AMP-activated protein kinase: greater AMP dependence, and preferential nuclear localization, of complexes containing the alpha2 isoform

AMP-activated protein kinase in the regulation of hepatic energy metabolism: from physiology to therapeutic perspectives

As the liver is central in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis and energy storage, knowledge of the physiology as well as physiopathology of hepatic energy metabolism is a prerequisite to our understanding of whole-body metabolism. Hepatic fuel metabolism changes considerably depending on physiological circumstances (fed vs. fasted state). In consequence, hepatic carbohydrate, lipid and protein synthesis/utilization are tightly regulated according to needs. Fatty liver and hepatic insulin resistance (both frequently associated with the metabolic syndrome) or increased hepatic glucose production (as observed in type 2 diabetes) resulted from alterations in substrates oxidation/storage balance in the liver. Because AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is considered as a cellular energy sensor, it is important to gain understanding of the mechanism by which hepatic AMPK coordinates hepatic energy metabolism. AMPK has been implicated as a key regulator of physiological energy dynamics by limiting anabolic pathways (to prevent further ATP consumption) and by facilitating catabolic pathways (to increase ATP generation). Activation of hepatic AMPK leads to increased fatty acid oxidation and simultaneously inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis, cholesterol synthesis and glucose production. In addition to a short-term effect on specific enzymes, AMPK also modulates the transcription of genes involved in lipogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. The identification of AMPK targets in hepatic metabolism should be useful in developing treatments to reverse metabolic abnormalities of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.

Expression and activity of the 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway in selected tissues during chicken embryonic development

The 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved serine-threonine protein kinase and a key part of a kinase-signaling cascade that senses cellular energy status (adenosine monophosphate:adenosine triphosphate ratio) and acts to maintain energy homeostasis by coordinately regulating energy-consuming and energy-generating metabolic pathways. The objective of this study was to investigate aspects of the AMPK pathway in the liver, brain, breast muscle, and heart from d 12 of incubation through hatch in chickens. We first determined mRNA and protein expression profiles for a major upstream AMPK kinase, LKB1, which is known to activate (phosphorylate) AMPK in response to increases in the adenosine monophosphate:adenosine triphosphate ratio. Expression of LKB1 protein was greatest in the brain, which demonstrated tissue-specific patterns for phosphorylation. Next, AMPK subunit mRNA and protein expression profiles were determined. Significant changes in AMPK subunit mRNA expression occurred in all tissues from d 12 of incubation to hatch. Differences in the levels of active (phosphorylated) AMPK as well as alpha and beta subunit proteins were observed in all 4 tissues during embryonic development. Finally, we determined the protein level and phosphorylation status of an important downstream target for AMPK, acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase. The expression of acetyl-co-enzyme A carboxylase and phosphorylated acetyl-coenzyme A was greater in the brain than the liver, but was undetectable by Western blotting in the breast muscle and heart throughout the period of study. Together, our results are the first to demonstrate the expression and activity of the AMPK pathway in key tissues during the transition from embryonic to posthatch development in chickens.

The effects of adiponectin and metformin on prostate and colon neoplasia involve activation of AMP-activated protein kinase

Population studies provide evidence that obesity and insulin resistance are associated not only with elevated serum insulin levels and reduced serum adiponectin levels but also with increased risk of aggressive prostate and colon cancer. We show here that adiponectin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in colon (HT-29) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cells. These results are consistent with prior observations in myocytes, but we show that in epithelial cancer cells AMPK activation is associated with reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin activation as estimated by Ser(2448) phosphorylation, with reduction in p70S6 kinase activation as estimated by Thr(389) phosphorylation, with ribosomal protein S6 activation as estimated by Ser(235/236) phosphorylation, with reduction in protein translation as estimated by [(35)S]methionine incorporation, and with growth inhibition. Adiponectin-induced growth inhibition is significantly attenuated when AMPK level is reduced using small interfering RNA, indicating that AMPK is involved in mediating the antiproliferative action of this adipokine. Thus, adiponectin has the characteristics of a AMPK-dependent growth inhibitor that is deficient in obesity, and this may contribute to the adverse effects of obesity on neoplastic disease. Furthermore, metformin was observed to activate AMPK and to have growth inhibitory actions on prostate and colon cancer cells, suggesting that this compound may be of particular value in attenuating the adverse effects of obesity on neoplasia.

Prolonged AICAR-induced AMP-kinase activation promotes energy dissipation in white adipocytes: novel mechanisms integrating HSL and ATGL

This study was designed to investigate the effects of prolonged activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on lipid partitioning and the potential molecular mechanisms involved in these processes in white adipose tissue (WAT). Rat epididymal adipocytes were incubated with 5'-aminoimidasole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR;0.5 mM) for 15 h. Also, epididymal adipocytes were isolated 15 h after AICAR was injected (i.p. 0.7 g/kg body weight) in rats. Adipocytes were utilized for various metabolic assays and for determination of gene expression and protein content. Time-dependent in vivo plasma NEFA concentrations were determined. AICAR treatment significantly increased AMPK activation, inhibited lipogenesis, and increased FA oxidation. This was accompanied by upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha, PPARdelta, and PPARgamma-coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) mRNA levels. Lipolysis was first suppressed, but then increased, both in vitro and in vivo, with prolonged AICAR treatment. Exposure to AICAR increased adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) content and FA release, despite inhibition of basal and epinephrine-stimulated hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activity. Here, we provide evidence that prolonged AICAR-induced AMPK activation can remodel adipocyte metabolism by upregulating pathways that favor energy dissipation versus lipid storage in WAT. Additionally, we show novel time-dependent effects of AICAR-induced AMPK activation on lipolysis, which involves antagonistic modulation of HSL and ATGL.

Nuclear localization of SNARK; its impact on gene expression

SNARK, a member of the AMPK-related kinases, has been involved in the cellular stress responses but its precise mechanisms remain unclear. Subcellular localization of SNARK protein was identified. Unlike cytoplasmic localizing AMPKalpha, SNARK was predominantly localized in the nucleus. SNARK was constitutively distributed in the nucleus even when SNARK was activated by metabolic stimuli such as AICAR and glucose-deprivation. Conserved nuclear localization signal (NLS) was identified at the N-terminal portion ((68)KKAR(71)). Deletion and point mutation of this part resulted in the cytoplasmic translocation of mutant proteins. Furthermore, GFP fused with the SNARK fragment containing (68)KKAR(71) translocated to the nucleus. A microarray analysis revealed that the nuclear localizing SNARK altered transcriptome profiles and a considerable part of these alterations were canceled by the mutation of NLS, suggesting the ability of SNARK to modulate gene expression dependent on its nuclear localization.

Suppression of the JNK pathway by induction of a metabolic stress response prevents vascular injury and dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Oxidative injury and dysfunction of the vascular endothelium are early and causal features of many vascular diseases. Single antioxidant strategies to prevent vascular injury have met with mixed results.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, we report that induction of a metabolic stress response with adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) prevents oxidative endothelial cell injury. This response is characterized by stabilization of the mitochondrion and increased mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in attenuation of oxidative c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. We report that peroxisome proliferator coactivator 1alpha is a key downstream target of AMPK that is both necessary and sufficient for the metabolic stress response and JNK attenuation. Moreover, induction of the metabolic stress response in vivo attenuates reactive oxygen species-mediated JNK activation and endothelial dysfunction in response to angiotensin II in wild-type mice but not in animals lacking either the endothelial isoform of AMPK or peroxisome proliferator coactivator 1alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

These data highlight AMPK and peroxisome proliferator coactivator 1alpha as potential therapeutic targets for the amelioration of endothelial dysfunction and, as a consequence, vascular disease.

