Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate

An Overview of Hypoglycemia in Children Including a Comprehensive Practical Diagnostic Flowchart for Clinical Use

Hypoglycemia is the result of defects/impairment in glucose homeostasis. The main etiological causes are metabolic and/or endocrine and/or other congenital disorders. Despite hypoglycemia is one of the most common emergencies in neonatal age and childhood, no consensus on the definition and diagnostic work-up exists yet. Aims of this review are to present the current age-related definitions of hypoglycemia in neonatal-pediatric age, to offer a concise and practical overview of its main causes and management and to discuss the current diagnostic-therapeutic approaches. Since a systematic and prompt approach to diagnosis and therapy is essential to prevent hypoglycemic brain injury and long-term neurological complications in children, a comprehensive diagnostic flowchart is also proposed.

Inhibition of PFKFB3 suppresses osteoclastogenesis and prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells derived from the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage under the regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL). In previous studies, stimulation by RANKL during osteoclastogenesis was shown to induce a metabolic switch to enhanced glycolytic metabolism. Thus, we hypothesized that blockage of glycolysis might serve as a novel strategy to treat osteoclast‐related diseases. In the present study, 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), an essential regulator of glycolysis, was up‐regulated during osteoclast differentiation. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB3 in bone marrow‐derived macrophages suppressed the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of the PFKFB3 inhibitor PFK15 prevented ovariectomy‐induced bone loss. In addition, glycolytic activity characterized by lactate accumulation and glucose consumption in growth medium was reduced by PFKFB3 inhibition. Further investigation indicated that the administration of L‐lactate partially reversed the repression of osteoclastogenesis caused by PFKFB3 inhibition and abrogated the inhibitory effect of PFK15 on the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK pathways. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that blockage of glycolysis by targeting PFKFB3 represents a potential therapeutic strategy for osteoclast‐related disorders.

Effect of Hypoxia on Gene Expression in Cell Populations Involved in Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex process regulated by multiple signals and consisting of several phases known as haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Keratinocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts are the major cell populations involved in wound healing process. Hypoxia plays a critical role in this process since cells sense and respond to hypoxic conditions by changing gene expression. This study assessed the in vitro expression of 77 genes involved in angiogenesis, metabolism, cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis in human keratinocytes (HaCaT), microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), differentiated macrophages (THP-1), and dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Results indicated that the gene expression profiles induced by hypoxia were cell-type specific. In HMEC-1 and differentiated THP-1, most of the genes modulated by hypoxia encode proteins involved in angiogenesis or belonging to cytokines and growth factors. In HaCaT and HDF, hypoxia mainly affected the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in cell metabolism. This work can help to enlarge the current knowledge about the mechanisms through which a hypoxic environment influences wound healing processes at the molecular level.

Fructose 2,6-Bisphosphate in Cancer Cell Metabolism

For a long time, pioneers in the field of cancer cell metabolism, such as Otto Warburg, have focused on the idea that tumor cells maintain high glycolytic rates even with adequate oxygen supply, in what is known as aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect. Recent studies have reported a more complex situation, where the tumor ecosystem plays a more critical role in cancer progression. Cancer cells display extraordinary plasticity in adapting to changes in their tumor microenvironment, developing strategies to survive and proliferate. The proliferation of cancer cells needs a high rate of energy and metabolic substrates for biosynthesis of biomolecules. These requirements are met by the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and others present in the tumor microenvironment, which is essential for tumor survival and spread. Metabolic reprogramming involves a complex interplay between oncogenes, tumor suppressors, growth factors and local factors in the tumor microenvironment. These factors can induce overexpression and increased activity of glycolytic isoenzymes and proteins in stromal and cancer cells which are different from those expressed in normal cells. The fructose-6-phosphate/fructose-1,6-bisphosphate cycle, catalyzed by 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase/fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (PFK1/FBPase1) isoenzymes, plays a key role in controlling glycolytic rates. PFK1/FBpase1 activities are allosterically regulated by fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, the product of the enzymatic activity of the dual kinase/phosphatase family of enzymes: 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB1-4) and TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR), which show increased expression in a significant number of tumor types. In this review, the function of these isoenzymes in the regulation of metabolism, as well as the regulatory factors modulating their expression and activity in the tumor ecosystem are discussed. Targeting these isoenzymes, either directly or by inhibiting their activating factors, could be a promising approach for treating cancers.

