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Efthymiou V, Ding L, Balaz M, Sun W, Balazova L, Straub LG, Dong H, Simon E, Ghosh A, Perdikari A, Keller S, Ghoshdastider U, Horvath C, Moser C, Hamilton B, Neubauer H, Wolfrum C. Inhibition of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase enhances brown adipose tissue functionality in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4162. [PMID: 37443109 PMCID: PMC10344962 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The current obesity epidemic and high prevalence of metabolic diseases necessitate efficacious and safe treatments. Brown adipose tissue in this context is a promising target with the potential to increase energy expenditure, however no pharmacological treatments activating brown adipose tissue are currently available. Here, we identify AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a regulator of adipose function. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of AXL enhance thermogenic capacity of brown and white adipocytes, in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, these effects are mediated through inhibition of PI3K/AKT/PDE signaling pathway, resulting in induction of nuclear FOXO1 localization and increased intracellular cAMP levels via PDE3/4 inhibition and subsequent stimulation of the PKA-ATF2 pathway. In line with this, both constitutive Axl deletion as well as inducible adipocyte-specific Axl deletion protect animals from diet-induced obesity concomitant with increases in energy expenditure. Based on these data, we propose AXL receptor as a target for the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vissarion Efthymiou
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Section of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Research Division, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lianggong Ding
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Miroslav Balaz
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Metabolism, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Wenfei Sun
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucia Balazova
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Metabolism, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Leon G Straub
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Institute of Child Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hua Dong
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric Simon
- Department of Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Adhideb Ghosh
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Aliki Perdikari
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Svenja Keller
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Diseases Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Umesh Ghoshdastider
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Carla Horvath
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Moser
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Bradford Hamilton
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Heike Neubauer
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Christian Wolfrum
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
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Bruce SF, Cho K, Noia H, Lomonosova E, Stock EC, Oplt A, Blachut B, Mullen MM, Kuroki LM, Hagemann AR, McCourt CK, Thaker PH, Khabele D, Powell MA, Mutch DG, Shriver LP, Patti GJ, Fuh KC. GAS6-AXL Inhibition by AVB-500 Overcomes Resistance to Paclitaxel in Endometrial Cancer by Decreasing Tumor Cell Glycolysis. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1348-1359. [PMID: 35588308 PMCID: PMC9370070 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is often ineffective in advanced-stage and aggressive histologic subtypes of endometrial cancer. Overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL has been found to be associated with therapeutic resistance, metastasis, and poor prognosis. However, the mechanism of how inhibition of AXL improves response to chemotherapy is still largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to determine whether treatment with AVB-500, a selective inhibitor of GAS6-AXL, improves endometrial cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy particularly through metabolic changes. We found that both GAS6 and AXL expression were higher by immunohistochemistry in patient tumors with a poor response to chemotherapy compared with tumors with a good response to chemotherapy. We showed that chemotherapy-resistant endometrial cancer cells (ARK1, uterine serous carcinoma and PUC198, grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma) had improved sensitivity and synergy with paclitaxel and carboplatin when treated in combination with AVB-500. We also found that in vivo intraperitoneal models with ARK1 and PUC198 cells had decreased tumor burden when treated with AVB-500 + paclitaxel compared with paclitaxel alone. Treatment with AVB-500 + paclitaxel decreased AKT signaling, which resulted in a decrease in basal glycolysis. Finally, multiple glycolytic metabolites were lower in the tumors treated with AVB-500 + paclitaxel than in tumors treated with paclitaxel alone. Our study provides strong preclinical rationale for combining AVB-500 with paclitaxel in aggressive endometrial cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaina F. Bruce
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kevin Cho
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hollie Noia
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Elena Lomonosova