Differential regulation of AMP-activated kinase and AKT kinase in response to oxygen availability in crucian carp (Carassius carassius)

We investigated whether two kinases critical for survival during periods of energy deficiency in anoxia-intolerant mammalian species, AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (AKT), are equally important for hypoxic/anoxic survival in the extremely anoxia-tolerant crucian carp (Carassius carassius). We report that phosphorylation of AMPK and AKT in heart and brain showed small changes after 10 days of severe hypoxia (0.3 mg O2/l at 9 degrees C). In contrast, anoxia exposure (0.01 mg O2/l at 8 degrees C) substantially increased AMPK phosphorylation but decreased AKT phosphorylation in carp heart and brain, indicating activation of AMPK and deactivation of AKT. In agreement, blocking the activity of AMPK in anoxic fish in vivo with 20 mg/kg Compound C resulted in an elevated metabolic rate (as indicated by increased ethanol production) and tended to reduce energy charge. This is the first in vivo experiment with Compound C in a nonmammalian vertebrate, and it appears that AMPK plays a role in mediating anoxic metabolic depression in crucian carp. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of the investigated AMPK subunit revealed that the most likely composition of subunits in the carp heart is alpha2, beta1B, gamma2a, whereas a more even expression of subunits was found in the brain. In the heart, expression of the regulatory gamma2-subunit increased in the heart during anoxia. In the brain, expression of the alpha1-, alpha2-, and gamma1-subunits decreased with anoxia exposure, but expression of the gamma2-subunit remained constant. Combined, our findings suggest that AMPK and AKT may play important, but opposing roles for hypoxic/anoxic survival in the anoxia-tolerant crucian carp.

Caffeine enhances endothelial repair by an AMPK-dependent mechanism

OBJECTIVE

Migratory capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mature endothelial cells (ECs) is a key prerequisite for endothelial repair after denuding injury or endothelial damage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We demonstrate that caffeine in physiologically relevant concentrations (50 to 100 micromol/L) induces migration of human EPCs as well as mature ECs. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), caffeinated coffee increased caffeine serum concentration from 2 micromol/L to 23 micromol/L, coinciding with a significant increase in migratory activity of patient-derived EPCs. Decaffeinated coffee neither affected caffeine serum levels nor migratory capacity of EPCs. Treatment with caffeine for 7 to 10 days in a mouse-model improved endothelial repair after denudation of the carotid artery. The enhancement of reendothelialization by caffeine was significantly reduced in AMPK knockout mice compared to wild-type animals. Transplantation of wild-type and AMPK(-/-) bone marrow into wild-type mice revealed no difference in caffeine challenged reendothelialization. ECs which were depleted of mitochondrial DNA did not migrate when challenged with caffeine, suggesting a potential role for mitochondria in caffeine-dependent migration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence that caffeine enhances endothelial cell migration and reendothelialization in part through an AMPK-dependent mechanism, suggesting a beneficial role for caffeine in endothelial repair.

Mechanism of thrombin mediated eNOS phosphorylation in endothelial cells is dependent on ATP levels after stimulation

Conflicting results have been reported concerning the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in mediating thrombin stimulation of endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS). We examined the involvement of two upstream kinases in AMPK activation in cultured human umbilical endothelial cells, LKB1 stimulated by a rise in intracellular AMP/ATP ratio, and Ca(+2)/CaM kinase kinase (CaMKK) responding to elevation of intracellular Ca(+2). We also studied the effects of AMPK activation on the downstream target eNOS. In culture medium 1640 the level of intracellular ATP was unchanged after thrombin stimulation and the CaMKK inhibitor STO-609 totally inhibited phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) but not eNOS. In Morgan's medium 199 thrombin caused a significant lowering of intracellular ATP and STO-609 only partially inhibited the phosphorylation of AMPK, ACC and eNOS. Inhibition of AMPK by Compound C or AMPK downregulation using siRNA partially inhibited the phosphorylation of eNOS in medium 199 but not in 1640, underscoring a clear difference in the pathways mediating thrombin-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation in different culture media. Thus, conditions subjecting endothelial cells to a fall in ATP after thrombin stimulation facilitate activation of pathways partly dependent on AMPK causing downstream phosphorylation of eNOS. In contrast, under culture conditions that do not facilitate a fall in ATP after stimulation, AMPK activation is exclusively mediated by CaMKK and does not contribute to the phosphorylation of eNOS.

AMPK inactivation in mononuclear cells: a potential intracellular mechanism for exercise-induced immunosuppression

There is much evidence that prolonged intense exercise suppresses the immune system. However, the intracellular biochemical mechanisms linking exercise and immunosuppression remain obscure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that exercise-induced inactivation of 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) disrupts individual immune cell function, and thus may be linked to exercise-induced immunosuppression. To confirm AMPK's role in immune cells, AMPK activity was assessed in cultured monocytic Mono Mac 6 (MM6) cells. The effects of single bouts of intense exercise (45 min cycling; 70% VO2 max) on several immune parameters including mononuclear cell AMPK phosphorylation were investigated in 10 male volunteers. In vitro, the mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin brought about transient decreases in cellular [ATP] (0.41+/-0.04 pmol/cell to 0.31+/-0.02 pmol/cell), and activation of AMPKalpha1 (170.7%+/-31.2% basal) and the glycolytic enzyme inducible phosphofructokinase 2 (iPFK-2) (225.0%+/-46.1% basal), with the latter effects coinciding with recovery from ATP depletion. In contrast, exercise-induced transient (approximately 1 h) decreases in AMPKalpha1 phosphorylation (64.4%+/-17.6% basal). This AMPK inactivation coincided with comparable transient decreases in other immune parameters (salivary IgA levels, serum cytokine levels, monocyte CD36 expression). Although the brief exercise bout employed here is not sufficient to cause full-fledged immunosuppression, exercise-induced transient decreases in mononuclear cell AMPK activation (as seen in this study) may cause energy depletion within individual immune cells, and therefore have an impact upon their ability to carry out their functions. Thus, we suggest that prolonged, repeated, high-intensity exercise that leads to clinically relevant immunosuppression may do so via AMPK inactivation within immune cells.

Downregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase by Cidea-mediated ubiquitination and degradation in brown adipose tissue

We previously showed that Cidea(-/-) mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity through the upregulation of energy expenditure. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), consisting of catalytic alpha subunit and regulatory subunits beta and gamma, has a pivotal function in energy homoeostasis. We show here that AMPK protein levels and enzymatic activity were significantly increased in the brown adipose tissue of Cidea(-/-) mice. We also found that Cidea is colocalized with AMPK in the endoplasmic reticulum and forms a complex with AMPK in vivo through specific interaction with the beta subunit of AMPK, but not with the alpha or gamma subunit. When co-expressed with Cidea, the stability of AMPK-beta subunit was dramatically reduced due to increased ubiquitination-mediated degradation, which depends on a physical interaction between Cidea and AMPK. Furthermore, AMPK stability and enzymatic activity were increased in Cidea(-/-) adipocytes differentiated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts or preadipocytes. Our data strongly suggest that AMPK can be regulated by Cidea-mediated ubiquitin-dependent proteosome degradation, and provide a molecular explanation for the increased energy expenditure and lean phenotype in Cidea-null mice.

