Suppression of protein synthesis in brain during hibernation involves inhibition of protein initiation and elongation

Animal activity around the clock with no overt circadian rhythms: patterns, mechanisms and adaptive value

Circadian rhythms are ubiquitous in many organisms. Animals that are forced to be active around the clock typically show reduced performance, health and survival. Nevertheless, we review evidence of animals showing prolonged intervals of activity with attenuated or nil overt circadian rhythms and no apparent ill effects. We show that around-the-clock and ultradian activity patterns are more common than is generally appreciated, particularly in herbivores, in animals inhabiting polar regions and habitats with constant physical environments, in animals during specific life-history stages (such as migration or reproduction), and in highly social animals. The underlying mechanisms are diverse, but studies suggest that some circadian pacemakers continue to measure time in animals active around the clock. The prevalence of around-the-clock activity in diverse animals and habitats, and an apparent diversity of underlying mechanisms, are consistent with convergent evolution. We suggest that the basic organizational principles of the circadian system and its complexity encompass the potential for chronobiological plasticity. There may be trade-offs between benefits of persistent daily rhythms versus plasticity, which for reasons still poorly understood make overt daily arrhythmicity functionally adaptive only in selected habitats and for selected lifestyles.

SUMO and ischemic tolerance

Hibernating squirrels slow blood flow to a crawl, but sustain no damage to brain or other tissues. This phenomenon provides an excellent model of natural tolerance to ischemia. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a 100-residue peptide that modifies other proteins by being attached to the epsilon amino group of specific lysine residues. The discovery of massive SUMOylation (by both SUMO-1 and SUMO-2/3) occurring in the brains of 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) during hibernation torpor had opened the door to the studies on SUMO and ischemic tolerance reviewed here. Ischemic stress was shown to increase the levels of SUMO conjugation, especially SUMO-2/3, mostly during reperfusion in animal models and during restoration of oxygen and glucose in cell culture systems. Over-expression or depletion of SUMOs and/or Ubc9 (the SUMO E2 conjugating enzyme) increases or decreases (respectively) the levels of SUMO conjugates. Elevated global SUMO conjugations were shown to cytoprotect from ischemic insults; conversely, depressed SUMOylation sensitized cells. Global protein conjugation not only by SUMOs, but also by other ubiquitin-like modifiers (ULMs) including NEDD8, ISG15, UFM1 and FUB1 was shown to be significantly increased in the brains of hibernating ground squirrels during torpor. These increases in multiple ULM conjugations may orchestrate the cellular events in hibernating ground squirrels that induce a state of natural tolerance through their multipronged effects. Certain miRNAs such as the miR-200 family and the miR-182 family were shown, at least partly, to control the levels of these ULM conjugations. Lowering the levels of these miRNAs leads to an increase in global SUMOylation/ULM conjugation, thereby providing the tolerance to ischemia. This suggests that these miRNAs may be good targets for therapeutic intervention in stroke.

The impact of biosampling procedures on molecular data interpretation

The separation between biological and technical variation without extensive use of technical replicates is often challenging, particularly in the context of different forms of protein and peptide modifications. Biosampling procedures in the research laboratory are easier to conduct within a shorter time frame and under controlled conditions as compared with clinical sampling, with the latter often having issues of reproducibility. But is the research laboratory biosampling really less variable? Biosampling introduces within minutes rapid tissue-specific changes in the cellular microenvironment, thus inducing a range of different pathways associated with cell survival. Biosampling involves hypoxia and, depending on the circumstances, hypothermia, circumstances for which there are evolutionarily conserved defense strategies in the range of species and also are relevant for the range of biomedical conditions. It remains unclear to what extent such adaptive processes are reflected in different biosampling procedures or how important they are for the definition of sample quality. Lately, an increasing number of comparative studies on different biosampling approaches, post-mortem effects and pre-sampling biological state, have investigated such immediate early biosampling effects. Commonalities between biosampling effects and a range of ischemia/reperfusion- and hypometabolism/anoxia-associated biological phenomena indicate that even small variations in post-sampling time intervals are likely to introduce a set of nonrandom and tissue-specific effects of experimental importance (both in vivo and in vitro). This review integrates the information provided by these comparative studies and discusses how an adaptive biological perspective in biosampling procedures may be relevant for sample quality issues.

Seasonal and regional differences in gene expression in the brain of a hibernating mammal

Mammalian hibernation presents a unique opportunity to study naturally occurring neuroprotection. Hibernating ground squirrels undergo rapid and extreme physiological changes in body temperature, oxygen consumption, and heart rate without suffering neurological damage from ischemia and reperfusion injury. Different brain regions show markedly different activity during the torpor/arousal cycle: the cerebral cortex shows activity only during the periodic returns to normothermia, while the hypothalamus is active over the entire temperature range. Therefore, region-specific neuroprotective strategies must exist to permit this compartmentalized spectrum of activity. In this study, we use the Illumina HiSeq platform to compare the transcriptomes of these two brain regions at four collection points across the hibernation season: April Active, October Active, Torpor, and IBA. In the cerebral cortex, 1,085 genes were found to be differentially expressed across collection points, while 1,063 genes were differentially expressed in the hypothalamus. Comparison of these transcripts indicates that the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus implement very different strategies during hibernation, showing less than 20% of these differentially expressed genes in common. The cerebral cortex transcriptome shows evidence of remodeling and plasticity during hibernation, including transcripts for the presynaptic cytomatrix proteins bassoon and piccolo, and extracellular matrix components, including laminins and collagens. Conversely, the hypothalamic transcriptome displays upregulation of transcripts involved in damage response signaling and protein turnover during hibernation, including the DNA damage repair gene RAD50 and ubiquitin E3 ligases UBR1 and UBR5. Additionally, the hypothalamus transcriptome also provides evidence of potential mechanisms underlying the hibernation phenotype, including feeding and satiety signaling, seasonal timing mechanisms, and fuel utilization. This study provides insight into potential neuroprotective strategies and hibernation control mechanisms, and also specifically shows that the hibernator brain exhibits both seasonal and regional differences in mRNA expression.