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Elizabeth C. Stock
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alyssa Oplt
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Barbara Blachut
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mary M. Mullen
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lindsay M. Kuroki
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Andrea R. Hagemann
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Carolyn K. McCourt
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Premal H. Thaker
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew A. Powell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David G. Mutch
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Leah P. Shriver
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gary J. Patti
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Katherine C. Fuh
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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Zhao M, Jung Y, Jiang Z, Svensson KJ. Regulation of Energy Metabolism by Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Ligands. Front Physiol 2020; 11:354. [PMID: 32372975 PMCID: PMC7186430 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease, have now reached epidemic proportions. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a family of cell surface receptors responding to growth factors, hormones, and cytokines to mediate a diverse set of fundamental cellular and metabolic signaling pathways. These ligands signal by endocrine, paracrine, or autocrine means in peripheral organs and in the central nervous system to control cellular and tissue-specific metabolic processes. Interestingly, the expression of many RTKs and their ligands are controlled by changes in metabolic demand, for example, during starvation, feeding, or obesity. In addition, studies of RTKs and their ligands in regulating energy homeostasis have revealed unexpected diversity in the mechanisms of action and their specific metabolic functions. Our current understanding of the molecular, biochemical and genetic control of energy homeostasis by the endocrine RTK ligands insulin, FGF21 and FGF19 are now relatively well understood. In addition to these classical endocrine signals, non-endocrine ligands can govern local energy regulation, and the intriguing crosstalk between the RTK family and the TGFβ receptor family demonstrates a signaling network that diversifies metabolic process between tissues. Thus, there is a need to increase our molecular and mechanistic understanding of signal diversification of RTK actions in metabolic disease. Here we review the known and emerging molecular mechanisms of RTK signaling that regulate systemic glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as highlighting unexpected roles of non-classical RTK ligands that crosstalk with other receptor pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Yunshin Jung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Zewen Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Katrin J Svensson
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, CA, United States
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Effect of Common Genetic Variants of Growth Arrest-Specific 6 Gene on Insulin Resistance, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in an Asian Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135681. [PMID: 26284522 PMCID: PMC4540485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), a vitamin K-dependent protein, has been implicated in systemic inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance (IR). Data from recent studies suggest that polymorphisms in the Gas6 gene are associated with cardiovascular disorders and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the association of Gas6 gene variants with obesity, IR, and T2D development has not been explored. Materials and Methods Four common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Gas6 gene were genotyped in 984 participants from the Stanford Asia-Pacific Program for Hypertension and Insulin Resistance (SAPPHIRe) family cohort. An insulin suppression test was performed to determine IR based on steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG). Associations between IR indices and obesity, and SNP genotypes, based on previously-reported data for this cohort (Phase I), were analyzed. In the present follow-up study (Phase II), the effects of gene variants of Gas6 on the progression to T2D were explored in individuals who were free of T2D in Phase I. The mean follow-up period for Phase II was 5.7 years. Results The mean age of the study population in Phase I was 49.5 years and 16.7% of individuals developed T2D during follow-up. After adjusting for covariates, three SNPs (rs8191973, rs8197974, and rs7323932) were found to be associated with SSPG levels (p = 0.007, p = 0.03, and p = 0.011, respectively). This association remained significant after multiple testing and showed a significant interaction with physical activity for SNP rs8191973. However, no other significant correlations were observed between Gas6 polymorphisms and other indices of IR or obesity. A specific haplotype, AACG (from rs8191974, rs7323932, rs7331124, and rs8191973), was positively associated with SSPG levels (p = 0.0098). None of the polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of T2D development. Conclusions Our results suggest that Gas6 gene variants are associated with IR, although their effects on subsequent progression to T2D were minimal in this prospective Asian cohort.
