter region when the E-box is mutated. Cotransfection of USF-1 and USF-2 expression vectors with iNOS promoter-luciferase reporter constructs suppressed IL-1beta-simulated iNOS promoter activity. Cotransfection of dominant-negative USF-2 mutants lacking the DNA binding domain or cis-element decoys containing concatamers of the -904/-883 region augmented IL-1beta stimulation of iNOS promoter activity. Gel mobility shift assays showed that only USF-1 and USF-2 supershifted the USF protein-DNA complexes. These results demonstrated that USF binding to the E-box at -893/-888 serves to trans-repress basal expression and IL-1beta induction of the iNOS promoter.

Characterization of a novel metabolic strategy used by drug-resistant tumor cells

Acquired or inherent drug resistance is the major problem in achieving successful cancer treatment. However, the mechanism(s) of pleiotropic drug resistance remains obscure. We have identified and characterized a cellular metabolic strategy that differentiates drug-resistant cells from drug-sensitive cells. This strategy may serve to protect drug-resistant cells from damage caused by chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. We show that drug-resistant cells have low mitochondrial membrane potential, use nonglucose carbon sources (fatty acids) for mitochondrial oxygen consumption when glucose becomes limited, and are protected from exogenous stress such as radiation. In addition, drug-resistant cells express high levels of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). The discovery of this metabolic strategy potentially facilitates the design of novel therapeutic approaches to drug resistance.

Possible physiological roles of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins--UCPn

Five mitochondrial uncoupling proteins exist in the human gemone: UCP2, expressed ubiquitously; UCP1, exclusively in brown adipose tissue (BAT); UCP3, predominantly in muscle; UCP4 and BMCP (UCP5), in brain. UCP4 is the ancestral prototype from which the other UCPn diverged. Findings on the level of organism and reconstituted recombinant proteins demonstrated that UCPn exhibit a protonophoric function, documented by overexpression in mice, L6 myotubes, INS1 cells, muscle, and yeast. In a few cases (yeast), this protonophoric function was correlated with elevated fatty acid (FA) levels. Reconstituted UCPn exhibited nucleotide-sensitive FA induced H(+) uniport. Two mechanisms, local buffering or FA cycling were suggested as an explanation. A basic UCPn role with mild uncoupling is to accelerate metabolism and reduce reactive oxygen species. UCP2 (UCP3) roles were inferred from transcriptional up-regulation mediated by FAs via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, cytokines, leptin signalling via hypothalamic pathway, and by thyroide and beta2 adrenergic stimulation. The latter indicated a role in catecholamine-induced thermogenesis in skeletal muscle. UCP2 (UCP3) may contribute to body weight regulation, although obesity was not induced in knockout (KO) mice. An obesity reduction in middle-aged humans was associated with the less common allele of -866 G/A polymorphism in the ucp2 gene promoter enhancing the exon 8 insertion: deletion transcript ratio. Up-regulated UCP2 transcription by pyrogenic cytokines (tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)) suggested a role in fever. UCP2 could induce type 2 diabetes as developed from obesity due to up-regulated UCP2 transcription by FAs in pancreatic beta-cells. UCPn might be pro-apoptotic as well as anti-apoptotic, depending on transcriptional and biochemical regulation.

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma stimulates the growth arrest and DNA-damage inducible 153 gene in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma by the thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of antidiabetic drugs elicits growth inhibition in a variety of malignant tumors. We clarified the effects of TZDs on growth of human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells that express endogenous PPAR-gamma. Troglitazone and pioglitazone caused inhibition of cellular growth and induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Subtraction cloning analysis identified that troglitazone stimulated expression of the growth arrest and DNA-damage inducible (GADD)153 gene, and the increased expression of GADD153 mRNA was also confirmed by an array analysis of the 160 apoptosis-related genes. Western blot analysis revealed that troglitazone also increased GADD153 protein levels in a time-dependent manner. Troglitazone did not stimulate GADD153 mRNA levels in undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells lacking PPAR-gamma expression, whereas its induction was clearly observed in differentiated adipocytes expressing PPAR-gamma. Activity of the GADD153 promoter occurred in a NSCLC cell line in transient transcription assays and was significantly stimulated by troglitazone, although binding of PPAR/retinoid X receptor heterodimer was not detected in the promoter region in gel retardation assays. Inhibition of GADD153 gene expression by an antisense phosphorothionate oligonucleotide attenuated the troglitazone-induced growth inhibition. These findings collectively indicated that activation of PPAR-gamma by TZDs could cause growth inhibition and apoptosis of NSCLC cells and that GADD153 might be a candidate factor implicated in these processes.