The Caenorhabditis elegans AMP-activated protein kinase AAK-2 is phosphorylated by LKB1 and is required for resistance to oxidative stress and for normal motility and foraging behavior

AAK-2 is one of two alpha isoforms of the AMP-activated protein kinase in Caenorhabditis elegans and is involved in life span maintenance, stress responses, and germ cell cycle arrest upon dauer entry. We found that AAK-2 was phosphorylated at threonine 243 in response to paraquat treatment and that this phosphorylation depends on PAR-4, the C. elegans LKB1 homologue. Both aak-2 mutation and par-4 knockdown increased the sensitivity of C. elegans worms to paraquat, and the double deficiency did not further increase sensitivity, indicating that aak-2 and par-4 act in a linear pathway. Both mutations also slowed body bending during locomotion and failed to reduce head oscillation in response to anterior touch. Consistent with this abnormal motility and behavioral response, expression of the AAK-2::green fluorescent protein fusion protein was observed in the ventral cord, some neurons, body wall muscle, pharynx, vulva, somatic gonad, and excretory cell. Our study suggests that AMPK can influence the behavior of C. elegans worms in addition to its well known function in metabolic control.

Chronic palmitate exposure inhibits AMPKalpha and decreases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from beta-cells: modulation by fenofibrate

AIM

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a vital regulator of glucose metabolism, may affect insulin secretion in beta-cells. However, the role of AMPK in beta-cell lipotoxicity remains unclear. Fenofibrate has been reported to regulate lipid homeostasis and is involved in insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of palmitate on AMPK expression and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in rat islets and INS-1 beta-cell, as well as the effect of fenofibrate on AMPK and GSIS in INS-1 cells treated with palmitate.

METHODS

Isolated rat islets and INS-1 beta-cells were treated with and without palmitate or fenofibrate for 48 h. The mRNA levels of the AMPK alpha isoforms were measured by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of total AMPKalpha (TAMPKalpha), phosphorylated AMPKalpha (P-AMPKalpha), and phosphorylated acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (P-ACC). Insulin secretion was detected by radioimmunoassay induced by 20 mmol/L glucose as GSIS.

RESULTS

The results showed that chronic exposure of beta-cells to palmitate for 48 h inhibited the expression of AMPK alpha1 mRNA and T-AMPK alpha protein levels, as well as P-AMPK alpha and PACC protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, GSIS was inhibited by palmitate. Compared with the palmitate-treated cells, fenofibrate ameliorated these changes impaired by palmitate and exhibited a significant elevation in the expression of AMPK alpha and GSIS.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a role of AMPK alpha reduction in beta-cell lipotoxicity and a novel role of fenofibrate in improving GSIS associated with the AMPK alpha activation in beta-cells chronically exposed to palmitate.

Homogenous fluorescent assays for characterizing small-molecule activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)

AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism. AMPK activity is modulated in part by binding of AMP to the γ-subunit of the kinase, which increases the activity of the catalytic α-subunit. Because increased AMPK activity in the liver and in skeletal muscle leads to increased fatty acid oxidation and decreased cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis, activators of AMPK are being sought for treatment of type-2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The unique mechanism of AMPK activation offers an opportunity to develop small molecules that directly upregulate AMPK activity, and there exists a need for simplified methods to identify and characterize small-molecules that show isoform-specific effects on AMPK. We have developed a suite of fluorescence-based assays to identify and characterize such compounds, and have used these to characterize and compare activity of recombinant AMPK α₁β₁γ₁ and α₂β₁γ₁ isoforms in response to small molecule activators and inhibitors.

Phosphorylation of LKB1 at serine 428 by protein kinase C-zeta is required for metformin-enhanced activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase in endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Metformin, one of most commonly used antidiabetes drugs, is reported to exert its therapeutic effects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); however, the mechanism by which metformin activates AMPK is poorly defined. The objective of the present study was to determine how metformin activates AMPK in endothelial cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells or bovine aortic endothelial cells to metformin significantly increased AMPK activity and the phosphorylation of both AMPK at Thr172 and LKB1 at Ser428, an AMPK kinase, which was paralleled by increased activation of protein kinase C (PKC)-zeta, as evidenced by increased activity, phosphorylation (Thr410/403), and nuclear translocation of PKC-zeta. Consistently, either pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PKC-zeta ablated metformin-enhanced phosphorylation of both AMPK-Thr172 and LKB1-Ser428, suggesting that PKC-zeta might act as an upstream kinase for LKB1. Furthermore, adenoviral overexpression of LKB1 kinase-dead mutants abolished but LKB1 wild-type overexpression enhanced the effects of metformin on AMPK in bovine aortic endothelial cells. In addition, metformin increased the phosphorylation and nuclear export of LKB1 into the cytosols as well as the association of AMPK with LKB1 in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Similarly, overexpression of LKB1 wild-type but not LKB1 S428A mutants (serine replaced by alanine) restored the effects of metformin on AMPK in LKB1-deficient HeLa-S3 cells, suggesting that Ser428 phosphorylation of LKB1 is required for metformin-enhanced AMPK activation. Moreover, LKB1 S428A, like kinase-dead LKB1 D194A, abolished metformin-enhanced LKB1 translocation as well as the association of LKB1 with AMPK in HeLa-S3 cells. Finally, inhibition of PKC-zeta abolished metformin-enhanced coimmunoprecipitation of LKB1 with both AMPKalpha1 and AMPKalpha2.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that PKC-zeta phosphorylates LKB1 at Ser428, resulting in LKB1 nuclear export and hence AMPK activation.

AMP-activated protein kinase inhibits transforming growth factor-beta-induced Smad3-dependent transcription and myofibroblast transdifferentiation

In wound healing, myofibroblast transdifferentiation (MFT) is a metaplastic change in phenotype producing profibrotic effector cells that secrete and remodel the extracellular matrix. Unlike pathways that induce MFT, the molecular mechanisms that negatively regulate MFT are poorly understood. Here, we report that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) blocks MFT in response to transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta). Pharmacological activation of AMPK inhibited TGFbeta-induced secretion of extracellular matrix proteins collagen types I and IV and fibronectin. AMPK activation also prevented induction of the myofibroblast phenotype markers alpha-smooth muscle actin and the ED-A fibronectin splice variant. AMPK activators did not prevent MFT in cells transduced with an adenovirus expressing dominant negative, kinase-dead AMPKalpha2. Moreover, AMPK activators did not inhibit MFT induction in AMPK(alpha1,2)(-/-) fibroblasts, demonstrating a requirement for AMPK(alpha) expression. Adenoviral transduction of constitutively active AMPK(alpha2) was sufficient to prevent TGFbeta-induced collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and ED-A fibronectin. AMPK did not reduce TGFbeta-stimulated Smad3 COOH-terminal phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, which are necessary for MFT. However, AMPK activation inhibited TGFbeta-induced transcription driven by Smad3-binding cis-elements. Consistent with a role for AMPK in transcriptional regulation, nuclear translocation of AMPKalpha2 correlated with the appearance of active AMPKalpha in the nucleus. Collectively, these results demonstrate that AMPK inhibits TGFbeta-induced transcription downstream of Smad3 COOH-terminal phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, activation of AMPK is sufficient to negatively regulate MFT in vitro.