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Wu KS, Hung YJ, Lee CH, Hsiao FC, Hsieh PS. The Involvement of GAS6 Signaling in the Development of Obesity and Associated Inflammation. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:202513. [PMID: 25954309 PMCID: PMC4411443 DOI: 10.1155/2015/202513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6), a vitamin K-dependent protein, plays a role in the survival, proliferation, migration, differentiation, adhesion, and apoptosis of cells. GAS6 is highly expressed during growth arrest, followed by a sharp decrease during differentiation in adipocytes. The functions of GAS6 signaling are limited to TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) receptors and are dependent on the cell type. While many studies have focused on the role of GAS6 in inflammation and cancer, only few studies focused on its roles of GAS6 in obesity. Accordingly, the participation of GAS6 in the progression of obesity remains controversial. In this review, we summarize the results of current studies from clinical and basic research to elucidate the possible role of GAS6 signaling in obesity and associated disorders. In addition, this summary may offer a direction to develop clinical therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Sheng Wu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Fone-Ching Hsiao
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Po-Shiuan Hsieh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, 114 Taipei, Taiwan
- *Po-Shiuan Hsieh:
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Santosa MM, Low BSJ, Pek NMQ, Teo AKK. Knowledge Gaps in Rodent Pancreas Biology: Taking Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Beta Cells into Our Own Hands. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:194. [PMID: 26834702 PMCID: PMC4712272 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of stem cell biology and diabetes, we and others seek to derive mature and functional human pancreatic β cells for disease modeling and cell replacement therapy. Traditionally, knowledge gathered from rodents is extended to human pancreas developmental biology research involving human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). While much has been learnt from rodent pancreas biology in the early steps toward Pdx1(+) pancreatic progenitors, much less is known about the transition toward Ngn3(+) pancreatic endocrine progenitors. Essentially, the later steps of pancreatic β cell development and maturation remain elusive to date. As a result, the most recent advances in the stem cell and diabetes field have relied upon combinatorial testing of numerous growth factors and chemical compounds in an arbitrary trial-and-error fashion to derive mature and functional human pancreatic β cells from hPSCs. Although this hit-or-miss approach appears to have made some headway in maturing human pancreatic β cells in vitro, its underlying biology is vaguely understood. Therefore, in this mini-review, we discuss some of these late-stage signaling pathways that are involved in human pancreatic β cell differentiation and highlight our current understanding of their relevance in rodent pancreas biology. Our efforts here unravel several novel signaling pathways that can be further studied to shed light on unexplored aspects of rodent pancreas biology. New investigations into these signaling pathways are expected to advance our knowledge in human pancreas developmental biology and to aid in the translation of stem cell biology in the context of diabetes treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munirah Mohamad Santosa
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Discovery Research Division, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Blaise Su Jun Low
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Discovery Research Division, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
| | - Nicole Min Qian Pek
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Discovery Research Division, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Discovery Research Division, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Adrian Kee Keong Teo, ,
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Abstract
The control of cellular growth and proliferation is key to the maintenance of homeostasis. Survival, proliferation, and arrest are regulated, in part, by Growth Arrest Specific 6 (Gas6) through binding to members of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family. Activation of the TAM receptors leads to downstream signaling through common kinases, but the exact mechanism within each cellular context varies and remains to be completely elucidated. Deregulation of the TAM family, due to its central role in mediating cellular proliferation, has been implicated in multiple diseases. Axl was cloned as the first TAM receptor in a search for genes involved in the progression of chronic to acute-phase leukemia, and has since been established as playing a critical role in the progression of cancer. The oncogenic nature of Axl is demonstrated through its activation of signaling pathways involved in proliferation, migration, inhibition of apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance. Despite its recent discovery, significant progress has been made in the development of effective clinical therapeutics targeting Axl. In order to accurately define the role of Axl in normal and diseased processes, it must be analyzed in a cell type-specific context.
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Kelder T, Verschuren L, van Ommen B, van Gool AJ, Radonjic M. Network signatures link hepatic effects of anti-diabetic interventions with systemic disease parameters. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2014; 8:108. [PMID: 25204982 PMCID: PMC4363943 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-014-0108-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Multifactorial diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), are driven by a complex network of interconnected mechanisms that translate to a diverse range of complications at the physiological level. To optimally treat T2DM, pharmacological interventions should, ideally, target key nodes in this network that act as determinants of disease progression. Results We set out to discover key nodes in molecular networks based on the hepatic transcriptome dataset from a preclinical study in obese LDLR-/- mice recently published by Radonjic et al. Here, we focus on comparing efficacy of anti-diabetic dietary (DLI) and two drug treatments, namely PPARA agonist fenofibrate and LXR agonist T0901317. By combining knowledge-based and data-driven networks with a random walks based algorithm, we extracted network signatures that link the DLI and two drug interventions to dyslipidemia-related disease parameters. Conclusions This study identified specific and prioritized sets of key nodes in hepatic molecular networks underlying T2DM, uncovering pathways that are to be modulated by targeted T2DM drug interventions in order to modulate the complex disease phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kelder
- TNO, Research Group Microbiology & Systems Biology, Zeist, The Netherlands. .,Current address: EdgeLeap B.V, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Lars Verschuren
- TNO, Research Group Microbiology & Systems Biology, Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Ben van Ommen
- TNO, Research Group Microbiology & Systems Biology, Zeist, The Netherlands.
