Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma target gene encoding a novel angiopoietin-related protein associated with adipose differentiation

Angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) promotes angiogenesis

We report here the identification of angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) as a positive mediator for angiogenesis. To investigate the biologic function of AGF in angiogenesis, we analyzed the vasculature in the dermis of transgenic mice expressing AGF in mouse epidermal keratinocytes (K14-AGF). K14-AGF transgenic mice were grossly red, especially in the ears and snout, suggesting that hypervascularization had occurred in their skin. Histologic examination of ear skin from K14-AGF transgenic mice revealed increased numbers of microvessels in the dermis, whereas the expression of several angiogenic factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), was decreased. We showed that AGF is a secreted protein and does not bind to tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and EGF-homology domain (Tie1) or Tie2 receptors. An in vitro chamber assay revealed that AGF directly promotes chemotactic activity of vascular endothelial cells. Both mouse corneal and matrigel plug assays showed that AGF induces neovascularization in vivo. Furthermore, we found that plasma leakage occurred after direct injection of AGF into the mouse dermis, suggesting that AGF directly induces a permeability change in the local vasculature. On the basis of these observations, we propose that AGF is a novel angiogenic factor and that handling of its biologic functions could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for control of angiogenesis.

The biology of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: relationship with lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors belonging to the superfamily of nuclear receptors. Three isoforms (alpha, delta, and gamma) have been described. They act on DNA response elements as heterodimers with the nuclear retinoic acid receptor. Their natural activating ligands are fatty acids and lipid-derived substrates. PPAR-alpha is present in liver, heart, and, to a lesser extent, skeletal muscle. When activated, it promotes fatty acid oxidation, ketone body synthesis, and glucose sparing. Fibrates, which are used as hypolipidemic drugs, are ligands of PPAR-alpha. PPAR-delta is ubiquitous and could also favor fatty acid oxidation in tissues in which PPAR-alpha is absent or less expressed. PPAR-gamma is expressed in adipose tissue, lower intestine, and cells involved in immunity. Activation of PPAR-gamma induces the differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes and stimulates triglyceride storage. Thiazolidinediones are compounds used as hypoglycemic, muscle insulin-sensitizing agents in type 2 diabetes. Unexpectedly, they are activators of PPAR-gamma. Their action on muscle insulin sensitivity may be secondary to the lowering of circulating lipids on PPAR-gamma activation and to the secretion by adipocytes of insulin-sensitizing hormones such as adiponectin, all promoting glucose utilization. The PPARs are thus major regulators of lipid and glucose metabolism, allowing adaptation to the prevailing nutritional environment.

Nuclear prostaglandin receptors: role in pregnancy and parturition?

The key regulatory role of prostanoids [prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes (TXs)] in the maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of parturition has been established. However, our understanding of how these events are fine-tuned by the recruitment of specific signaling pathways remains unclear. Whereas, initial thoughts were that PGs were lipophilic and would easily cross cell membranes without specific receptors or transport processes, it has since been realized that PG signaling occurs via specific cell surface G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) coupled to classical adenylate cyclase or inositol phosphate signaling pathways. Furthermore, specific PG transporters have been identified and cloned adding a further level of complexity to the regulation of paracrine action of these potent bioactive molecules. It is now apparent that PGs also activate nuclear receptors, opening the possibility of novel intracrine signaling mechanisms. The existence of intracrine signaling pathways is further supported by accumulating evidence linking the perinuclear localization of PG synthesizing enzymes with intracellular PG synthesis. This review will focus on the evidence for a role of nuclear actions of PGs in the regulation of pregnancy and parturition.

Liver X receptors are regulators of adipocyte gene expression but not differentiation: identification of apoD as a direct target

The liver X receptors alpha and beta (LXRalpha and LXRbeta) have been shown to play important roles in lipid homeostasis in liver and macrophages, however, their function in adipose tissue is not well defined. Both LXRs are highly expressed in fat, and the expression of LXRalpha increases during adipogenesis. Furthermore, LXRalpha expression is induced by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), the master regulator of fat cell differentiation. Here we investigate the role of LXRs in adipocyte differentiation and gene expression and their potential crosstalk with the PPARgamma pathway. We demonstrate that LXR agonists have no significant effect on the differentiation of 3T3-F442A or 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in vitro and do not alter the expression of differentiation-linked PPARgamma target genes in vivo. Moreover, retroviral expression of LXRalpha in NIH-3T3 cells does not alter the adipogenic potential of these cells and neither augments nor inhibits the action of PPARgamma. However, transcriptional profiling studies reveal that LXRs are important regulators of adipocyte gene expression. We identify the multifunction lipid carrier protein apolipoprotein D and the lipogenic protein Spot 14 as LXR responsive genes both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, although LXRs do not influence adipocyte differentiation per se, these receptors are likely to play an important role in the modulation of lipid metabolism in adipocytes.