Potentially neuroprotective gene modulation in an in vitro model of mild traumatic brain injury

In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) triggers a controlled gene program as an adaptive response finalized to neuroprotection, similar to that found in hibernators and in ischemic preconditioning. A stretch injury device was used to produce an equi-biaxial strain field in rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures at a specified Lagrangian strain of 10 % and a constant strain rate of 20 s(-1). After 24 h from injury, propidium iodide staining, HPLC analysis of metabolites and microarray analysis of cDNA were performed to evaluate cell viability, cell energy state and gene expression, respectively. Compared to control cultures, 10 % stretch injured cultures showed no change in viability, but demonstrated a hypometabolic state (decreased ATP, ATP/ADP, and nicotinic coenzymes) and a peculiar pattern of gene modulation. The latter was characterized by downregulation of genes encoding for proteins of complexes I, III, and IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and of ATP synthase; downregulation of transcriptional and translational genes; downregulation and upregulation of genes controlling the synthesis of glutamate and GABA receptors, upregulation of calmodulin and calmodulin-binding proteins; proper modulation of genes encoding for proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins. These results support the hypothesis that, following mTBI, a hibernation-type response is activated in non-hibernating species. Unlike in hibernators and ischemic preconditioning, this adaptive gene programme, aimed at achieving maximal neuroprotection, is not triggered by decrease in oxygen availability. It seems rather activated to avoid increase in oxidative/nitrosative stress and apoptosis during a transient period of mitochondrial malfunctioning.

Moderate hypothermia induces marked increase in levels and nuclear accumulation of SUMO2/3-conjugated proteins in neurons

Deep hypothermia protects the brain from ischemic damage and is therefore used during major cardiovascular surgeries requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and a period of circulatory arrest. Here, we demonstrated that small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO1-3) conjugation is markedly activated in the brain during deep to moderate hypothermia. Animals were subjected to normothermic (37°C) or deep to moderate (18°C, 24°C, 30°C) hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, and the effects of hypothermia on SUMO conjugation were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Exposure to moderate 30°C hypothermia was sufficient to markedly increase levels and nuclear accumulation of SUMO2/3-conjugated proteins in these cells. Deep hypothermia induced nuclear translocation of the SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9, suggesting that the increase in nuclear levels of SUMO2/3-conjugated proteins observed in brains of hypothermic animals is an active process. Exposure of primary neuronal cultures to deep hypothermia induced only a moderate rise in levels of SUMO2/3-conjugated proteins. This suggests that neurons in vivo have a higher capacity than neurons in vitro to activate this endogenous potentially neuroprotective pathway upon exposure to hypothermia. Identifying proteins that are SUMO2/3 conjugated during hypothermia could help to design new strategies for preventive and therapeutic interventions to make neurons more resistant to a transient interruption of blood supply.

Regulation of the mTOR signaling network in hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrels

For many small mammals, survival over the winter months is a serious challenge because of low environmental temperatures and limited food availability. The solution for many species, such as thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus), is hibernation, an altered physiological state characterized by seasonal heterothermy and entry into long periods of torpor that are interspersed with short arousals back to euthermia. During torpor, metabolic rate is strongly reduced to achieve major energy savings, and a coordinated depression of non-essential ATP-expensive functions such as protein synthesis takes place. This study examines the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, a crucial component of the insulin receptor network, over six stages of the torpor–arousal cycle of hibernation. Immunoblots showed that the phosphorylation state of mTORSer2448 was strongly reduced in skeletal muscle (by 55%) during late torpor but increased by 200% during early arousal compared with euthermia. However, the phosphorylation state of this residue remained relatively constant in cardiac muscle during torpor but was enhanced during entrance into torpor and early arousal from torpor stages (by 2.9- and 3.2-fold, respectively). Phosphorylation states of upstream regulators of mTOR, p-AktThr473 and p-TSC2Thr1462, were also suppressed in skeletal muscle by 55 and 51%, respectively, during late torpor, as were selected downstream substrates – p-4E-BP1Thr46 and p-S6Ser235 contents dropped by 74 and 41%, respectively. Overall, the results indicate suppressed mTOR signaling in skeletal muscle, but not cardiac muscle, during torpor. By contrast, activation of mTOR and other components of the mTORC1 complex (p-PRAS40Thr246 and GβL) occurred during early arousal in both skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Activity of Ca2+-dependent neutral proteases in tissues of ground squirrel during hibernation and during self-warming after induced awakening

Cyclic changes in activity of Ca2+-dependent neutral protease occur during preparation for hibernation, with an increase in September and November and decrease in October and December. During hibernation proteolytic enzyme activity decreased, while during self-warming after induced awakening, the role of Ca2+-dependent processes in the tissues of ground squirrels increased according to the body temperature.

Tracks of a non-main path traveler: 2011 Thomas Willis Lecture

After an unconventional beginning in stroke research, I veered off the main path repeatedly to view problems from a different perspective. In this lecture summary, I would like to return to several points along the byways that led to research with some continuity.

Analysis of oxygen/glucose-deprivation-induced changes in SUMO3 conjugation using SILAC-based quantitative proteomics

Transient cerebral ischemia dramatically activates small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO2/3) conjugation. In cells exposed to 6 h of transient oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD), a model of ischemia, SUMOylation increases profoundly between 0 and 30 min following re-oxygenation. To elucidate the effect of transient OGD on SUMO conjugation of target proteins, we exposed neuroblastoma B35 cells expressing HA-SUMO3 to transient OGD and used stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to quantify OGD-induced changes in levels of specific SUMOylated proteins. Lysates from control and OGD-treated cells were mixed equally, and HA-tagged proteins were immunoprecipitated and analyzed by 1D-SDS-PAGE-LC-MS/MS. We identified 188 putative SUMO3-conjugated proteins, including numerous transcription factors and coregulators, and PIAS2 and PIAS4 SUMO ligases, of which 22 were increased or decreased more than ±2-fold. In addition to SUMO3, the levels of protein-conjugated SUMO1 and SUMO2, as well as ubiquitin, were all increased. Importantly, protein ubiquitination induced by OGD was completely blocked by gene silencing of SUMO2/3. Collectively, these results suggest several mechanisms for OGD-modulated SUMOylation, point to a number of signaling pathways that may be targets of SUMO-based signaling and recovery from ischemic stress, and demonstrate a tightly controlled crosstalk between the SUMO and ubiquitin conjugation pathways.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress, acinar cell damage, and systemic inflammation in acute pancreatitis