| | - Alain J van Gool
- TNO, Research Group Microbiology & Systems Biology, Zeist, The Netherlands. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Informatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marijana Radonjic
- TNO, Research Group Microbiology & Systems Biology, Zeist, The Netherlands. .,Current address: EdgeLeap B.V, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Erek-Toprak A, Bingol-Ozakpinar O, Karaca Z, Cikrikcioglu MA, Hursitoglu M, Uras AR, Adeli K, Uras F. Association of plasma growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) concentrations with albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Ren Fail 2014; 36:737-42. [PMID: 24512357 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2014.883997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aybala Erek-Toprak
- Department of Biochemistry Istanbul, Istanbul Medeniyet University School of Medicine , Istanbul , Turkey
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Hsiao FC, Lin YF, Hsieh PS, Chu NF, Chen YDI, Shieh YS, Hsieh CH, Lee CH, Lee TI, Hung YJ. Effect of GAS6 and AXL Gene Polymorphisms on Adiposity, Systemic Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents. Int J Endocrinol 2014; 2014:674069. [PMID: 24696684 PMCID: PMC3948192 DOI: 10.1155/2014/674069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to explore the effects of GAS6 and AXL gene polymorphisms on adiposity, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance in adolescents. After multistage sampling from the data of the Taipei Children Heart Study-III, we collected 358 boys and 369 girls with an average age of 13.3 years. We genotyped the adolescents' GAS6 rs8191973, GAS6 rs8191974, AXL rs4802113, and AXL rs2304232 polymorphisms. Significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and hsCRP levels were found in boys with the GG genotype of GAS6 rs8191974 than A allele carriers; higher IL-6 and insulin levels and increased HOMA-IR were found in boys with the GG genotype of AXL rs2304232 than the A allele carriers. There was a significant difference in hsCRP levels of boys with the TT, TC, and CC genotypes of AXL rs4802113. Boys with both the GG genotype of GAS6 rs8191973 and the GG genotype of GAS6 rs8191974 exhibited higher BMI, WC, IL-6, and hsCRP levels than the boys carrying both the C allele of the GAS6 rs8191973 and the A allele of the GAS6 rs8191974. In conclusion, GAS6 and AXL polymorphisms are associated with adiposity, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance in adolescents, especially in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fone-Ching Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Feng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
| | - Po-Shiuan Hsieh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Nain-Feng Chu
- School of Public Health Department, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Yii-Der Ida Chen
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA
| | - Yi-Shing Shieh
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
| | - Ting-I Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 116, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- *Yi-Jen Hung:
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Haase TN, Rasmussen M, Jaksch CAM, Gaarn LW, Petersen CK, Billestrup N, Nielsen JH. Growth arrest specific protein (GAS) 6: a role in the regulation of proliferation and functional capacity of the perinatal rat beta cell. Diabetologia 2013; 56:763-73. [PMID: 23334461 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-012-2821-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Maternal low-protein (LP) diet during gestation results in a reduced beta cell mass in the offspring at birth and this may hamper the ability to adapt to high-energy food and sedentary lifestyle later in life. To investigate the biology behind the LP-offspring phenotype, this study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes in the pancreas and their potential role in the fetal programming. METHODS Wistar rats were given either an LP diet or normal-chow (NC) diet during gestation and differentially expressed genes in the offspring around the time of birth were identified using RNA microarray and quantitative PCR. The role of a differentially expressed gene, growth arrest specific protein 6 (GAS6), was evaluated in vitro using neonatal rat islets. RESULTS The mRNA level of Gas6, known to be mitogenic in other tissues, was reduced in LP offspring. The mRNA content of Mafa was increased in LP offspring suggesting an early maturation of beta cells. When applied in vitro, GAS6 increased proliferation of neonatal pancreatic beta cells, while reducing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion without changing the total insulin content of the islets. In addition, GAS6 decreased the mRNA content of Mafa. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION We propose a role for GAS6 in the regulation of pancreatic beta cells in the critical period around the time of birth. Our results support the hypothesis that the reduced beta cell mass seen in LP offspring is caused by a change in the intra-uterine environment that favours premature maturation of the beta cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Haase