Expression of Long Noncoding RNA YIYA Promotes Glycolysis in Breast Cancer

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is yet to be linked to cancer metabolism. Here, we report that upregulation of the lncRNA LINC00538 (YIYA) promotes glycolysis, cell proliferation, and tumor growth in breast cancer. YIYA is associated with the cytosolic cyclin-dependent kinase CDK6 and regulated CDK6-dependent phosphorylation of the fructose bisphosphatase PFK2 (PFKFB3) in a cell-cycle-independent manner. In breast cancer cells, these events promoted catalysis of glucose 6-phosphate to fructose-2,6-bisphosphate/fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of YIYA or CDK6 silencing impaired glycolysis and tumor growth in vivo In clinical specimens of breast cancer, YIYA was expressed in approximately 40% of cases where it correlated with CDK6 expression and unfavorable survival outcomes. Our results define a functional role for lncRNA in metabolic reprogramming in cancer, with potential clinical implications for its therapeutic targeting.Significance: These findings offer a first glimpse into how a long-coding RNA influences cancer metabolism to drive tumor growth. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4524-32. ©2018 AACR.

PI3K-Akt signaling controls PFKFB3 expression during human T-lymphocyte activation

Lymphocyte activation is associated with rapid increase of both the glycolytic activator fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P₂) and the enzyme responsible for its synthesis, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2/FBPase-2). PFKFB3 gene, which encodes for the most abundant PFK-2 isoenzyme in proliferating tissues, has been found overexpressed during cell activation in several models, including immune cells. However, there is limited knowledge on the pathways underlying PFKFB3 regulation in human T-lymphocytes, and the role of this gene in human immune response. The aim of this work is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of PFKFB3 induction during human T-lymphocyte activation by mitotic agents. The results obtained showed PFKFB3 induction during human T-lymphocyte activation by mitogens such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA). PFKFB3 increase occurred concomitantly with GLUT-1, HK-II, and PCNA upregulation, showing that mitotic agents induce a metabolic reprograming process that is required for T-cell proliferation. PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors, Akti-1/2 and LY294002, reduced PFKFB3 gene induction by PHA, as well as Fru-2,6-P₂ and lactate production. Moreover, both inhibitors blocked activation and proliferation in response to PHA, showing the importance of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the antigen response of T-lymphocytes. These results provide a link between metabolism and T-cell antigen receptor signaling in human lymphocyte biology that can help to better understand the importance of modulating both pathways to target complex diseases involving the activation of the immune system.

Loss of PFKFB4 induces cell death in mitotically arrested ovarian cancer cells

Taxanes represent some of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents for ovarian cancer treatment. However, they are only effective in approximately 40% of patients. Novel therapeutic strategies are required to potentiate their effect and improve patient outcome. A hallmark of many cancers is the constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which drives cell survival and metabolism. We discovered a striking decrease in AKT activity coupled with a significant reduction in glucose 6-phosphate and ATP levels during mitotic arrest in the majority of ovarian cancer cell lines tested, indicating a potential metabolic vulnerability. A high-content siRNA screen to detect novel metabolic targets in mitotically arrested ovarian cancer cells identified the glycolytic enzyme PFKFB4. PFKFB4 depletion increased caspase 3/7 activity, and levels of reactive oxygen species only in mitotically arrested cells, and significantly enhanced mitotic cell death after paclitaxel treatment. Depletion of PFKFB3 demonstrated a similar phenotype. The observation that some ovarian cancer cells lose AKT activity during mitotic arrest and become vulnerable to metabolic targeting is a new concept in cancer therapy. Thus, combining mitotic-targeted therapies with glycolytic inhibitors may act to potentiate the effects of antimitotics in ovarian cancer through mitosis-specific cell death.

Molecular pathophysiology of hepatic glucose production

Maintaining blood glucose concentration within a relatively narrow range through periods of fasting or excess nutrient availability is essential to the survival of the organism. This is achieved through an intricate balance between glucose uptake and endogenous glucose production to maintain constant glucose concentrations. The liver plays a major role in maintaining normal whole body glucose levels by regulating the processes of de novo glucose production (gluconeogenesis) and glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis), thus controlling the levels of hepatic glucose release. Aberrant regulation of hepatic glucose production (HGP) can result in deleterious clinical outcomes, and excessive HGP is a major contributor to the hyperglycemia observed in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Indeed, adjusting glycemia as close as possible to a non-diabetic range is the foremost objective in the medical treatment of patients with T2DM and is currently achieved in the clinic primarily through suppression of HGP. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms controlling HGP in response to nutritional and hormonal signals and discuss how these signals are altered in T2DM.