The role of AMPK in psychosine mediated effects on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes: implication for Krabbe disease

Krabbe disease (KD) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by the deficiency of galactocerebrosidase activity resulting in accumulation of psychosine, which leads to energy depletion, loss of oligodendrocytes, induction of gliosis, and inflammation by astrocytes in CNS. In this study, for the first time, we report the regulation of 'cellular energy switch,' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), by psychosine in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Psychosine treatment significantly down-regulated AMPK activity, resulting in increased biosynthesis of lipids including cholesterol and free fatty acid in oligodendrocytes cell line (MO3.13) and primary astrocytes. Pharmacological activator of AMPK, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) attenuated the psychosine-mediated down-regulation of AMPK and restored altered biosynthesis of lipids. AICAR treatment also down-regulated psychosine induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase in primary astrocytes. However, AICAR treatment had no effect on psychosine induced-reactive oxygen species generation, arachidonic acid release, and death of oligodendrocytes; suggesting the specific role of AMPK in regulation of psychosine-mediated inflammatory response of astrocytes but not in cell death of oligodendrocytes. This study delineates an explicit role for AMPK in psychosine induced inflammation in astrocytes without directly affecting the cell death of oligodendrocytes. It also suggests that AMPK activating agents act as anti-inflammatory agents and can hold a therapeutic potential in Krabbe disease/twitcher disease, particularly when used in combination with drugs, which protect oligodendrocyte cell loss, such as sPLA2 inhibitor [Giri et al., J. Lipid Res. 47 (2006), 1478].

alpha2 But not alpha1 AMP-activated protein kinase mediates oxidative stress-induced inhibition of retinal pigment epithelium cell phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments

Oxidative stress causes retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell dysfunction and is a major risk factor leading to the development of dry-type age-related macular degeneration. Taking pharmacological and genetic approaches, we address the mechanisms by which sublethal oxidative stress inhibits RPE cell phagocytosis. Sublethal oxidative stress dose-dependently inhibited RPE cell phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POS) and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as determined by increased Thr172 and Ser79 phosphorylation of AMPKalpha and its substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase, respectively. Similar to oxidative stress, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR), a pharmacological activator of AMPK, inhibited RPE cell phagocytosis of POS in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of RPE cell phagocytosis by AICAR was fully reversed by blockade of AICAR translocation into cells by dipyridamole or inhibition of AICAR conversion to ZMP by adenosine kinase inhibitor 5-iodotubercidin. In agreement, AICAR-induced activation of AMPK was abolished by preincubation with dipyridamole or 5-iodotubercidin. Knock-out experiments further revealed that alpha2 but not alpha1 AMPK was involved in RPE cell phagocytosis and that activation of alpha2 AMPK contributed to the inhibition of RPE cell phagocytosis by oxidative stress. Inhibition of RPE cell phagocytosis by activation of alpha2 AMPK was associated with a dramatic increase in acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation. In comparison, AMPK had no role in oxidative stress-induced breakdown of RPE barrier function. Taken together, reduction in POS load under oxidative stress might direct RPE cells to a self-protected status. Thus, activating AMPK could have therapeutic potential in treating dry macular degeneration.

Cellular energy sensing and signaling by AMP-activated protein kinase

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensing/signaling protein that, when activated, increases ATP production by stimulating glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation while at the same time inhibiting ATP = consuming processes such as protein synthesis. Chronic activation of AMPK inhibits expression of lipogenic enzymes in the liver and enhances expression of mitochondrial oxidative enzymes in skeletal muscle. Deficiency of muscle LKB1, the upstream kinase of AMPK, results in greater fluctuation in energy charge during muscle contraction and decreased capacity for exercise at higher work rates. Because AMPK enhances both glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle, it has become a target for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

AMP-activated protein kinase activation as a strategy for protecting vascular endothelial function

1. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in the regulation of cellular and organismal metabolism. AMPK has a heterotrimeric structure, consisting of a catalytic alpha-subunit and regulatory beta- and gamma-subunits, each of which has two or more isoforms that are differentially expressed in various tissues and that arise from distinct genes. The AMPK system acts as a sensor of cellular energy status that is conserved in all eukaryotic cells. In addition, AMPK is activated by physiological stimuli and oxidants. 2. The importance of AMPK in cardiovascular functions is best demonstrated by recent studies showing that widely used drugs, including statins, metformin and rosiglitazone, execute cardiovascular protective effects at least partly through the activation of AMPK. As a consequence, AMPK has been proposed as a candidate target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of both Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome owing to its central role in the regulation of energy balance; it may also have a role in weight control. 3. In the present brief review, we summarize the recent progress of AMPK signalling and regulation focusing on vascular endothelial cells. We further hypothesize that AMPK is a dual sensor for energy and redox status within a cell and AMPK may be a therapeutic target for protecting vascular endothelial function.

Localization of AMP kinase is regulated by stress, cell density, and signaling through the MEK-->ERK1/2 pathway

5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) serves as an energy sensor and is at the center of control for a large number of metabolic reactions, thereby playing a crucial role in Type 2 diabetes and other human diseases. AMPK is present in the nucleus and cytoplasm; however, the mechanisms that regulate the intracellular localization of AMPK are poorly understood. We have now identified several factors that control the distribution of AMPK. Environmental stress regulates the intracellular localization of AMPK, and upon recovery from heat shock or oxidant exposure AMPK accumulates in the nuclei. We show that under normal growth conditions AMPK shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, a process that depends on the nuclear exporter Crm1. However, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling does not take place in high-density cell cultures, for which AMPK is confined to the cytoplasm. Furthermore, we demonstrate that signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)-->extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) cascade plays a crucial role in controlling the proper localization of AMPK. As such, pharmacological inhibitors that interfere with this pathway alter AMPK distribution under nonstress conditions. Taken together, our studies identify novel links between the physiological state of the cell, the activation of MEK-->ERK1/2 signaling, and the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of AMPK. This sets the stage to develop new strategies to regulate the intracellular localization of AMPK and thereby the modification of targets that are relevant to human disease.

AMP-activated protein kinase is involved in hormone-induced mouse oocyte meiotic maturation in vitro

We have previously shown that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) can induce the resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes maintained in meiotic arrest in vitro. The present study was carried out to determine whether AMPK activation is involved in hormone-induced maturation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the EGF-like peptide, amphiregulin (AR), are potent inducers of maturation in cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes (CEO). Within 3 h of FSH treatment, phospho-acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) levels were increased in germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes when compared to non-stimulated controls and remained elevated throughout 9 h of culture, indicating AMPK activation. A similar response to AR was observed after 6 h of culture. Using anti-PT172 antibody (binds only to activated AMPK), Western analysis demonstrated active AMPK in both FSH- or AR-treated GV-stage oocytes within 6 h. The AMPK inhibitors, compound C and adenine 9-beta-d-arabinofuranoside (araA), blocked FSH- or AR-induced meiotic resumption and ACC phosphorylation, further supporting a causal role for AMPK in hormone-induced meiotic resumption. Immunocytochemistry using anti-PT172-AMPK antibody showed an increased diffuse cytoplasmic staining and more intense punctate staining in the germinal vesicles of oocytes following treatment with the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) or with FSH or AR, and this staining was eliminated by compound C or a blocking peptide for the anti-PT172 antibody. Staining of oocytes from hCG-stimulated mice with the anti-PT172 antibody also showed pronounced label in the germinal vesicles within 1-2 h. Furthermore, in oocytes from all groups, active AMPK was always observed in association with the condensed chromosomes of maturing oocytes. Taken together, these results support a role for AMPK in FSH and AR-induced maturation in vitro and hCG-induced maturation in vivo.