Oligomerization and regulated proteolytic processing of angiopoietin-like protein 4

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) is a recently identified circulating protein expressed primarily in adipose tissue and liver. Also known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma angiopoietin-related, fasting induced adipose factor, and hepatic fibrinogen/angiopoietin-related protein, recombinant Angptl4 causes increase of plasma very low density lipoprotein levels by inhibition of lipoprotein lipase activity. Similar to angiopoietins and other angiopoietin-like proteins, Angptl4 contains an amino-terminal coiled-coil domain and a carboxyl-terminal fibrinogen-like domain. We report here that Angptl4 is evolutionarily conserved among several mammalian species and that full-length Angptl4 protein is an oligomer containing intermolecular disulfide bonds. Oligomerized Angptl4 undergoes proteolytic processing to release its carboxyl fibrinogen-like domain, which circulates as a monomer. Angptl4's N-terminal coiled-coil domain mediates its oligomerization, which by itself is sufficient to form higher order oligomeric structure. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Angptl4 in 293 cells shows that conversion of full-length, oligomerized Angptl4 is mediated by a cell-associated protease activity induced by serum. These findings demonstrate a novel property of angiopoietin-like proteins and suggest that oligomerization and proteolytic processing of Angptl4 may regulate its biological activities in vivo.

The central role of fat and effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma on progression of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease

Recent evidence suggests that progression of insulin resistance parallels progression of atherosclerosis. Fat plays an integral role in the development of type 2 diabetes and vascular injury. The balance of adipose-derived substances, including free fatty acids, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin, adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, determine both insulin action and the state of vascular inflammation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligands promote the balance of these substances to enhance insulin-mediated glucose uptake and decrease inflammation. PPAR-gamma ligands reverse the major defect of the insulin resistance syndrome and have important effects that inhibit atherosclerosis, improve endothelial cell function, and attenuate inflammation. Although more research is needed, data suggest that PPAR-gamma ligands may prevent the progression of insulin resistance to diabetes and endothelial dysfunction to atherosclerosis.

Angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) promotes epidermal proliferation, remodeling, and regeneration

We report here the identification of an angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF). To examine the biological function of AGF in vivo, we created transgenic mice expressing AGF in epidermal keratinocytes (K14-AGF). K14-AGF mice exhibited swollen and reddish ears, nose and eyelids. Histological analyses of K14-AGF mice revealed significantly thickened epidermis and a marked increase in proliferating epidermal cells as well as vascular cells in the skin compared with nontransgenic controls. In addition, we found rapid wound closure in the healing process and an unusual closure of holes punched in the ears of K14-AGF mice. Furthermore, we observed that AGF is expressed in platelets and mast cells, and detected at wounded skin, whereas there was no expression of AGF detected in normal skin tissues, suggesting that AGF derived from these infiltrated cells affects epidermal proliferation and thereby plays a role in the wound healing process. These findings demonstrate that biological functions of AGF in epidermal keratinocytes could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for wound care and epidermal regenerative medicine.

Integrative physiology of human adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is now recognised as a highly active metabolic and endocrine organ. Great strides have been made in uncovering the multiple functions of the adipocyte in cellular and molecular detail, but it is essential to remember that adipose tissue normally operates as a structured whole. Its functions are regulated by multiple external influences such as autonomic nervous system activity, the rate of blood flow and the delivery of a complex mix of substrates and hormones in the plasma. Attempting to understand how all these factors converge and regulate adipose tissue function is a prime example of integrative physiology. Adipose tissue metabolism is extremely dynamic, and the supply of and removal of substrates in the blood is acutely regulated according to the nutritional state. Adipose tissue possesses the ability to a very large extent to modulate its own metabolic activities, including differentiation of new adipocytes and production of blood vessels as necessary to accommodate increasing fat stores. At the same time, adipocytes signal to other tissues to regulate their energy metabolism in accordance with the body's nutritional state. Ultimately adipocyte fat stores have to match the body's overall surplus or deficit of energy. This implies the existence of one (or more) signal(s) to the adipose tissue that reflects the body's energy status, and points once again to the need for an integrative view of adipose tissue function.