Yeast Tolerance to Various Stresses Relies on the Trehalose-6P Synthase (Tps1) Protein, Not on Trehalose

Trehalose is a stable disaccharide commonly found in nature, from bacteria to fungi and plants. For the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, claims that trehalose is a stress protectant were based indirectly either on correlation between accumulation of trehalose and high resistance to various stresses or on stress hypersensitivity of mutants deleted for TPS1, which encodes the first enzyme in trehalose biosynthetic pathway. Our goal was to investigate more directly which one, between trehalose and/or the Tps1 protein, may serve yeast cells to withstand exposure to stress. By employing an original strategy that combined the use of mutant strains expressing catalytically inactive variants of Tps1, with MAL(+) yeast strains able to accumulate trehalose from an exogenous supply, we bring for the first time unbiased proof that trehalose does not protect yeast cells from dying and that the stress-protecting role of trehalose in this eukaryotic model was largely overestimated. Conversely, we identified the Tps1 protein as a key player for yeast survival in response to temperature, oxidative, and desiccation stress. We also showed by robust RT-quantitative PCR and genetic interaction analysis that the role of Tps1 in thermotolerance is not dependent upon Hsf1-dependent transcription activity. Finally, our results revealed that the Tps1 protein is essential to maintain ATP levels during heat shock. Altogether, these findings supported the idea that Tps1 is endowed with a regulatory function in energy homeostasis, which is essential to withstand adverse conditions and maintain cellular integrity.

Key glycolytic enzyme activities of skeletal muscle are decreased under fed and fasted states in mice with knocked down levels of Shc proteins

Shc proteins interact with the insulin receptor, indicating a role in regulating glycolysis. To investigate this idea, the activities of key glycolytic regulatory enzymes and metabolites levels were measured in skeletal muscle from mice with low levels of Shc proteins (ShcKO) and wild-type (WT) controls. The activities of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase-1 and pyruvate kinase were decreased in ShcKO versus WT mice under both fed and fasted conditions. Increased alanine transaminase and branched-chain amino acid transaminase activities were also observed in ShcKO mice under both fed and fasting conditions. Protein expression of glycolytic enzymes was unchanged in the ShcKO and WT mice, indicating that decreased activities were not due to changes in their transcription. Changes in metabolite levels were consistent with the observed changes in enzyme activities. In particular, the levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, a potent activator of phosphofructokinase-1, were consistently decreased in the ShcKO mice. Furthermore, the levels of lactate (inhibitor of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase-1) and citrate (inhibitor of phosphofructokinase-1 and pyruvate kinase) were increased in fed and fasted ShcKO versus WT mice. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was lower in ShcKO versus WT mice under fed conditions, and showed inhibition under fasting conditions in both ShcKO and WT mice, with ShcKO mice showing less inhibition than the WT mice. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 levels were unchanged under fed conditions but were lower in the ShcKO mice under fasting conditions. These studies indicate that decreased levels of Shc proteins in skeletal muscle lead to a decreased glycolytic capacity in both fed and fasted states.

Gene expression of sternohyoid and diaphragm muscles in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes differs from type 1 diabetes in its pathogenesis. Type 1 diabetic diaphragm has altered gene expression which includes lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, ubiquitination and oxidoreductase activity. The objectives of the present study were to assess respiratory muscle gene expression changes in type 2 diabetes and to determine whether they are greater for the diaphragm than an upper airway muscle.

METHODS

Diaphragm and sternohyoid muscle from Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were analyzed with Affymetrix gene expression arrays.

RESULTS

The two muscles had 97 and 102 genes, respectively, with at least ± 1.5-fold significantly changed expression with diabetes, and these were assigned to gene ontology groups based on over-representation analysis. Several significantly changed groups were common to both muscles, including lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, muscle contraction, ion transport and collagen, although the number of genes and the specific genes involved differed considerably for the two muscles. In both muscles there was a shift in metabolism gene expression from carbohydrate metabolism toward lipid metabolism, but the shift was greater and involved more genes in diabetic diaphragm than diabetic sternohyoid muscle. Groups present in only diaphragm were blood circulation and oxidoreductase activity. Groups present in only sternohyoid were immune & inflammation and response to stress & wounding, with complement genes being a prominent component.