Neuroprotective effects of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibition and gene deletion in stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

5' adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) acts as a metabolic sensor. AMPK is elevated under ischemic conditions, but the role of AMPK in ischemic brain remains controversial. In this study, we examined the effects of AMPK inhibition using both pharmacological and genetic approaches in an in vivo stroke model.

METHODS

Focal stroke was induced by reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion in male wild-type mice as well as mice deficient in one of the isoforms of the catalytic subunit of AMPK, AMPK alpha-1 or alpha-2.

RESULTS

AMPK inhibition was neuroprotective after focal stroke. Mice deficient in AMPK alpha-2 demonstrated significantly smaller infarct volumes compared with wild-type littermates, whereas deletion of AMPK alpha-1 had no effect. Phosphorylation of a major upstream regulator of AMPK, LKB1, was also induced in stroke brain.

CONCLUSIONS

AMPK activation is detrimental in a model of focal stroke. The AMPK catalytic isoform alpha-2 contributes to the deleterious effects of AMPK activation. AMPK inhibition leads to neuroprotection even when these agents are administered poststroke.

Nitric oxide and mitochondrial signaling: from physiology to pathophysiology

Nitric oxide (NO) has been known for many years to bind to cytochrome C oxidase, the terminal acceptor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, in competition with oxygen. This interaction may be significant in vivo and explain some of the biological actions of NO. In this article we review the evidence showing that binding of NO to cytochrome C oxidase elicits intracellular signaling events, including the diversion of oxygen to nonrespiratory substrates and the generation of reactive oxygen species. We discuss findings indicating that these NO-elicited events act as triggers by which mitochondria modulate signal transduction cascades involved in the induction of cellular defense mechanisms and adaptive responses. We also discuss instances in which the effects of NO on the electron transport chain might lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and pathology.

5'AMP-activated protein kinase alpha deficiency enhances stress-induced apoptosis in BHK and PC12 cells

5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation occurs under a variety of stress conditions but the role of this enzyme in the promotion or inhibition of stress-induced cell death is unclear. To address this issue, we transformed two different cell lines with shRNA-expressing plasmids, targeting the alpha subunit of AMPK, and verified AMPKalpha downregulation. The cell lines were then stressed by exposure to medium without glucose (PC12 cells) or with the viral thymidine kinase-specific DNA replication inhibitors: acyclovir, penciclovir and ganciclovir (herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase-expressing Baby Hamster Kidney cells). In non-AMPK-downregulated cells, these stress treatments induced AMPK upregulation and phosphorylation, leaving open the question whether the association of AMPK activation with stress-induced cell death reflects a successful death-promoting or an ineffective death-inhibiting activity. In AMPKalpha-deficient cells (expressing AMPKalpha-specific shRNAs or treated with Compound C) exposure to low glucose medium or DNA replication inhibitors led to an enhancement of cell death, indicating that, under the conditions examined, the role of activated AMPK is not to promote, but to protect from or delay stress-induced cell death.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) action in skeletal muscle via direct phosphorylation of PGC-1alpha

Activation of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle increases glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis by increasing gene expression in these pathways. However, the transcriptional components that are directly targeted by AMPK are still elusive. The peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) has emerged as a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis; furthermore, it has been shown that PGC-1alpha gene expression is induced by exercise and by chemical activation of AMPK in skeletal muscle. Using primary muscle cells and mice deficient in PGC-1alpha, we found that the effects of AMPK on gene expression of glucose transporter 4, mitochondrial genes, and PGC-1alpha itself are almost entirely dependent on the function of PGC-1alpha protein. Furthermore, AMPK phosphorylates PGC-1alpha directly both in vitro and in cells. These direct phosphorylations of the PGC-1alpha protein at threonine-177 and serine-538 are required for the PGC-1alpha-dependent induction of the PGC-1alpha promoter. These data indicate that AMPK phosphorylation of PGC-1alpha initiates many of the important gene regulatory functions of AMPK in skeletal muscle.

AMP-activated protein kinase and chemotransduction in the carotid body

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key component of a kinase cascade that regulates energy balance at the cellular level. Our recent research has raised the possibility that AMPK may also function to couple hypoxic inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to O(2)-sensitive K(+) channel inhibition and hence underpin carotid body type I cell excitation. Thus, in addition to maintaining the cellular energy state AMPK may act as the primary metabolic sensor and effector of hypoxic chemotransduction in type I cells. These findings provide a unifying link between two previously separate theories pertaining to O(2)-sensing in the carotid body, namely the 'membrane hypothesis' and the 'mitochondrial hypothesis'. Furthermore, our data suggest that in addition to its effects at the cellular level the AMPK signalling cascade can mediate vital physiological mechanisms essential for meeting the metabolic needs of the whole organism.

Alpha-catalytic subunits of 5'AMP-activated protein kinase display fiber-specific expression and are upregulated by chronic low-frequency stimulation in rat muscle

5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling initiates adaptive changes in skeletal muscle fibers that restore homeostatic energy balance. The purpose of this investigation was to examine, in rats, the fiber-type protein expression patterns of the alpha-catalytic subunit isoforms in various skeletal muscles, and changes in their respective contents within the tibialis anterior (TA) after chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation (CLFS; 10 Hz, 10 h daily), applied for 4 +/- 1.2 or 25 +/- 4.8 days. Immunocytochemical staining of soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) showed that 86 +/- 4.1 to 97 +/- 1.4% of type IIA fibers stained for both the alpha1- and alpha2-isoforms progressively decreased to 63 +/- 12.2% of type IID/X and 9 +/- 2.4% of IIB fibers. 39 +/- 11.4% of IID/X and 83 +/- 7.9% of IIB fibers expressed only the alpha2 isoform in the MG, much of which was localized within nuclei. alpha1 and alpha2 contents, assessed by immunoblot, were lowest in the white gastrocnemius [WG; 80% myosin heavy chain (MHC) IIb; 20% MHCIId/x]. Compared with the WG, alpha1 content was 1.6 +/- 0.08 (P < 0.001) and 1.8 +/- 0.04 (P < 0.0001)-fold greater in the red gastrocnemius (RG: 13%, MHCIIa) and SOL (21%, MHCIIa), respectively, and increased in proportion to MHCIIa content. Similarly, alpha2 content was 1.4 +/- 0.10 (P < 0.02) and 1.5 +/- 0.07 (P < 0.001)-fold greater in RG and SOL compared with WG. CLFS induced 1.43 +/- 0.13 (P < 0.007) and 1.33 +/- 0.08 (P < 0.009)-fold increases in the alpha1 and alpha2 contents of the TA and coincided with the transition of faster type IIB and IID/X fibers toward IIA fibers. These findings indicate that fiber types differ with regard to their capacity for AMPK signaling and that this potential is increased by CLFS.