In acute pancreatitis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress prompts an accumulation of malfolded proteins inside the ER, initiating the unfolded protein response (UPR). Because the ER chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is known to inhibit the UPR in vitro, this study examined the in vivo effects of TUDCA in an acute experimental pancreatitis model. Acute pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats using caerulein, with or without prior TUDCA treatment. UPR components were analyzed, including chaperone binding protein (BiP), phosphorylated protein kinase-like ER kinase (pPERK), X-box binding protein (XBP)-1, phosphorylated c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (pJNK), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologues protein, and caspase 12 and 3 activation. In addition, pancreatitis biomarkers were measured, such as serum amylase, trypsin activation, edema formation, histology, and the inflammatory reaction in pancreatic and lung tissue. TUDCA treatment reduced intracellular trypsin activation, edema formation, and cell damage, while leaving amylase levels unaltered. The activation of myeloperoxidase was clearly reduced in pancreas and lung. Furthermore, TUDCA prevented caerulein-induced BiP upregulation, reduced XBP-1 splicing, and caspase 12 and 3 activation. It accelerated the downregulation of pJNK. In controls without pancreatitis, TUDCA showed cytoprotective effects including pPERK signaling and activation of downstream targets. We concluded that ER stress responses activated in acute pancreatitis are grossly attenuated by TUDCA. The chaperone reduced the UPR and inhibited ER stress-associated proapoptotic pathways. TUDCA has a cytoprotective potential in the exocrine pancreas. These data hint at new perspectives for an employment of chemical chaperones, such as TUDCA, in prevention of acute pancreatitis.

Elevated global SUMOylation in Ubc9 transgenic mice protects their brains against focal cerebral ischemic damage

We have previously shown that a massive increase in global SUMOylation occurs during torpor in ground squirrels, and that overexpression of Ubc9 and/or SUMO-1 in cell lines and cortical neurons protects against oxygen and glucose deprivation. To examine whether increased global SUMOylation protects against ischemic brain damage, we have generated transgenic mice in which Ubc9 is expressed strongly in all tissues under the chicken β-actin promoter. Ubc9 expression levels in 10 founder lines ranged from 2 to 30 times the endogenous level, and lines that expressed Ubc9 at modestly increased levels showed robust resistance to brain ischemia compared to wild type mice. The infarction size was inversely correlated with the Ubc9 expression levels for up to five times the endogenous level. Although further increases showed no additional benefit, the Ubc9 expression level was highly correlated with global SUMO-1 conjugation levels (and SUMO-2,3 levels to a lesser extent) up to a five-fold Ubc9 increase. Most importantly, there were striking reciprocal relationships between SUMO-1 (and SUMO-2,3) conjugation levels and cerebral infarction volumes among all tested animals, suggesting that the limit in cytoprotection by global SUMOylation remains undefined. These results support efforts to further augment global protein SUMOylation in brain ischemia.

Hibernating above the permafrost: effects of ambient temperature and season on expression of metabolic genes in liver and brown adipose tissue of arctic ground squirrels

Hibernating arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii), overwintering in frozen soils, maintain large gradients between ambient temperature (T(a)) and body temperature (T(b)) by substantially increasing metabolic rate during torpor while maintaining a subzero T(b). We used quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to determine how the expression of 56 metabolic genes was affected by season (active in summer vs hibernating), metabolic load during torpor (imposed by differences in T(a): +2 vs -10°C) and hibernation state (torpid vs after arousal). Compared with active ground squirrels sampled in summer, liver from hibernators showed increased expression of genes associated with fatty acid catabolism (CPT1A, FABP1 and ACAT1), ketogenesis (HMGCS2) and gluconeogenesis (PCK1) and decreased expression of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis (ACACB, SCD and ELOVL6), amino acid metabolism, the urea cycle (PAH, BCKDHA and OTC), glycolysis (PDK1 and PFKM) and lipid metabolism (ACAT2). Stage of hibernation (torpid vs aroused) had a much smaller effect, with only one gene associated with glycogen synthesis (GSY1) in liver showing consistent differences in expression levels between temperature treatments. Despite the more than eightfold increase in energetic demand associated with defending T(b) during torpor at a T(a) of -10 vs +2°C, transcript levels in liver and brown adipose tissue differed little. Our results are inconsistent with a hypothesized switch to use of non-lipid fuels when ambient temperatures drop below freezing.

Dissociation by Pelota, Hbs1 and ABCE1 of mammalian vacant 80S ribosomes and stalled elongation complexes

No-go decay (NGD) and non-stop decay (NSD) are eukaryotic surveillance mechanisms that target mRNAs on which elongation complexes (ECs) are stalled by, for example, stable secondary structures (NGD) or due to the absence of a stop codon (NSD). Two interacting proteins Dom34(yeast)/Pelota(mammals) and Hbs1, which are paralogues of eRF1 and eRF3, are implicated in these processes. Dom34/Hbs1 were shown to promote dissociation of stalled ECs and release of intact peptidyl-tRNA. Using an in vitro reconstitution approach, we investigated the activities of mammalian Pelota/Hbs1 and report that Pelota/Hbs1 also induced dissociation of ECs and release of peptidyl-tRNA, but only in the presence of ABCE1. Whereas Pelota and ABCE1 were essential, Hbs1 had a stimulatory effect. Importantly, ABCE1/Pelota/Hbs1 dissociated ECs containing only a limited number of mRNA nucleotides downstream of the P-site, which suggests that ABCE1/Pelota/Hbs1 would disassemble NSD complexes stalled at the 3'-end, but not pre-cleavage NGD complexes stalled in the middle of mRNA. ABCE1/Pelota/Hbs1 also dissociated vacant 80S ribosomes, which stimulated 48S complex formation, suggesting that Pelota/Hbs1 have an additional role outside of NGD.

Signaling different pathways of cell death: Abrin induced programmed necrosis in U266B1 cells

Abrin is a type II ribosome-inactivating protein comprising of two subunits, A and B. Of the two, the A-subunit harbours the RNA-N-glycosidase activity and the B subunit is a galactose specific lectin that enables the entry of the protein inside the cell. Abrin inhibits protein synthesis and has been reported to induce apoptosis in several cell types. Based on these observations abrin is considered to have potential for the construction of immunotoxin in cell targeted therapy. Preliminary data from our laboratory however showed that although abrin inhibited the protein synthesis in all cell types, the mode of cell death varied. The aim of the present study was therefore to understand different death pathways induced by abrin in different cells. We used the human B cell line, U266B1 and compared it with the earlier studied T cell line Jurkat, for abrin-mediated inhibition of protein translation as well as cell death. While abrin triggered programmed apoptosis in Jurkat cells in a caspase-dependent manner, it induced programmed necrosis in U266B1 cells in a caspase-independent manner, even when there was reactive oxygen species production and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The data revealed that abrin-mediated necrosis involves lysosomal membrane permeabilization and release of cathepsins from the lysosomes. Importantly, the choice of abrin-mediated death pathway in the cells appears to depend on which of the two events occurs first: lysosomal membrane permeabilization or loss of mitochondrial membrane potential that decides cell death by necrosis or apoptosis.