CONCLUSION

Type 2 diabetes-induced gene expression changes in respiratory muscles has both similarities and differences relative to previous data on type 1 diabetes gene expression. Furthermore, the diabetic alterations in gene expression differ between diaphragm and sternohyoid.

Aripiprazole increases NADPH level in PC12 cells: the role of NADPH oxidase

In aripiprazole-treated PC12 cells, we previously showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was rather increased in spite of lowered cytochrome c oxidase activity. To address these inconsistent results, we focused the NADPH generation by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), to titrate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that results in the Δψm maintenance. G6PD may be also involved in another inconsistent result of lowered intracellular lactate level in aripiprazole-treated PC12 cells, because PPP competes glucose-6-phosphate with the glycolytic pathway, resulting in the downregulation of glycolysis. Therefore, we assayed intracellular amounts of NADPH, ROS, and the activities of the enzymes generating or consuming NADPH (G6PD, NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, NADP(+)-dependent malic enzyme, glutathione reductase, and NADPH oxidase [NOX]) and estimated glycolysis in 50 μM aripiprazole-, clozapine-, and haloperidol-treated PC12 cells. NADPH levels were enhanced only in aripiprazole-treated ones. Only haloperidol increased ROS. However, the enzyme activities did not show significant changes toward enhancing NADPH level except for the aripiprazole-induced decrease in NOX activity. Thus, the lowered NOX activity could have contributed to the aripiprazole-induced increase in the NADPH level by lowering ROS generation, resulting in maintained Δψm. Although the aforementioned assumption was invalid, the ratio of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to fructose-6-phosphate was decreased by all antipsychotics examined. Pyruvate kinase activity was enhanced only by aripiprazole. In summary, these observations indicate that aripiprazole possibly possesses the pharmacological superiority to clozapine and haloperidol in the ROS generation and the adjustment of glycolytic pathway.

Akt-dependent activation of the heart 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB2) isoenzyme by amino acids

Reciprocal regulation of metabolism and signaling allows cells to modulate their activity in accordance with their metabolic resources. Thus, amino acids could activate signal transduction pathways that control cell metabolism. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the effect of amino acids on fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) metabolism. We demonstrate that amino acids increase Fru-2,6-P2 concentration in HeLa and in MCF7 human cells. In conjunction with this, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase activity, glucose uptake, and lactate concentration were increased. These data correlate with the specific phosphorylation of heart 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase (PFKFB2) isoenzyme at Ser-483. This activation was mediated by the PI3K and p38 signaling pathways. Furthermore, Akt inactivation blocked PFKFB2 phosphorylation and Fru-2,6-P2 production, thereby suggesting that the above signaling pathways converge at Akt kinase. In accordance with these results, kinase assays showed that amino acid-activated Akt phosphorylated PFKFB2 at Ser-483 and that knockdown experiments confirmed that the increase in Fru-2,6-P2 concentration induced by amino acids was due to PFKFB2. In addition, similar effects on Fru-2,6-P2 metabolism were observed in freshly isolated rat cardiomyocytes treated with amino acids, which indicates that these effects are not restricted to human cancer cells. In these cardiomyocytes, the glucose consumption and the production of lactate and ATP suggest an increase of glycolytic flux. Taken together, these results demonstrate that amino acids stimulate Fru-2,6-P2 synthesis by Akt-dependent PFKFB2 phosphorylation and activation and show how signaling and metabolism are inextricably linked.

Balancing glycolytic flux: the role of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatases in cancer metabolism

The increased glucose metabolism in cancer cells is required to fulfill their high energetic and biosynthetic demands. Changes in the metabolic activity of cancer cells are caused by the activation of oncogenes or loss of tumor suppressors. They can also be part of the metabolic adaptations to the conditions imposed by the tumor microenvironment, such as the hypoxia response. Among the metabolic enzymes that are modulated by these factors are the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatases (PFKFBs), a family of bifunctional enzymes that control the levels of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2). This metabolite is important for the dynamic regulation of glycolytic flux by allosterically activating the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1). Therapeutic strategies designed to alter the levels of this metabolite are likely to interfere with the metabolic balance of cancer cells, and could lead to a reduction in cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness and survival. This article will review our current understanding of the role of PFKFB proteins in the control of cancer metabolism and discuss the emerging interest in these enzymes as potential targets for the development of antineoplastic agents.