Analysis of the effect of aging on the response to hypoxia by cDNA microarray

Little is known about the detail of hypoxia-responsive gene expression patterns in advanced age, even though aging is thought to be partially associated with a decreased response to hypoxia. In the present study, we identified several hypoxia-inducible genes and investigated the effect of aging on hypoxic gene expression profiles using cDNA microarray analysis of young/old human diploid fibroblasts. Of 7458 genes in the microarray, we found that genes involved in angiogenesis, defense against oxidative stress, and transcription regulation are severely impaired in senescent cell, which is consistent with the fact that aged cells have attenuated responses to various stimuli.

Angiopoietin-like 4 is a proangiogenic factor produced during ischemia and in conventional renal cell carcinoma

Ischemic and solid tumor tissues are less well perfused than normal tissue, leading to metabolic changes and chronic hypoxia, which in turn promotes angiogenesis. We identified human angiopoietin-like 4 (angptl4) as a gene with hypoxia-induced expression in endothelial cells. We showed that the levels of both mRNA and protein for ANGPTL4 increased in response to hypoxia. When tested in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, ANGPTL4 induced a strong proangiogenic response, independently of vascular endothelial growth factor. In human pathology, ANGPTL4 mRNA is produced in ischemic tissues, in conditions such as critical leg ischemia. In tumors, ANGPTL4 is produced in the hypoxic areas surrounding necrotic regions. We observed particularly high levels of ANGPTL4 mRNA in tumor cells of conventional renal cell carcinoma. Other benign and malignant renal tumor cells do not produce ANGPTL4 mRNA. This molecule therefore seems to be a marker of conventional renal cell carcinoma. ANGPTL4, originally identified as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and gamma target gene, has potential for use as a new diagnostic tool and a potential therapeutic target, modulating angiogenesis both in tumors and in ischemic tissues. This study also suggests that ANGPTL4 may provide a link between metabolic disorders and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis.

Adipocyte-specific gene expression and adipogenic steatosis in the mouse liver due to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma1 (PPARgamma1) overexpression

Peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) isoforms, alpha and gamma, function as important coregulators of energy (lipid) homeostasis. PPARalpha regulates fatty acid oxidation primarily in liver and to a lesser extent in adipose tissue, whereas PPARgamma serves as a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation and lipid storage. Of the two PPARgamma isoforms, PPARgamma1 and PPARgamma2 generated by alternative splicing, PPARgamma1 isoform is expressed in liver and other tissues, whereas PPARgamma2 isoform is expressed exclusively in adipose tissue where it regulates adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Since the function of PPARgamma1 in liver is not clear, we have, in this study, investigated the biological impact of overexpression of PPARgamma1 in mouse liver. Adenovirus-PPARgamma1 injected into the tail vein induced hepatic steatosis in PPARalpha(-/-) mice. Northern blotting and gene expression profiling results showed that adipocyte-specific genes and lipogenesis-related genes are highly induced in PPARalpha(-/-) livers with PPARgamma1 overexpression. These include adipsin, adiponectin, aP2, caveolin-1, fasting-induced adipose factor, fat-specific gene 27 (FSP27), CD36, Delta(9) desaturase, and malic enzyme among others, implying adipogenic transformation of hepatocytes. Of interest is that hepatic steatosis per se, induced either by feeding a diet deficient in choline or developing in fasted PPARalpha(-/-) mice, failed to induce the expression of these PPARgamma-regulated adipogenesis-related genes in steatotic liver. These results suggest that a high level of PPARgamma in mouse liver is sufficient for the induction of adipogenic transformation of hepatocytes with adipose tissue-specific gene expression and lipid accumulation. We conclude that excess PPARgamma activity can lead to the development of a novel type of adipogenic hepatic steatosis.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 is a potent hyperlipidemia-inducing factor in mice and inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase

Studies with KK/San, obese and diabetic model mice having a unique hypotriglyceridemia phenotype, revealed that angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) regulates lipid metabolism in mice. To determine the lipid-modulating role of other ANGPTLs, we focused on ANGPTL4, which overall shows a significant similarity to ANGPTL3. Surprisingly, an intravenous injection of the ANGPTL4 protein in KK/San mice rapidly increased the circulating plasma lipid levels at a higher rate than ANGPTL3 protein. Furthermore, the ANGPTL4 protein inhibited the lipoprotein lipase activity in vitro.