Global analysis of circulating metabolites in hibernating ground squirrels

Hibernation in mammals involves major alterations in nutrition and metabolism that would be expected to affect levels of circulating molecules. To gain insight into these changes we conducted a non-targeted LC-MS based metabolomic analysis of plasma using hibernating ground squirrels in late torpor (LT, T(b)~5 °C) or during an interbout arousal period (IBA, T(b)~5 °C) and non-hibernating squirrels in spring (T(b)~37 °C). Several metabolites varied and allowed differentiation between hibernators and spring squirrels, and between torpid and euthermic squirrels. Methionine and the short-chain carnitine esters of propionate and butyryate/isobutyrate were reduced in LT compared with the euthermic groups. Pantothenic acid and several lysophosphatidylcholines were elevated in LT relative to the euthermic groups, whereas lysophosphatidylethanolamines were elevated during IBA compared to LT and spring animals. Two regulatory lipids varied among the groups: sphingosine 1-phosphate was lower in LT vs. euthermic groups, whereas cholesterol sulfate was elevated in IBA compared to spring squirrels. Levels of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) and total NEFA tended to be elevated in hibernators relative to spring squirrels. Three long-chain acylcarnitines were reduced in LT relative to IBA; free carnitine was also lower in LT vs. IBA. Our results identified several biochemical changes not previously observed in the seasonal hibernation cycle, including some that may provide insight into the metabolic limitations of mammalian torpor.

Pro-autophagic signal induction by bacterial pore-forming toxins

Pore-forming toxins (PFT) comprise a large, structurally heterogeneous group of bacterial protein toxins. Nucleated target cells mount complex responses which allow them to survive moderate membrane damage by PFT. Autophagy has recently been implicated in responses to various PFT, but how this process is triggered is not known, and the significance of the phenomenon is not understood. Here, we show that S. aureus α-toxin, Vibrio cholerae cytolysin, streptolysin O and E. coli haemolysin activate two pathways leading to autophagy. The first pathway is triggered via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a major energy sensor which induces autophagy by inhibiting the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) in response to a drop of the cellular ATP/AMP-ratio, as is also observed in response to membrane perforation. The second pathway is activated by the conserved eIF2α-kinase GCN2, which causes global translational arrest and promotes autophagy in response to starvation. The latter could be accounted for by impaired amino acid transport into target cells. Notably, PKR, an eIF2α-kinase which has been implicated in autophagy induction during viral infection, was also activated upon membrane perforation, and evidence was obtained that phosphorylation of eIF2α is required for the accumulation of autophagosomes in α-toxin-treated cells. Treatment with 3-methyl-adenine inhibited autophagy and disrupted the ability of cells to recover from sublethal attack by S. aureus α-toxin. We propose that PFT induce pro-autophagic signals through membrane perforation–dependent nutrient and energy depletion, and that an important function of autophagy in this context is to maintain metabolic homoeostasis.

Seasonal variation in use of winter roosts by five bat species in south-east Finland

We studied seasonal variation in the use of winter roosts by five bat species (Eptesicus nilssonii, Myotis brandtii/mystacinus, Myotis daubentonii and Plecotus auritus) in south-east Finland during the winters of 2003/2004 and 2004/2005. At the beginning of the bat hibernation season all species used higher temperatures and humidity than by the season’s end. Hibernacula were at their coldest in mid-hibernation season and became warmer towards the end of the season. However, no species hibernated in warmer locations at the end of the season than in mid-season. Results suggest that bats tend to use different strategies throughout the hibernation season, minimizing the cost of hibernation early in the season by hibernating in warmer locations and minimizing energy expenditure later in the season by hibernating in colder locations. M. brandtii/mystacinus were found in locations with stable temperature and humidity, moving to increasingly stable conditions (chambers, crevices, clusters, ceiling) towards spring. All other species hibernated in more variable microclimates throughout the hibernation season.

Regulation of Akt during torpor in the hibernating ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus

The 13-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) is capable of entering into extended periods of torpor during winter hibernation. The state of torpor represents a hypometabolic shift wherein the rate of oxygen consuming processes are strongly repressed in an effort to maintain cellular homeostasis as the availability of food energy becomes limited. We are interested in studying hibernation/torpor because of the robust state of tolerance to constrained oxygen delivery, oligemia, and hypothermia achieved by the tissues of hibernating mammals. The role of the serine/threonine kinase Akt (also known as PKB) has been examined in torpor in previous studies. However, this is the first study that examines the level of Akt phosphorylation in the liver during the two transition phases of the hibernation cycle: entrance into torpor, and the subsequent arousal from torpor. Our results indicate that Akt is activated in the squirrel liver by phosphorylation of two key residues (Thr(308) and Ser(473)) during entrance into torpor and arousal from torpor. Moreover, we observed increased phosphorylation of key substrates of Akt during the two transition stages of torpor. Finally, this study reports the novel finding that PRAS40, a component of the TORC1 multi-protein complex and a potentially important modulator of metabolism, is regulated during torpor.

Ribosomal analysis of rapid rates of protein synthesis in the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri

Previous research has shown that developing stages of the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri have high rates of protein synthesis that are comparable to those of similar species living in much warmer waters. Direct measurements of the biosynthetic capacities of isolated ribosomes have not been reported for marine organisms living in the extreme-cold environment of Antarctica. Such measurements are required for a mechanistic understanding of how the critical and highly complex processes involved in protein synthesis are regulated in animals living in the coldest marine environment on Earth (< -1 degrees C). We tested the hypothesis that high rates of protein synthesis in the cold are a direct result of high biosynthetic capacities of ribosomes engaged in protein synthesis. Our results show that the rate at which ribosomes manufacture proteins (i.e., the peptide elongation rate) at -1 degrees C is surprisingly similar to rates measured in other sea urchin species at temperatures that are over 15 degrees C warmer. Average peptide elongation rates for a range of developmental stages of the Antarctic sea urchin were 0.36 codons s(-1) (+/- 0.05, SE). On the basis of subcellular rate determinations of ribosomal activity, we calculated stage-specific rates of protein synthesis for blastulae and gastrulae to be 3.7 and 6.5 ng protein h(-1), respectively. These findings support the conclusion that the high rates of biosynthesis previously reported for the Antarctic sea urchin are an outcome of high ribosomal activities.