Enhanced polyamine catabolism alters homeostatic control of white adipose tissue mass, energy expenditure, and glucose metabolism

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) is an attractive candidate gene for type 2 diabetes, as genes of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway are coordinatively downregulated by reduced expression of PGC-1 alpha in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of patients with type 2 diabetes. Here we demonstrate that transgenic mice with activated polyamine catabolism due to overexpression of spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT) had reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, high basal metabolic rate, improved glucose tolerance, high insulin sensitivity, and enhanced expression of the OXPHOS genes, coordinated by increased levels of PGC-1 alpha and 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in WAT. As accelerated polyamine flux caused by SSAT overexpression depleted the ATP pool in adipocytes of SSAT mice and N(1),N(11)-diethylnorspermine-treated wild-type fetal fibroblasts, we propose that low ATP levels lead to the induction of AMPK, which in turn activates PGC-1 alpha in WAT of SSAT mice. Our hypothesis is supported by the finding that the phenotype of SSAT mice was reversed when the accelerated polyamine flux was reduced by the inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis in WAT. The involvement of polyamine catabolism in the regulation of energy and glucose metabolism may offer a novel target for drug development for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Investigating the mechanism for AMP activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase cascade

AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is activated allosterically by AMP and by phosphorylation of Thr172 within the catalytic alpha subunit. Here we show that mutations in the regulatory gamma subunit reduce allosteric activation of the kinase by AMP. In addition to its allosteric effect, AMP significantly reduces the dephosphorylation of Thr172 by PP (protein phosphatase)2Calpha. Moreover, a mutation in the gamma subunit almost completely abolishes the inhibitory effect of AMP on dephosphorylation. We were unable to detect any effect of AMP on Thr172 phosphorylation by either LKB1 or CaMKKbeta (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta) using recombinant preparations of the proteins. However, using partially purified AMPK from rat liver, there was an apparent AMP-stimulation of Thr172 phosphorylation by LKB1, but this was blocked by the addition of NaF, a PP inhibitor. Western blotting of partially purified rat liver AMPK and LKB1 revealed the presence of PP2Calpha in the preparations. We suggest that previous studies reporting that AMP promotes phosphorylation of Thr172 were misinterpreted. A plausible explanation for this effect of AMP is inhibition of dephosphorylation by PP2Calpha, present in the preparations of the kinases used in the earlier studies. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AMP activates AMPK via two mechanisms: by direct allosteric activation and by protecting Thr172 from dephosphorylation. On the basis of our new findings, we propose a simple model for the regulation of AMPK in mammalian cells by LKB1 and CaMKKbeta. This model accounts for activation of AMPK by two distinct signals: a Ca2+-dependent pathway, mediated by CaMKKbeta and an AMP-dependent pathway, mediated by LKB1.

Therapeutic Potential of H11 Kinase for the Ischemic Heart

H11 kinase (H11K) is a small heat shock protein expressed predominantly in the heart and skeletal muscle, which plays a critical role in the maintenance of cardiac cell survival and in promoting cell growth through the activation of complementary signaling pathways. An overexpression of H11K was detected in various forms of heart disease, both in animal models and in patients, including acute and chronic ventricular dysfunction, and myocardial hypertrophy. Overexpression of H11K was reproduced in a cardiac-specific transgenic model, which led to significant progress in understanding the role and mechanism of action of the protein. Increased expression of H11K confers a cardioprotection that is equivalent to ischemic preconditioning; it promotes cardiac hypertrophy while maintaining contractile function. The overexpression of H11K is sufficient to activate most of the signaling pathways involved in cardiac cell growth and survival, including the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt pathway, the AMP-dependent protein kinase, the PKCepsilon pathway of ischemic preconditioning, the nitric oxide pathway of delayed cardioprotection, and the mTOR pathway of cell growth. As a result, the survival response triggered by H11K in the heart includes antiapoptosis, cytoprotection, preconditioning, growth, and metabolic stimulation. In addition to activating signaling pathways, H11K promotes the subcellular translocation and crosstalk of intracellular messengers. This review discusses the biological function of H11K, its molecular mechanisms of action, and its potential therapeutic relevance. In particular, we discuss how preemptive conditioning of the heart by H11K might be beneficial for patients with ischemic heart disease who would be at risk of further irreversible cardiac damage.

Leptin stimulates fatty acid oxidation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene expression in mouse C2C12 myoblasts by changing the subcellular localization of the alpha2 form of AMP-activated protein kinase

Leptin stimulates fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the induction of gene expression, such as that for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). We now show that leptin stimulates fatty acid oxidation and PPARalpha gene expression in the C2C12 muscle cell line through the activation of AMPK containing the alpha2 subunit (alpha2AMPK) and through changes in the subcellular localization of this enzyme. Activated alpha2AMPK containing the beta1 subunit was shown to be retained in the cytoplasm, where it phosphorylated acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase and thereby stimulated fatty acid oxidation. In contrast, alpha2AMPK containing the beta2 subunit transiently increased fatty acid oxidation but underwent rapid translocation to the nucleus, where it induced PPARalpha gene transcription. A nuclear localization signal and Thr(172) phosphorylation of alpha2 were found to be essential for nuclear translocation of alpha2AMPK, whereas the myristoylation of beta1 anchors alpha2AMPK in the cytoplasm. The prevention of alpha2AMPK activation and the change in its subcellular localization inhibited the metabolic effects of leptin. Our data thus suggest that the activation of and changes in the subcellular localization of alpha2AMPK are required for leptin-induced stimulation of fatty acid oxidation and PPARalpha gene expression in muscle cells.

A conserved sequence immediately N-terminal to the Bateman domains in AMP-activated protein kinase gamma subunits is required for the interaction with the beta subunits

Mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase is a serine/threonine protein kinase that acts as a sensor of cellular energy status. AMP-activated protein kinase is a heterotrimer of three different subunits, i.e. alpha, beta, and gamma, with alpha being the catalytic subunit and beta and gamma having regulatory roles. Although several studies have defined different domains in alpha and beta involved in the interaction with the other subunits of the complex, little is known about the regions of the gamma subunits involved in these interactions. To study this, we have made sequential deletions from the N termini of the gamma subunit isoforms and studied the interactions with alpha and beta subunits, both by two-hybrid analysis and by co-immunoprecipitation. Our results suggest that a conserved region of 20-25 amino acids in gamma1, gamma2, and gamma3, immediately N-terminal to the Bateman domains, is required for the formation of a functional, active alphabetagamma complex. This region is required for the interaction with the beta subunits. The interaction between the alpha and gamma subunits does not require this region and occurs instead within the Bateman domains of the gamma subunit, although the alpha-gamma interaction does appear to stabilize the beta-gamma interaction. In addition, sequential deletions from the C termini of the gamma subunits indicate that deletion of any of the CBS (cystathionine beta-synthase) motifs prevents the formation of a functional complex with the alpha and beta subunits.