Adipose tissue hormones

It is now widely accepted that white adipose tissue (WAT) secretes a number of peptide hormones, including leptin, several cytokines, adipsin and acylation-stimulating protein (ASP), angiotensinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), adiponectin, resistin etc., and also produces steroids hormones. This newly discovered secretory function has shifted our view of WAT, which is no longer considered only an energy storage tissue but a major endocrine organ, at the heart of a complex network influencing energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, vascular homeostasis, immune response and even reproduction. Virtually all known adipose secreted proteins are dysregulated when the WAT mass is markedly altered, either increased in the obese state or decreased in lipoatrophy. This strongly implicates adipose-secreted products in the ethiopathology and/or complications of both obesity and cachexia. This review discusses the physiological relevance of adipose secretion by focusing on protein and steroid hormones. Regulation of WAT secretion by the major regulatory factors impinging on the adipocytes, i.e. insulin, glucocorticoids, catecholamines and thiazolidinediones (TZD) will be addressed. The rationale for therapeutic strategies aimed at compensating adverse effects resulting from overproduction or lack of a specific adipose secretory product will be discussed.

Hypoxia up-regulates expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma angiopoietin-related gene (PGAR) in cardiomyocytes: role of hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), especially the PPARalpha and PPARgamma, are associated with an extraordinary diverse spectrum of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, angiogenesis, cardiac hypertrophy, and atherosclerosis. PGAR (for PPAR gamma angiopoietin-related gene) is a recently identified PPAR target gene which is associated with adipose differentiation, systemic lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and possibly angiogenesis. We report here that WY-14643, a selective PPARalpha ligand up-regulated PGAR expression in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In parallel to activating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and glucose transporter-4, hypoxia increased PGAR mRNA levels. PGAR expression was also increased by desferrioxamine and CoCl(2), but not by sodium cyanide, results consistent with the pharmacological features of hypoxia-responsive genes. These studies are the first to demonstrate that hypoxia increases the mRNA levels of a PPAR target gene in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, infection with adenoviral vectors encoding the wild-type or a hybrid form of HIF-1alpha highly increased PGAR mRNA levels. In contrast, neither hypoxia nor overexpression of HIF-1alpha affected the mRNA levels of PPARalpha, PPAR gamma, and muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase, a known PPARalpha target gene. These results suggest that hypoxic activation of PGAR expression is likely mediated by HIF-1 but not the PPARalpha/RXR pathway.

The antidiabetic agent LG100754 sensitizes cells to low concentrations of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligands

Insulin resistance and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are major causes of morbidity and mortality in industrialized nations. Despite the alarming rise in the prevalence of this disorder, the initial molecular events that promote insulin resistance remain unclear. The data presented here demonstrate that LG100754, an antidiabetic RXR ligand, defines a novel type of nuclear receptor agonist. Surprisingly, LG100754 has minimal intrinsic transcriptional activity, instead it enhances the potency of proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma-retinoid X receptor heterodimers for PPARgamma ligands. The ability of LG100754 to both increase PPARgamma sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance implies that a deficiency in endogenous PPARgamma ligands may represent an early step in the development of insulin resistance.

Adipocyte differentiation: from fibroblast to endocrine cell

Recent advances regarding the biology of adipose tissue have demonstrated that white adipose tissue (WAT) plays a central role in the regulation of energy balance and acts as a secretory/endocrine organ that mediates numerous physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulation of WAT mass causes obesity or lipoatrophy, two disorders associated with life-threatening pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Alterations in WAT mass result from changes in adipocyte size and/or number. Change in adipocyte number is achieved through a complex interplay between proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes. Adipocyte differentiation or adipogenesis is a highly controlled process that has been extensively studied for the last 25 years. In vitro preadipocyte culture systems that recapitulate most of the critical aspects of fat cell formation in vivo have allowed a meticulous dissection of the cellular and molecular events involved in the adipogenesis process. The adipogenic transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha play a key role in the complex transcriptional cascade that occurs during adipogenesis. Hormonal and nutritional signaling affects adipocyte differentiation in a positive or negative manner, and components involved in cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions are also pivotal in regulating the differentiation process. This knowledge provides a basis for understanding the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie adipose tissue formation and for the development of novel and sound therapeutic approaches to treat obesity and its related diseases.