The grey mouse lemur uses season-dependent fat or protein sparing strategies to face chronic food restriction

During moderate calorie restriction (CR) the heterotherm Microcebus murinus is able to maintain a stable energy balance whatever the season, even if only wintering animals enter into torpor. To understand its energy saving strategies to respond to food shortages, we assessed protein and energy metabolisms associated with wintering torpor expression or summering torpor avoidance. We investigated body composition, whole body protein turnover, and daily energy expenditure (DEE), during a graded (40 and 80%) 35-day CR in short-days (winter; SD40 and SD80, respectively) and long-days (summer; LD40 and LD80, respectively) acclimated animals. LD40 animals showed no change in fat mass (FM) but a 12% fat free mass (FFM) reduction. Protein balance being positive after CR, the FFM loss was early and rapid. The 25% DEE reduction, in LD40 group was mainly explained by FFM changes. LD80 animals showed a steady body mass loss and were excluded from the CR trial at day 22, reaching a survival-threatened body mass. No data were available for this group. SD40 animals significantly decreased their FM level by 21%, but maintained FFM. Protein sparing was achieved through a 35 and 39% decrease in protein synthesis and catabolism (protein turnover), respectively, overall maintaining nitrogen balance. The 21% reduction in energy requirement was explained by the 30% nitrogen flux drop but also by torpor as DEE FFM-adjusted remained 13% lower compared to ad-libitum. SD80 animals were unable to maintain energy and nitrogen balances, losing both FM and FFM. Thus summering mouse lemurs equilibrate energy balance by a rapid loss of active metabolic mass without using torpor, whereas wintering animals spare protein and energy through increased torpor expression. Both strategies have direct fitness implication: 1) to maintain activities at a lower body size during the mating season and 2) to preserve an optimal wintering muscle mass and function.

Seasonal protein changes support rapid energy production in hibernator brainstem

During the torpor phase of mammalian hibernation when core body temperature is near 4 degrees C, the autonomic system continues to maintain respiration, blood pressure and heartbeat despite drastic reductions in brain activity. In addition, the hibernator's neuronal tissues enter into a protected state in which the potential for ischemia-reperfusion injury is markedly minimized. Evolutionary adaptations for continued function and neuroprotection throughout cycles of torpor and euthermia in winter are predicted to manifest themselves partly in changes in the brainstem proteome. Here, we compare the soluble brainstem protein complement from six summer active ground squirrels and six in the early torpor (ET) phase of hibernation. Thirteen percent of the approximately 1,500 quantifiable 2D gel spots alter significantly from summer to ET; the proteins identified in these differing spots are known to play roles in energy homeostasis via the tricarboxylic acid cycle (8 proteins), cytoarchitecture and cell motility (14 proteins), anabolic protein processes (13 proteins), redox control (11 proteins) and numerous other categories including protein catabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, signal transduction, glycolysis, intracellular protein trafficking and antiapoptotic function. These protein changes represent, at least in part, the molecular bases for restructuring of cells in the brainstem, a shift away from glucose as the primary fuel source for brain in the winter, and the generation of a streamlined mechanism capable of efficient and rapid energy production and utilization during the torpor and arousal cycles of hibernation.

Seasonal proteomic changes reveal molecular adaptations to preserve and replenish liver proteins during ground squirrel hibernation

Hibernators are unique among mammals in their ability to survive extended periods of time with core body temperatures near freezing and with dramatically reduced heart, respiratory, and metabolic rates in a state known as torpor. To gain insight into the molecular events underlying this remarkable physiological phenotype, we applied a proteomic screening approach to identify liver proteins that differ between the summer active (SA) and the entrance (Ent) phase of winter hibernation in 13-lined ground squirrels. The relative abundance of 1,600 protein spots separated on two-dimensional gels was quantitatively determined using fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis, and 74 unique proteins exhibiting significant differences between the two states were identified using liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Proteins elevated in Ent hibernators included liver fatty acid-binding protein, fatty acid transporter, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase, which support the known metabolic fuel switch to lipid and ketone body utilization in winter. Several proteins involved in protein stability and protein folding were also elevated in the Ent phase, consistent with previous findings. In contrast to transcript screening results, there was a surprising increase in the abundance of proteins involved in protein synthesis during Ent hibernation, including several initiation and elongation factors. This finding, coupled with decreased abundance of numerous proteins involved in amino acid and nitrogen metabolism, supports the intriguing hypothesis that the mechanism of protein preservation and resynthesis is used by hibernating ground squirrels to help avoid nitrogen toxicity and ensure preservation of essential amino acids throughout the long winter fast.

Daily Torpor Alters Multiple Gene Expression in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Pineal Gland of the Djungarian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

Circadian rhythms are still expressed in animals that display daily torpor, implying a temperature compensation of the pacemaker. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how the clock works in hypothermic states and whether torpor itself, as a temperature pulse, affects the circadian system. To reveal changes in the clockwork during torpor, we compared clock gene and neuropeptide expression by in situ hybridization in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and pineal gland of normothermic and torpid Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Animals from light-dark (LD) 8ratio16 were sacrificed at 8 time points throughout 24 h. To investigate the effect of a previous torpor episode on the clock, we sacrificed a group of normothermic hamsters 1 day after torpor. In normothermic animals, Per1 peaked at zeitgeber time (ZT)4; whereas, Bmal1 reached maximal expression between ZT16 and ZT19. AVP mRNA in the SCN showed highest levels at ZT7. On the day of torpor, the levels of all mRNAs investigated, except for AVP mRNA, were increased during the torpor bout. Moreover, the Bmal1 rhythm was advanced. On the day after the hypothermia, Bmal1 and AVP rhythms showed severely depressed amplitude. Those distinct amplitude changes of Bmal1 and AVP on the day after a torpor episode expression suggests that torpor affects the circadian system, probably by altered translational processes that might lead to a modified protein feedback on gene expression. In the pineal gland, an important clock output, Aanat expression, peaked between ZT16 and ZT22 in normothermic animals. Aanat levels were significantly advanced on the day of hypothermia, an effect which was still visible 1 day afterward. In summary, this study showed that daily torpor affects the phase and amplitude of rhythmic clock gene and clock-controlled gene expression in the SCN. Furthermore, the rhythmic gene expression in a peripheral oscillator, the pineal gland, is also affected.