AMP-activated protein kinase in metabolic control and insulin signaling

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) system acts as a sensor of cellular energy status that is conserved in all eukaryotic cells. It is activated by increases in the cellular AMP:ATP ratio caused by metabolic stresses that either interfere with ATP production (eg, deprivation for glucose or oxygen) or that accelerate ATP consumption (eg, muscle contraction). Activation in response to increases in AMP involves phosphorylation by an upstream kinase, the tumor suppressor LKB1. In certain cells (eg, neurones, endothelial cells, and lymphocytes), AMPK can also be activated by a Ca(2+)-dependent and AMP-independent process involving phosphorylation by an alternate upstream kinase, CaMKKbeta. Once activated, AMPK switches on catabolic pathways that generate ATP, while switching off ATP-consuming processes such as biosynthesis and cell growth and proliferation. The AMPK complex contains 3 subunits, with the alpha subunit being catalytic, the beta subunit containing a glycogen-sensing domain, and the gamma subunits containing 2 regulatory sites that bind the activating and inhibitory nucleotides AMP and ATP. Although it may have evolved to respond to metabolic stress at the cellular level, hormones and cytokines such as insulin, leptin, and adiponectin can interact with the system, and it now appears to play a key role in maintaining energy balance at the whole body level. The AMPK system may be partly responsible for the health benefits of exercise and is the target for the antidiabetic drug metformin. It is a key player in the development of new treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome.

Effects of cannabinoid receptors on skeletal muscle oxidative pathways

The endocannabinoids, a recently discovered endogenous, lipid derived, signaling system regulating energy metabolism, have effects on central and peripheral energy metabolism predominantly via the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). CB1 is expressed centrally in the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens and peripherally in adipocytes and skeletal muscle. This study determined the effect of endocannabinoids on the expression of genes regulating energy metabolism in human skeletal muscle. Primary cultures of myotubes (lean and obese; n=3/group) were treated with the cannabinoid receptor agonist, anandamide (AEA) (0.2 and 5microM) and the CB1 specific antagonist AM251 (0.2 and 5microM) separately and in combination for 24h. The expression of mRNA for AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) alpha 1 (alpha1) and alpha 2 (alpha2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) were determined using 'Real Time' RT-PCR. AMPKalpha1 mRNA increased in lean and obese myotubes in response to AM251 (P<0.05). AEA inhibited the effect of AM251 on AMPKalpha1 mRNA levels in myotubes from lean and obese subjects (P<0.05); the dose-response curve was shifted to the left in the obese. In response to AM251, irrespective of the presence of AEA, PDK4 expression was decreased in lean and obese myotubes (P<0.05). Taken together these data suggest that endocannabinoids regulate pathways affecting skeletal muscle oxidation, effects particularly evident in myotubes from obese individuals.

Regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase by a pseudosubstrate sequence on the gamma subunit

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) system monitors cellular energy status by sensing AMP and ATP, and is a key regulator of energy balance at the cellular and whole-body levels. AMPK exists as heterotrimeric alphabetagamma complexes, and the gamma subunits contain two tandem domains that bind the regulatory nucleotides. There is a sequence in the first of these domains that is conserved in gamma subunit homologues in all eukaryotes, and which resembles the sequence around sites phosphorylated on target proteins of AMPK, except that it has a non-phosphorylatable residue in place of serine. We propose that in the absence of AMP this pseudosubstrate sequence binds to the active site groove on the alpha subunit, preventing phosphorylation by the upstream kinase, LKB1, and access to downstream targets. Binding of AMP causes a conformational change that prevents this interaction and relieves the inhibition. We present several lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis.

Upregulation of AMPK during cold exposure occurs via distinct mechanisms in brown and white adipose tissue of the mouse

AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism and whole-body energy balance, is present in brown adipose tissue but its role in regulating the acute metabolic state and chronic thermogenic potential of this metabolically unique tissue is unknown. To address this, the AMPK signalling system in brown and white adipose tissue was studied in C57Bl/6 mice under control conditions, during acute and chronic cold exposure, and during chronic adrenergic stimulation. In control mice AMPK activity in brown adipose tissue was higher than in any tissue yet reported (3-fold the level in liver) secondary to a high level of expression of the alpha1 isoform. During the first day of cold, a time of intense non-shivering thermogenesis, AMPK activity remained at basal levels. However, chronic (>7 days) cold caused a progressive increase in brown adipose tissue AMPK activity secondary to increased expression of the alpha1 isoform. To investigate the signalling pathway involved, noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and the beta(3)-adrenergic-specific agonist CL 316, 243 were given for 14 days. This increased uncoupling protein-1 content in brown adipose tissue, but not AMPK activity. In white adipose tissue 15 days of cold increased alpha1 AMPK activity 98 +/- 20%, an effect reproduced by chronic noradrenaline or CL 316 243. We conclude that chronic cold not only increases AMPK activity in brown and white adipose tissue, but that it does so via distinct signalling pathways. Our data are consistent with AMPK acting primarily as a regulator of chronic thermogenic potential in brown adipose tissue, and not in the acute activation of non-shivering thermogenesis.

Chronic hexosamine flux stimulates fatty acid oxidation by activating AMP-activated protein kinase in adipocytes

The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) serves as a nutrient sensor and has been implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. We previously demonstrated that fatty acid oxidation was enhanced in transgenic mouse adipocytes, wherein the rate-limiting enzyme of the HBP, glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFA), was overexpressed. To explore the molecular mechanism of the HBP-induced fatty acid oxidation in adipocytes, we studied AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy sensor that stimulates fatty acid oxidation by regulating acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity. Phosphorylation and activity of AMPK were increased in transgenic fat pads and in 3T3L1 adipocytes treated with glucosamine to stimulate hexosamine flux. Glucosamine also stimulated phosphorylation of ACC and fatty acid oxidation in 3T3L1 adipocytes, and these stimulatory effects were diminished by adenovirus-mediated expression of a dominant negative AMPK in 3T3L1 adipocytes. Conversely, blocking the HBP with a GFA inhibitor reduced AMPK activity, ACC phosphorylation, and fatty acid oxidation. These changes are not explained by alterations in the cellular AMP/ATP ratio. Further demonstrating that AMPK is regulated by the HBP, we found that AMPK was recognized by succinylated wheat germ agglutinin, which specifically binds O-GlcNAc. The levels of AMPK in succinylated wheat germ agglutinin precipitates correlated with hexosamine flux in mouse fat pads and 3T3L1 adipocytes. Moreover, removal of O-GlcNAc by hexosaminidase reduced AMPK activity. We conclude that chronically high hexosamine flux stimulates fatty acid oxidation by activating AMPK in adipocytes, in part through O-linked glycosylation.

Insulin vesicle release: walk, kiss, pause ... then run

The mechanisms by which insulin-containing dense core secretory vesicles approach and finally fuse with the plasma membrane are of considerable current interest: defects in these processes may be one of the contributing factors to Type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in vesicle trafficking within the pancreatic beta-cell and the mechanisms whereby these may be regulated. We then go on to describe recent evidence that suggests that vesicle fusion at the plasma membrane is a partly reversible process ("kiss and run" or "cavity recapture"). We propose that vesicles may participate in a exo-endocytotic cycle in which a proportion of those that have already undergone an interaction with the plasma membrane may exchange exocytotic machinery with maturing vesicles.