Mechanism for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha activator-induced up-regulation of UCP2 mRNA in rodent hepatocytes

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha)activators, fish oil feeding, or fibrate administration up-regulated mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP2) mRNA expression in mouse liver by 5-9-fold, whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) also up-regulated UCP2 in liver. In this study, the mechanisms for PPARalpha activators-induced up-regulation of UCP2 mRNA, related to TNFalpha and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were investigated. PPARalpha activators-induced UCP2 up-regulation in mouse/rat liver tissues was due to their increases in hepatocytes but not in non-parenchymal cells. Addition of PPARalpha activators, WY14,643 or fenofibrate, to cultured hepatocytes up-regulated UCP2 mRNA by 5-10-fold. PPARalpha activators-induced up-regulation of UCP2 mRNA was not due to increased mRNA stability and required cycloheximide-sensitive short term turnover protein(s). However, expression of PPARalpha/retinoid X receptor-alpha and PGC-1 was not rate-limiting for WY14,643-induced UCP2 up-regulation. In primary hepatocytes, an exogenous oxidant, tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (TBHP), which increased ROS production, up-regulated UCP2 mRNA, whereas WY14,643 treatment did not produce detectable ROS under the condition that fibrate markedly up-regulated UCP2. In in vivo studies, PPARalpha activators moderately up-regulated TNFalpha mRNA expression in mouse liver. An anti-oxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium salt injection completely prevented their TNFalpha mRNA increases but did not prevent most of their UCP2 mRNA increases. These data indicate that PPARalpha activators up-regulate UCP2 expression in hepatocytes through unknown proteins by increased transcription, and neither ROS nor TNFalpha production are the major causes for PPARalpha activators-induced UCP2 up-regulation.

Transcriptional regulation of adipocyte hormone-sensitive lipase by glucose

Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue, thus determining the supply of energy substrates in the body. HSL mRNA was positively regulated by glucose in human adipocytes. Pools of stably transfected 3T3-F442A adipocytes were generated with human adipocyte HSL promoter fragments from -2,400/+38 to -31/+38 bp linked to the luciferase gene. A glucose-responsive region was mapped within the proximal promoter (-137 bp). Electromobility shift assays showed that upstream stimulatory factor (USF)-1 and USF2 and Sp1 and Sp3 bound to a consensus E-box and two GC-boxes in the -137-bp region. Cotransfection of the -137/+38 construct with USF1 and USF2 expression vectors produced enhanced luciferase activity. Moreover, HSL mRNA levels were decreased in USF1- and USF2-deficient mice. Site-directed mutagenesis of the HSL promoter showed that the GC-boxes, although contributing to basal promoter activity, were dispensable for glucose responsiveness. Mutation of the E-box led to decreased promoter activity and suppression of the glucose response. Analogs and metabolites were used to determine the signal metabolite of the glucose response. The signal is generated downstream of glucose-6-phosphate in the glycolytic pathway before the triose phosphate step.