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3b, Building 6.5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Scroyen I, Frederix L, Lijnen HR. Axl deficiency does not affect adipogenesis or adipose tissue development. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2012; 20:1168-73. [PMID: 22187042 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2011.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate a potential role of Axl, the high-affinity receptor of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6) in adiposity, murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) derived from mice with genetic deficiency of Axl (Axl(-/-)) or wild-type littermates (Axl(+/+)) were differentiated into mature adipocytes. In addition, Axl(-/-) and Axl(+/+) mice were kept on standard fat diet (SFD) or on high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. Deficiency of Axl in MEF did not affect differentiation, as shown by a similar uptake of Oil Red O and expression of the adipogenic markers aP2 and peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ) at the end of the differentiation. In the first 7 weeks of HFD feeding, Axl(-/-) mice gained less weight than their wild-type littermates. Weight gain for both genotypes on either SFD of HFD over 15 weeks was, however, not significantly different, resulting in comparable body weights, as well as subcutaneous (s.c.) and gonadal (GON) fat mass. Adipocyte size in the fat tissues was not affected by Axl deficiency. Gene expression analysis indicated that the absence of Axl in vivo may be compensated for by the other TAM family members Mer and Tyro3. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests (ITT) in Axl(-/-) and Axl(+/+) mice did not reveal significant differences in glucose homeostasis. Thus, Axl deficiency had no significant effect on adipogenesis in vitro or in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Scroyen
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Leuven, Belgium
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Speakman J, Hambly C, Mitchell S, Król E. The contribution of animal models to the study of obesity. Lab Anim 2008; 42:413-32. [PMID: 18782824 DOI: 10.1258/la.2007.006067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Obesity results from prolonged imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. Animal models have provided a fundamental contribution to the historical development of understanding the basic parameters that regulate the components of our energy balance. Five different types of animal model have been employed in the study of the physiological and genetic basis of obesity. The first models reflect single gene mutations that have arisen spontaneously in rodent colonies and have subsequently been characterized. The second approach is to speed up the random mutation rate artificially by treating rodents with mutagens or exposing them to radiation. The third type of models are mice and rats where a specific gene has been disrupted or over-expressed as a deliberate act. Such genetically-engineered disruptions may be generated through the entire body for the entire life (global transgenic manipulations) or restricted in both time and to certain tissue or cell types. In all these genetically-engineered scenarios, there are two types of situation that lead to insights: where a specific gene hypothesized to play a role in the regulation of energy balance is targeted, and where a gene is disrupted for a different purpose, but the consequence is an unexpected obese or lean phenotype. A fourth group of animal models concern experiments where selective breeding has been utilized to derive strains of rodents that differ in their degree of fatness. Finally, studies have been made of other species including non-human primates and dogs. In addition to studies of the physiological and genetic basis of obesity, studies of animal models have also informed us about the environmental aspects of the condition. Studies in this context include exploring the responses of animals to high fat or high fat/high sugar (Cafeteria) diets, investigations of the effects of dietary restriction on body mass and fat loss, and studies of the impact of candidate pharmaceuticals on components of energy balance. Despite all this work, there are many gaps in our understanding of how body composition and energy storage are regulated, and a continuing need for the development of pharmaceuticals to treat obesity. Accordingly, reductions in the use of animal models, while ethically desirable, will not be feasible in the short to medium term, and indeed an expansion in activity using animal models is anticipated as the epidemic continues and spreads geographically.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Speakman
- Aberdeen Centre for Energy Regulation and Obesity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