PKR, the double stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase as a critical target in Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) deposits and neurofibrillary tangles are key hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ stimulates many signal transducers involved in the neuronal death. However, many mechanisms remain to be elucidated because no definitive therapy of AD exists. Some studies have focused on the control of translation which involves eIF2 and eIF4E, main eukaryotic factors of initiation. The availability of these factors depends on the activation of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), respectively. mTOR positively regulates the translation while PKR results in a protein synthesis shutdown. Many studies demonstrated that the PKR signalling pathway is up-regulated in cellular and animal models of AD and in the brain of AD patients. Interestingly, our results showed that phosphorylated PKR and eIF2α levels were significantly increased in lymphocytes of AD patients. These modifications were significantly correlated with cognitive and memory test scores performed in AD patients. On the contrary, the mTOR signalling pathway is down-regulated in cellular and animal models of AD. Recently, we showed that p53, regulated protein in development and DNA damage response 1 and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 could represent molecular links between PKR and mTOR signalling pathways. PKR could be an early biomarker of the neuronal death and a critical target for a therapeutic programme in AD.

Matching cellular metabolic supply and demand in energy-stressed animals

Certain environmental stressors can impair cellular ATP production to the point of harming or even killing an animal. Some exceptional animals employ strategies that maintain the balance between ATP production and consumption, allowing them to tolerate prolonged exposure to stressors such as hypoxia and anoxia. Anoxia- and hypoxia-tolerant animals reduce ATP consumption by ion-motive ATPases while concomitant reductions in passive ion flux reduce the demand for ion pumping and maintain transmembrane ion gradients. Reductions in gene transcription and protein turnover decrease ATP demand in hibernating and hypoxia-tolerant animals. Proton leak uncouples mitochondrial substrate oxidation from ATP synthesis and accounts for a considerable proportion of cellular energy demand, but there is little evidence that the proton permeability of inner mitochondrial membranes decreases in animals that tolerate energy stress. Indeed in some cases proton leak increases, possibly reducing reactive oxygen species production. Because substrate oxidation is important to the control of cellular metabolism, the downregulation of ATP supply pathways contributes significantly to metabolic suppression under energy stress. Mechanisms that coordinate the downregulation of both ATP supply and demand pathways include AMP kinase and ATP-sensitive ion channels. Strategies employed by animals tolerant to one energy stress often convey "cross-tolerance" to completely different stresses.

Regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis measured with L-[1-11C]leucine and PET in conscious, young adult men: normal values, variability, and reproducibility

We report regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) measured with the fully quantitative L-[1-(11)C]leucine positron emission tomography (PET) method. The method accounts for the fraction (lambda) of unlabeled amino acids in the precursor pool for protein synthesis derived from arterial plasma; the remainder (1-lambda) comes from tissue proteolysis. We determined rCPS and lambda in 18 regions and whole brain in 10 healthy men (21 to 24 years). Subjects underwent two 90-min dynamic PET studies with arterial blood sampling at least 2 weeks apart. Rates of cerebral protein synthesis varied regionally and ranged from 0.97+/-0.70 to 2.25+/-0.20 nmol/g per min. Values of rCPS were in good agreement between the two PET studies. Mean differences in rCPS between studies ranged from 9% in cortical regions to 15% in white matter. The lambda value was comparatively more uniform across regions, ranging from 0.63+/-0.03 to 0.79+/-0.02. Mean differences in lambda between studies were 2% to 8%. Intersubject variability in rCPS was on average 6% in cortical areas, 9% in subcortical regions, and 12% in white matter; intersubject variability in lambda was 2% to 8%. Our data indicate that in human subjects low variance and highly reproducible measures of rCPS can be made with the L-[1-(11)C]leucine PET method.

Arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii) hippocampal neurons tolerate prolonged oxygen-glucose deprivation and maintain baseline ERK1/2 and JNK activation despite drastic ATP loss

Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) initiates a cascade of intracellular responses that culminates in cell death in sensitive species. Neurons from Arctic ground squirrels (AGS), a hibernating species, tolerate OGD in vitro and global ischemia in vivo independent of temperature or torpor. Regulation of energy stores and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways can regulate neuronal survival. We used acute hippocampal slices to investigate the role of ATP stores and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPKs in promoting survival. Acute hippocampal slices from AGS tolerated 30 mins of OGD and showed a small but significant increase in cell death with 2 h OGD at 37 degrees C. This tolerance is independent of hibernation state or season. Neurons from AGS survive OGD despite rapid ATP depletion by 3 mins in interbout euthermic AGS and 10 mins in hibernating AGS. Oxygen-glucose deprivation does not induce JNK activation in AGS and baseline ERK1/2 and JNK activation is maintained even after drastic depletion of ATP. Surprisingly, inhibition of ERK1/2 or JNK during OGD had no effect on survival, whereas inhibition of JNK increased cell death during normoxia. Thus, protective mechanisms promoting tolerance to OGD by AGS are downstream from ATP loss and are independent of hibernation state or season. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism (2008) 28, 1307-1319; doi:10.1038/jcbfm.2008.20; published online 9 April 2008.

Mitochondrial metabolism in hibernation and daily torpor: a review

Hibernation and daily torpor involve substantial decreases in body temperature and metabolic rate, allowing birds and mammals to cope with cold environments and/or limited food. Regulated suppression of mitochondrial metabolism probably contributes to energy savings: state 3 (phosphorylating) respiration is lower in liver mitochondria isolated from mammals in hibernation or daily torpor compared to normothermic controls, although data on state 4 (non-phosphorylating) respiration are equivocal. However, no suppression is seen in skeletal muscle, and there is little reliable data from other tissues. In both daily torpor and hibernation, liver state 3 substrate oxidation is suppressed, especially upstream of electron transport chain complex IV. In hibernation respiratory suppression is reversed quickly in arousal even when body temperature is very low, implying acute regulatory mechanisms, such as oxaloacetate inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase. Respiratory suppression depends on in vitro assay temperature (no suppression is evident below approximately 30 degrees C) and (at least in hibernation) dietary polyunsaturated fats, suggesting effects on inner mitochondrial membrane phospholipids. Proton leakiness of the inner mitochondrial membrane does not change in hibernation, but this also depends on dietary polyunsaturates. In contrast proton leak increases in daily torpor, perhaps limiting reactive oxygen species production.