Identification of a novel integral plasma membrane protein induced during adipocyte differentiation

Adipocyte differentiation is co-ordinately regulated by several transcription factors and is accompanied by changes in the expression of a variety of genes. Using mRNA differential display analysis, we have isolated a novel mRNA, DD16, specifically induced during the course of adipocyte differentiation. DD16 mRNAs are present in several tissues, but among the tissues tested, a remarkably higher level of expression was found in white adipose tissue. The DD16 cDNA encoded a polypeptide of 415 amino acids containing a single N-glycosylation site and an N-terminal hydrophobic stretch of 19 amino acids forming a transmembrane segment, indicating that DD16 is a glycosylated membrane-bound protein. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the DD16 peptide detected immunoreactive DD16 in membrane fractions, notably the plasma membrane. Association of DD16 with the plasma membrane was further confirmed by biotinylation studies of cell surface proteins, suggesting that DD16 is an integral plasma membrane protein. Therefore we propose to give DD16 the name APMAP (Adipocyte Plasma Membrane-Associated Protein). Although the biological function of this polypeptide is presently unknown, our data suggest that APMAP may function as a novel protein involved in the cross-talk of mature adipocytes with the environment.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of adipose secretion: comparison of leptin and angiotensinogen

Besides their function of lipid storage, the adipose cells secrete a number of proteins of physiopathological importance. To get further insights into this function, which remains poorly characterized, we sought to compare the mechanisms and regulation of secretion of two individual proteins in the same cells. Leptin and angiotensinogen were chosen and assessed by radioimmunoassay and quantitative immunoblotting, respectively, in primary culture of epididymal adipose cells from young obese Zucker rats. Leptin was secreted at a steady rate of 4 ng/10(6) cells/h over 2-6 h. Despite secretion, leptin cellular content remained stable at 3 ng/10(6) cells. In contrast, the rate of angiotensinogen secretion decreased regularly from 45 arbitrary units/10(6) cells/h at 2 h, to half this value at 6 h, although cell content remained constant at 100 arbitrary units/10(6) cells. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide depleted the cells from leptin, but not from angiotensinogen for up to 6 h. Insulin increased leptin secretion (+75%) and cell content (+70 %), without affecting angiotensinogen. Secretion of both proteins was inhibited by Golgi-disturbing agents, brefeldin A and monensin. The presence of brefeldin A led to a specific rise in leptin cell content, an effect inhibited by cycloheximide and enhanced by insulin (+80%). These data show that leptin and angiotensinogen are both secreted through Golgi-dependent pathways and that their respective intracellular pool exhibit distinct turn-over rate and insulin sensitivity. These characteristics might account for the differential response of these adipose proteins to variations in the systemic environment.

Mechanisms of nutritional and hormonal regulation of lipogenesis

Fat build-up is determined by the balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis/fatty acid oxidation. In the past few years, our understanding of the nutritional, hormonal and particularly transcriptional regulation of lipogenesis has expanded greatly. Lipogenesis is stimulated by a high carbohydrate diet, whereas it is inhibited by polyunsaturated fatty acids and by fasting. These effects are partly mediated by hormones, which inhibit (growth hormone, leptin) or stimulate (insulin) lipogenesis. Recent research has established that sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 is a critical intermediate in the pro- or anti-lipogenic action of several hormones and nutrients. Another transcription factor implicated in lipogenesis is the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma. Both transcription factors are attractive targets for pharmaceutical intervention of disorders such as hypertriglyceridemia and obesity.

Chromosomal localization, expression pattern, and promoter analysis of the mouse gene encoding adipocyte-specific secretory protein Acrp30

Acrp30 is an abundantly expressed secretory protein exclusively synthesized in adipose tissue. Due to the dysregulation in various forms of obesity in humans and mice and its strong structural similarity to TNFalpha, it is currently under study as an important molecule involved in whole body energy homeostasis. Here we describe the sequence of mouse Acrp30 locus, define the intron/exon boundaries and map the gene to the telomere of mouse chromosome 16, syntenic to the human chromosomal locus 3q27. We demonstrate that alternative polyadenylation gives rise to two distinct mRNA species. We also show that Acrp30 expression is induced only at the late stages of mouse embryonic development. Finally, we have characterized the mouse Acrp30 promoter in tissue culture cells. We propose that Acrp30 promoter has the potential to drive strong adipocyte specific heterologous gene expression in transgenic mice.