Adrenoceptors, uncoupling proteins, and energy expenditure

Interest in the biology of adipose tissue has undergone a revival in recent years with the discovery of a host of genes that contribute to the regulation of satiety and metabolic rate. The catecholamines have long been known to be key modulators of adipose tissue lipolysis and the hydrolysis of triglyceride energy stores. However, more recent efforts to understand the role of individual adrenergic receptor subtypes expressed in adipocytes and their signal transduction pathways have revealed a complexity not previously appreciated. Combined with this interest in the modulation of adipocyte metabolism is a renewed focus upon brown adipose tissue and the mechanisms of whole body thermogenesis in general. The discovery of novel homologs of the brown fat uncoupling protein (UCP) such as UCP2 and UCP3 has provoked intensive study of these mitochondrial proteins and the role that they play in fuel metabolism. The story of the novel UCPs has proven to be intriguing and still incompletely understood. Here, we review the status of adipose tissue from inert storage depot to endocrine organ, interesting signal transduction pathways triggered by beta-adrenergic receptors in adipocytes, the potential of these receptors for discriminating and coordinated metabolic regulation, and current views on the role of UCP2 and UCP3 based on physiological studies and gene knockout models.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids stimulate hepatic UCP-2 expression via a PPARalpha-mediated pathway

The discovery of homologs of the brown fat uncoupling protein(s) (UCP) UCP-2 and UCP-3 revived the hypothesis of uncoupling protein involvement in the regulation of energy metabolism. Thus we hypothesized that UCP-2 would be regulated in the hepatocyte by fatty acids, which are known to control other energy-related metabolic processes. Treatment with 250 microM palmitic acid was without effect on UCP-2 expression, whereas 250 microM oleic acid exhibited a modest eightfold increase. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid, exerted a 50-fold upregulation of UCP-2 that was concentration dependent. This effect was seen within 12 h and was maximal by 36 h. Aspirin blocked the induction of UCP-2 by EPA, indicating involvement of the prostaglandin pathway. Hepatocytes treated with arachidonic acid, the immediate precursor to the prostaglandins, also exhibited an aspirin-inhibitable increase in UCP-2 levels, further supporting the involvement of prostaglandins in regulating hepatic UCP-2. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) agonist Wy-14643 stimulated UCP-2 mRNA levels as effectively as EPA. These data indicate that UCP-2 is upregulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids, potentially through a prostaglandin/PPARalpha-mediated pathway.

beta-Adrenergic activation of p38 MAP kinase in adipocytes: cAMP induction of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene requires p38 MAP kinase

Because of increasing evidence that G protein-coupled receptors activate multiple signaling pathways, it becomes important to determine the coordination of these pathways and their physiological significance. Here we show that the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) stimulates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) via PKA in adipocytes and that cAMP-dependent transcription of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) promoter by beta(3)AR requires p38 MAPK. The selective beta(3)AR agonist CL316,243 (CL) stimulates phosphorylation of MAP kinase kinase 3/6 and p38 MAPK in a time- and dose-dependent manner in both white and brown adipocytes. Isoproterenol and forskolin mimicked the effect of CL on p38 MAPK. In all cases activation was blocked by the specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 (SB; 1-10 microm). The involvement of PKA in beta(3)AR-dependent p38 MAPK activation was confirmed by the ability of the PKA inhibitors H89 (20 microm) and (R(p))-cAMP-S (1 mm) to block phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Treatment of primary brown adipocytes with CL or forskolin induced the expression of UCP1 mRNA levels (6.8- +/- 0.8-fold), and this response was eliminated by PKA inhibitors and SB202190. A similar stimulation of a 3.7-kilobase UCP1 promoter by CL and forskolin was also completely inhibited by PKA inhibitors and SB202190, indicating that these effects on UCP1 expression are transcriptional. Moreover, the PKA-dependent transactivation of the UCP1 promoter, as well as its sensitivity to SB202190, was fully reproduced by a 220-nucleotide enhancer element from the UCP1 gene. We similarly observed that increased phosphorylation of ATF-2 by CL was sensitive to both H89 and SB202190, while phosphorylation of cAMP-response element-binding protein was inhibited only by H89. Together, these studies illustrate that p38 MAPK is an important downstream target of the beta-adrenergic/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in adipocytes, and one of the functional consequences of this cascade is stimulation of UCP1 gene expression in brown adipocytes.