Mammalian hibernation: a naturally reversible model for insulin resistance in man?

Mammalian hibernators such as ground squirrels store massive amounts of fat each autumn. These fat depots serve as the main source of metabolic fuel throughout the winter, gradually decreasing over a period of months until the animals emerge from hibernation each spring. Fat deposition occurs on an approximately annual, i.e. on a circannual, basis. Although this rhythm occurs in the absence of environmental temperature and light cues, it is entrained by the length of daylight, with peak fat deposition occurring as days shorten in the autumn. Here we examine the circ-annual cycle of hibernation, and then explore the similarities and differences between the obligatory, yet reversible, natural obesity and accompanying insulin resistance of natural hibernation, and the pandemic of human obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Coping with the stress: expression of ATF4, ATF6, and downstream targets in organs of hibernating ground squirrels

Perturbation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein folding apparatus via any one of several environmental or metabolic stresses rapidly triggers a complex program of cellular responses that is termed the unfolded protein response (UPR). Stresses that trigger this response in mammals can include low temperature, hypoxia, ischemia, and oxidative stress. All of these can be natural features of mammalian hibernation, and hence the UPR might be integral to long term survival in a state of cold torpor. The present study analyzes changes in gene and/or protein expression of multiple markers of the UPR in tissues of euthermic (control) versus hibernating ground squirrels, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus. Immunoblot analysis of ATF4 protein expression revealed strong increases of 1.9- to 2.5-fold in brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and brain during hibernation. However, transcript levels of atf4 were unchanged or lowered which suggests that ATF4 protein levels were regulated at the translational level. Subcellular localization studies showed that ATF4 translocated into the nucleus during hibernation, as did its cofactor, the phosphorylated form of CREB-1, which rose by 25- to 39-fold in nuclear extracts of brain and skeletal muscle of torpid animals. The responses of other proteins involved in the UPR including p-PERK, ATF6, GADD153, and GADD34 were also evaluated. The data suggest that ATF4 up-regulation may play an important role in coordinating gene expression responses that support the hibernating phenotype.

Protein elongation rates in tissues of growing and adult sheep

To identify the relative roles of translation initiation and elongation in the long term control of protein synthesis in ovine tissues, fractional synthesis rates (FSR) and ribosomal transit times (RTT) were measured in vivo in 24 ewe lambs at 3 levels of intake [maintenance (M), 1.5M, and 2M] and 8 mature ewes at 2M intake. After 17 to 25 d on treatment, animals were given an i.v. flooding dose of l-[ring-2,6-(3)H]phenylalanine and tissues were collected for analysis of radioactivity in free protein, total protein, and nascent ribosome-associated proteins. Ribosome transit time (the inverse of elongation rate) averaged 83, 393, 183, 241, 85, and 113 s for liver, duodenum, skin, rumen, semimembranosus, and LM, respectively. In response to an increased level of intake, protein FSR increased (P < 0.01) in all tissues except rumen and was attributed to greater translational efficiency. There was no effect (P > 0.50) of intake on RTT in these tissues, and the estimated proportion of ribosomes attached to and actively translating mRNA was increased (P < 0.07), indicating that an upregulation of initiation was responsible for the greater FSR. Mature ewes exhibited lower (P < 0.10) protein FSR in all tissues compared with lambs, which was related to a decline in the RNA:protein ratio in all tissues except for liver and duodenum. In all tissues but liver and semimembranosus, RTT increased (P < 0.10) with age. The lower elongation rate was not considered to have influenced the protein synthetic rate, but it caused an increase in the proportion of ribosomes actively translating mRNA. It is anticipated that this work will provide direction to future studies of the molecular mechanisms of chronic FSR control.

Cerebral ischemia/stroke and small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation--a new target for therapeutic intervention?

Transient cerebral ischemia/stroke activates various post-translational protein modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitin conjugation that are believed to play a major role in the pathological process triggered by an interruption of blood supply and culminating in cell death. A new system of post-translational protein modification has been identified, termed as small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation. Like ubiquitin, SUMO is conjugated to the lysine residue of target proteins in a complex process. This review summarizes observations from recent experiments focusing on the effect of cerebral ischemia on SUMO conjugation. Transient global and focal cerebral ischemia both induced a rapid, dramatic and long-lasting rise in levels of SUMO2/3 conjugation. After transient focal cerebral ischemia, SUMO conjugation was particularly prominent in neurons located at the border of the ischemic territory where SUMO-conjugated proteins translocated to the nucleus. Many SUMO conjugation target proteins are transcription factors and sumoylation has been shown to have a major impact on the activity, stability, and cellular localization of target proteins. The rise in levels of SUMO-conjugated proteins is therefore likely to have a major effect on the fate of post-ischemic neurons. The sumoylation process could provide an exciting new target for therapeutic intervention.

Tribute to P. L. Lutz: putting life on 'pause'--molecular regulation of hypometabolism

Entry into a hypometabolic state is an important survival strategy for many organisms when challenged by environmental stress, including low oxygen, cold temperatures and lack of food or water. The molecular mechanisms that regulate transitions to and from hypometabolic states, and stabilize long-term viability during dormancy, are proving to be highly conserved across phylogenic lines. A number of these mechanisms were identified and explored using anoxia-tolerant turtles as the model system, particularly from the research contributions made by Dr Peter L. Lutz in his explorations of the mechanisms of neuronal suppression in anoxic brain. Here we review some recent advances in understanding the biochemical mechanisms of metabolic arrest with a focus on ideas such as the strategies used to reorganize metabolic priorities for ATP expenditure, molecular controls that suppress cell functions (e.g. ion pumping, transcription, translation, cell cycle arrest), changes in gene expression that support hypometabolism, and enhancement of defense mechanisms (e.g. antioxidants, chaperone proteins, protease inhibitors) that stabilize macromolecules and promote long-term viability in the hypometabolic state.