Role of AMPKalpha2 in basal, training-, and AICAR-induced GLUT4, hexokinase II, and mitochondrial protein expression in mouse muscle

We investigated the role of AMPKalpha2in basal, exercise training-, and AICAR-induced protein expression of GLUT4, hexokinase II (HKII), mitochondrial markers, and AMPK subunits. This was conducted in red (RG) and white gastrocnemius (WG) muscle from wild-type (WT) and alpha2-knockout (KO) mice after 28 days of activity wheel running or daily AICAR injection. Additional experiments were conducted to measure acute activation of AMPK by exercise and AICAR. At basal, mitochondrial markers were reduced by approximately 20% in alpha2-KO muscles compared with WT. In both muscle types, AMPKalpha2 activity was increased in response to both stimuli, whereas AMPKalpha1 activity was increased only in response to exercise. Furthermore, AMPK signaling was estimated to be 60-70% lower in alpha2-KO compared with WT muscles. In WG, AICAR treatment increased HKII, GLUT4, cytochrome c, COX-1, and CS, and the alpha2-KO abolished the AICAR-induced increases, whereas no AICAR responses were observed in RG. Exercise training increased GLUT4, HKII, COX-1, CS, and HAD protein in WG, but the alpha2-KO did not affect training-induced increases. Furthermore, AMPKalpha1, -alpha2, -beta1, -beta2, and -gamma3 subunits were reduced in RG, but not in WG, by 30-60% in response to exercise training. In conclusion, the alpha2-KO was associated with an approximately 20% reduction in mitochondrial markers in both muscle types and abolished AICAR-induced increases in protein expression in WG. However, the alpha2-KO did not reduce training-induced increases in HKII, GLUT4, COX-1, HAD, or CS protein in WG, suggesting that AMPKalpha2 may not be essential for metabolic adaptations of skeletal muscles to exercise training.

SNF1/AMPK/SnRK1 kinases, global regulators at the heart of energy control?

The SNF1-related kinases are considered to be crucial elements of transcriptional, metabolic and developmental regulation in response to stress. In yeast, SNF1 is one of the main regulators in the shift from fermentation to aerobic metabolism; AMPK, its mammalian counterpart, is a master metabolic regulator involved in a variety of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. The aim of this review is to examine the literature concerning SnRK1 proteins, the SNF1 homologues in plants. The remarkable structural similarities between the plant complexes and those of yeast and mammalian suggest the existence of a common ancestral function in the regulation of energy and carbon metabolism. We will also highlight some distinctive features acquired by the plant proteins during evolution.

AMP-activated protein kinase: Role in metabolism and therapeutic implications

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that works as a fuel gauge which becomes activated in situations of energy consumption. AMPK functions to restore cellular ATP levels by modifying diverse metabolic and cellular pathways. In the skeletal muscle, AMPK is activated during exercise and is involved in contraction-stimulated glucose transport and fatty acid oxidation. In the heart, AMPK activity increases during ischaemia and functions to sustain ATP, cardiac function and myocardial viability. In the liver, AMPK inhibits the production of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides and stimulates fatty acid oxidation. Recent studies have shown that AMPK is involved in the mechanism of action of metformin and thiazolidinediones, and the adipocytokines leptin and adiponectin. These data, along with evidence that pharmacological activation of AMPK in vivo improves blood glucose homeostasis, cholesterol concentrations and blood pressure in insulin-resistant rodents, make this enzyme an attractive pharmacological target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and other metabolic diseases.

Stress signaling in the heart by AMP-activated protein kinase

The stress-signaling protein, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), regulates a variety of pathways in cells that 1) increase the provision and utilization of energy-providing substrates such as glucose and fatty acids, 2) inhibit energy-requiring pathways such as cholesterol biosynthesis and protein synthesis, and 3) increase the transcription of genes involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. In the heart, AMPK therefore becomes very important in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury and regulating substrate metabolism in the face of changes in workload. This review summarizes the regulation of AMPK activity in the heart and discusses the effects of AMPK activation.

Predominant alpha2/beta2/gamma3 AMPK activation during exercise in human skeletal muscle

5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism and is regulated in muscle during exercise. We have previously established that only three of 12 possible AMPK alpha/beta/gamma-heterotrimers are present in human skeletal muscle. Previous studies describe discrepancies between total AMPK activity and regulation of its target acetyl-CoA-carboxylase (ACC)beta. Also, exercise training decreases expression of the regulatory gamma3 AMPK subunit and attenuates alpha2 AMPK activity during exercise. We hypothesize that these observations reflect a differential regulation of the AMPK heterotrimers. We provide evidence here that only the alpha2/beta2/gamma3 subunit is phosphorylated and activated during high-intensity exercise in vivo. The activity associated with the remaining two AMPK heterotrimers, alpha1/beta2/gamma1 and alpha2/beta2/gamma1, is either unchanged (20 min, 80% maximal oxygen uptake ) or decreased (30 or 120 s sprint-exercise). The differential activity of the heterotrimers leads to a total alpha-AMPK activity, that is decreased (30 s trial), unchanged (120 s trial) and increased (20 min trial). AMPK activity associated with the alpha2/beta2/gamma3 heterotrimer was strongly correlated to gamma3-associated alpha-Thr-172 AMPK phosphorylation (r(2) = 0.84, P < 0.001) and to ACCbeta Ser-221 phosphorylation (r(2) = 0.65, P < 0.001). These data single out the alpha2/beta2/gamma3 heterotrimer as an important actor in exercise-regulated AMPK signalling in human skeletal muscle, probably mediating phosphorylation of ACCbeta.

The changing AMPK expression profile in differentiating mouse skeletal muscle myoblast cells helps confer increasing resistance to apoptosis

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a alpha/beta/gamma heterotrimer to preserve ATP levels and so cell viability during stressful conditions. However, its role in aiding survival of adult skeletal muscle precursor cells is unclear. Using the differentiating mouse C2C12 postnatal skeletal muscle myoblast cell line, we have determined that proteins for the AMPK subunit isoforms alpha2 and gamma2 are constitutively expressed, while those for alpha1, beta1 and beta2 are undetectable in undifferentiated myoblasts but increasingly expressed with differentiation to myotubes. Although the gamma3 subunit is expressed at a low level in myoblasts, it too is expressed increasingly with differentiation to myotubes. The p50 but not the p72 isoform of the embryonic alpha subunit homologue MELK is expressed only in proliferating myoblasts, while the ARK5 alpha subunit homologue is increasingly expressed with differentiation. Myotubes displayed higher basal and stimulated alpha1/alpha2 AMPK activation than myoblasts. Furthermore, serum starvation resulted in less apoptosis of differentiated myotubes than of undifferentiated myoblasts. This reflects, in part, the increased expression of functional AMPK in the myotubes, since specific inhibition of AMPK activity with 6-[4-(2-piperidin-1-ylethoxy)-phenyl]-3-pyridin-4-ylpyrazolo[1,5-alpha] pyrimidine (Compound C) exacerbated the apoptosis resulting from serum withdrawal. If these in vitro events can also occur in vivo, they could have implications for pathologies such as muscle wasting, in which undifferentiated satellite stem cells may be easier apoptotic targets than their differentiated counterparts. Furthermore, these results suggest that when interpreting results from in vitro or in vivo experiments on AMPK, the subunit expression profile should be taken into account.