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Skopková M, Penesová A, Sell H, Rádiková Z, Vlcek M, Imrich R, Koska J, Ukropec J, Eckel J, Klimes I, Gasperíková D. Protein array reveals differentially expressed proteins in subcutaneous adipose tissue in obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2007; 15:2396-406. [PMID: 17925465 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2007.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, and other proteins produced by adipose tissue have been shown to be involved in the development of obesity-related insulin resistance. Nevertheless, new factors that play an important role in these processes are still emerging. Therefore, we screened the level of 120 different proteins in biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue (ScAT) of lean and obese subjects. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES All studied volunteers (12 obese with BMI >30 and 6 lean with BMI <25 kg/m(2)) were young, clinically healthy, and drug-naive males with normal glucose tolerance. The ScAT was obtained by a needle biopsy from the umbilical region. Protein levels were assessed in adipose tissue lysates using protein arrays; mRNA levels were determined with the aid of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS The obese subjects had higher fasting plasma glucose (although within the normal range) and insulin levels, increased high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in circulation, and decreased in vivo insulin action. Using the protein array technique, it was shown that of 120 proteins measured, 27 showed higher levels (leptin, HGF, EGF-R, FGF-6, IGF-1sR, Fas/Apo-1, ENA-78, PARC, lymphotactin, HCC-4, IL-10, IL-1a, IL-1R1, IL-1R4, IL-12p70, angiopoietin-2, Axl, Dtk, MIF, MIP-1a, -1b, -3b, MSP-a, osteoprotegerin, TECK, TIMP-1, -2) and only one (RANTES) showed a lower level in ScAT of obese subjects when compared with the lean controls (p < 0.05). The real-time RT-PCR confirmed the results of protein arrays for leptin, MIF, MIP-1a, TIMP-2, adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha but not for RANTES. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first protein array data on a very early dysregulation of ScAT protein levels in insulin-resistant obese, but apparently healthy, subjects with normal glucose tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Skopková
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, EU Centre of Excellence, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Vlárska 3, SK-83306 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Fain JN, Ballou LR, Bahouth SW. Obesity is induced in mice heterozygous for cyclooxygenase-2. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2001; 65:199-209. [PMID: 11444591 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-6980(01)00136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In mice heterozygous for the cyclooxygenase-2 gene (COX-2+/-) the body weight was enhanced by 33% as compared to homozygous COX-2-/- mice. The weights of the gonadal fat pads in COX-2+/- mice were enhanced by 3.5 to 4.7 fold as compared to COX-2-/- mice and by 1.5 to 3.5 fold as compared to wild-type controls+/+ Serum leptin levels and leptin release by cultured adipose tissue of COX-2+/- mice were both elevated as compared to either control or COX-2-/- animals. The basal release of PGE2 or 6 keto PGF1alpha per fat pad over a 24 h incubation of adipose tissue was reduced by 80% and 95% respectively in tissue from COX-2-/- mice. NS-398, a specific COX-2 inhibitor, inhibited leptin release by 27% in adipose tissue from control mice, 31% in tissue from COX-1-/- mice and by 23% in tissue from COX-2+/- mice while having no effect on leptin release by adipose tissue from COX-2-/- mice. These data indicate that heterozygous COX-2 mice develop obesity which is not secondary to a defect in leptin release by adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Fain
- Department of Molecular Sciences, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, USA.
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Healy AM, Schwartz JJ, Zhu X, Herrick BE, Varnum B, Farber HW. Gas 6 promotes Axl-mediated survival in pulmonary endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2001; 280:L1273-81. [PMID: 11350808 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.2001.280.6.l1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined Gas 6-Axl interactions in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) and in Axl-transduced HPAEC to test Gas 6 function during endothelial cell survival. We identified the 5.0-kb Axl, 4.2-kb Rse, and 2.6-kb Gas 6 mRNAs in HPAEC. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting confirmed the presence of these proteins. Gas 6 is present in cell-associated and secreted fractions of growth-arrested HPAEC, independent of cell density. In addition, the Axl receptor is constitutively phosphorylated in growth-arrested cultures, and exogenous Gas 6 enhanced Axl phosphorylation threefold. Gas 6 added to growth-arrested HPAEC resulted in a significant increase in cell number (1.5 nM Gas 6 increased cell number 35%). Flow cytometry revealed that Gas 6 treatment resulted in 28% fewer apoptosing cells. Transduction of a full-length Axl cDNA into HPAEC resulted in 54% fewer apoptosing cells after Gas 6 treatment. Collectively, the data demonstrate antiapoptotic activities for Gas 6 in HPAEC and suggest that Gas 6 signaling may be relevant to endothelial cell survival in the quiescent environment of the vessel wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Healy
- Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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Prieto AL, Weber JL, Lai C. Expression of the receptor protein-tyrosine kinases Tyro-3, Axl, and Mer in the developing rat central nervous system. J Comp Neurol 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/1096-9861(20000918)425:2<295::aid-cne11>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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