Energy availability influences microclimate selection of hibernating bats

Many species hibernate to conserve energy during periods of low food and water availability. It has long been assumed that the optimal hibernation strategy involves long, deep bouts of torpor that minimize energy expenditure. However, hibernation has ecological (e.g. decreased predator avoidance) and physiological (e.g. sleep deprivation) costs that must be balanced with energy savings; therefore, individuals possessing sufficient energy reserves may reduce their use of deep torpor. We tested the hypothesis that energy (fat)availability influences temperature selection of two fat-storing bat species during hibernation. We predicted that individuals with small energy reserves would select colder temperatures for hibernation in order to minimize energy expenditure, while individuals with larger energy reserves would choose warmer temperatures to minimize the costs of hibernation. Results from our field experiment indicate that little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus)hibernating in warm microclimates were significantly heavier than individuals hibernating in cooler microclimates. To determine if energy availability was mediating this relationship, we limited fatty acid availability with mercaptoacetate (MA) and quantified its effect on torpid metabolic rate(TMR) and thermal preference of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). Administration of MA caused a 43% drop in TMR at 10°C and caused bats to choose significantly colder temperatures for hibernation. Our results suggest that fat-storing bats minimize torpor expression using both physiological and behavioral mechanisms.

Mitochondrial metabolism during daily torpor in the dwarf Siberian hamster: role of active regulated changes and passive thermal effects

During daily torpor in the dwarf Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus, metabolic rate is reduced by 65% compared with the basal rate, but the mechanisms involved are contentious. We examined liver mitochondrial respiration to determine the possible role of active regulated changes and passive thermal effects in the reduction of metabolic rate. When assayed at 37 degrees C, state 3 (phosphorylating) respiration, but not state 4 (nonphosphorylating) respiration, was significantly lower during torpor compared with normothermia, suggesting that active regulated changes occur during daily torpor. Using top-down elasticity analysis, we determined that these active changes in torpor included a reduced substrate oxidation capacity and an increased proton conductance of the inner mitochondrial membrane. At 15 degrees C, mitochondrial respiration was at least 75% lower than at 37 degrees C, but there was no difference between normothermia and torpor. This implies that the active regulated changes are likely more important for reducing respiration at high temperatures (i.e., during entrance) and/or have effects other than reducing respiration at low temperatures. The decrease in respiration from 37 degrees C to 15 degrees C resulted predominantly from a considerable reduction of substrate oxidation capacity in both torpid and normothermic animals. Temperature-dependent changes in proton leak and phosphorylation kinetics depended on metabolic state; proton leakiness increased in torpid animals but decreased in normothermic animals, whereas phosphorylation activity decreased in torpid animals but increased in normothermic animals. Overall, we have shown that both active and passive changes to oxidative phosphorylation occur during daily torpor in this species, contributing to reduced metabolic rate.

Quantitative analysis of liver metabolites in three stages of the circannual hibernation cycle in 13-lined ground squirrels by NMR

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels and other circannual hibernators undergo profound physiological changes on an annual basis, transitioning from summer homeothermy [body temperature (Tb) ∼37°C] to winter heterothermy (Tbcycling between 0°C and 37°C). We hypothesize that these physiological changes are reflected in biochemical changes that provide mechanistic insights into, and biomarkers for, hibernation states. Here we report the results of an NMR-based metabolomics analysis of liver extracts from ground squirrels in three distinct physiological states of circannual hibernation: summer active (SA), late torpor (LT), and reentering torpor (Ent) after one of the euthermic arousals. Of the 43 identified and quantified metabolites, 36 differed among these three states and fell into two patterns of variation: 1) SA differed from both of the two winter states; or 2) the two winter states differed from each other, but one of the two was not different from SA. Concentrations of hepatic glucose, lactate, alanine, succinate, β-hydroxybutyrate, glutamine, and betaine were identified as robust hepatic biomarkers that together distinguish among animals in these three states of the circannual hibernation rhythm. These data are consistent with a proposed two-switch model of hibernation, in which setting the summer-winter switch to winter enables expression of a distinct torpor-arousal switch. The summer-winter switch is characterized by the metabolites associated with the well-known switch from carbohydrate to lipid fuel utilization during hibernation. The torpor-arousal switch is characterized by the accumulation of metabolites of nitrogen (glutamine) and phospholipid (betaine) catabolism in LT with the capacity to act as protective osmolytes.

Tissue-specific changes in protein synthesis associated with seasonal metabolic depression and recovery in the north temperate labrid, Tautogolabrus adspersus

The tissue-specific changes in protein synthesis were tracked in relation to the seasonal metabolic depression in cunner ( Tautogolabrus adsperus). In vivo protein synthesis rate and total RNA content were determined in liver, white muscle, brain, heart, and gill during periods of normal activity before metabolic depression, entrance into and during winter dormancy, and during the recovery period. The decrease in water temperature from 8°C to 4°C was accompanied by a 55% depression of protein synthesis in liver, brain, and heart and a 66% depression in gill. Protein synthesis in white muscle fell below detectable levels at this temperature. The depression of protein synthesis is an active process (Q10 = 6–21 between 8°C and 4°C) that occurs in advance of the behavioral and physiological depression at the whole animal level. Protein synthesis was maintained at these depressed levels in white muscle, brain, heart, and gill until water temperature returned to 4°C in the spring. Liver underwent a hyperactivation in the synthesis of proteins at 0°C, which may be linked to antifreeze production. During the recovery period, a hyperactivation of protein synthesis occurred in white muscle, which is suggestive of compensatory growth, as well as in heart and liver, which is considered to be linked to increased activity and feeding. Seasonal changes in total RNA content demonstrate the depression of protein synthesis with decreasing temperature to be closely associated with translational capacity, but the stimulation of protein synthesis during recovery appears to be associated with increased translational efficiency.

Novel activity of eukaryotic translocase, eEF2: dissociation of the 80S ribosome into subunits with ATP but not with GTP

Ribosomes must dissociate into subunits in order to begin protein biosynthesis. The enzymes that catalyze this fundamental process in eukaryotes remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that eukaryotic translocase, eEF2, which catalyzes peptide elongation in the presence of GTP, dissociates yeast 80S ribosomes into subunits in the presence of ATP but not GTP or other nucleoside triphosphates. Dissociation was detected by light scattering or ultracentrifugation after the split subunits were stabilized. ATP was hydrolyzed during the eEF2-dependent dissociation, while a non-hydrolyzable analog of ATP was inactive in ribosome splitting by eEF2. GTP inhibited not only ATP hydrolysis but also dissociation. Sordarin, a fungal eEF2 inhibitor, averted the splitting but stimulated ATP hydrolysis. Another elongation inhibitor, cycloheximide, also prevented eEF2/ATP-dependent splitting, while the inhibitory effect of fusidic acid on the splitting was nominal. Upon dissociation of the 80S ribosome, eEF2 was found on the subunits. We propose that the dissociation activity of eEF2/ATP plays a role in mobilizing 80S ribosomes for protein synthesis during the shift up of physiological conditions.