Designing inhibitors against fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase: exploring natural products for novel inhibitor scaffolds

Natural products often contain unusual scaffold structures that may be elaborated by combinatorial methods to develop new drug-like molecules. Visual inspection of more than 128 natural products with some type of anti-diabetic activity suggested that a subset might provide novel scaffolds for designing potent inhibitors against fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), an enzyme critical in the control of gluconeogenesis. Using in silico docking methodology, these were evaluated to determine those that exhibited affinity for the AMP binding site. Achyrofuran from the South American plant Achyrocline satureoides, was selected for further investigation. Using the achyrofuran scaffold, inhibitors against FBPase were developed. Compounds 15 and 16 inhibited human liver and pig kidney FBPases at IC50 values comparable to that of AMP, the natural allosteric inhibitor.

AMP-activated protein kinase influences metabolic remodeling in H9c2 cells hypertrophied by arginine vasopressin

Substrate use switches from fatty acids toward glucose in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy with an acceleration of glycolysis being characteristic. The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) observed in hypertrophied hearts provides one potential mechanism for the acceleration of glycolysis. Here, we directly tested the hypothesis that AMPK causes the acceleration of glycolysis in hypertrophied heart muscle cells. The H9c2 cell line, derived from the embryonic rat heart, was treated with arginine vasopressin (AVP; 1 μM) to induce a cellular model of hypertrophy. Rates of glycolysis and oxidation of glucose and palmitate were measured in nonhypertrophied and hypertrophied H9c2 cells, and the effects of inhibition of AMPK were determined. AMPK activity was inhibited by 6-[4-(2-piperidin-1- yl-ethoxy)-phenyl]-3-pyridin-4-yl-pyrrazolo-[1,5-a]pyrimidine (compound C) or by adenovirus-mediated transfer of dominant negative AMPK. Compared with nonhypertrophied cells, glycolysis was accelerated and palmitate oxidation was reduced with no significant alteration in glucose oxidation in hypertrophied cells, a metabolic profile similar to that of intact hypertrophied hearts. Inhibition of AMPK resulted in the partial reduction of glycolysis in AVP-treated hypertrophied H9c2 cells. Acute exposure of H9c2 cells to AVP also activated AMPK and accelerated glycolysis. These elevated rates of glycolysis were not altered by AMPK inhibition but were blocked by agents that interfere with Ca2+ signaling, including extracellular EGTA, dantrolene, and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. We conclude that the acceleration of glycolysis in AVP-treated hypertrophied heart muscle cells is partially dependent on AMPK, whereas the acute glycolytic effects of AVP are AMPK independent and at least partially Ca2+ dependent.

Subunit interactions and composition of the fructose 6-phosphate catalytic site and the fructose 2,6-bisphosphate allosteric site of mammalian phosphofructokinase

Mammalian phosphofructokinase originated by duplication, fusion, and divergence of a primitive prokaryotic gene, with the duplicated fructose 6-phosphate catalytic site in the C-terminal half becoming an allosteric site for the activator fructose 2,6-bisphosphate. It has been suggested that both sites are shared across the interface between subunits aligned in an antiparallel orientation, the N-terminal half of one subunit facing the C-terminal half of the other. The composition of these binding sites and the way in which subunits interact to form the dimer within the tetrameric enzyme have been reexamined by systematic point mutations to alanine of key amino acid residues of human muscle phosphofructokinase. We found that residues His-199, His-298, Arg-201, and Arg-292 contribute to the catalytic site and not to the allosteric site, because their mutation decreased the affinity for fructose 6-phosphate without affecting the activation by fructose 2,6-bisphosphate or its binding affinity. In contrast, residues Arg-566, Arg-655, and His-661 were critical components of the fructose bisphosphate allosteric site, because their mutation strongly reduced the action and affinity of the activator, with no alteration of substrate binding to the active site. Our results suggest that mammalian phosphofructokinase subunits associate with the N-terminal halves facing each other to form the two catalytic sites/dimer and the C-terminal halves forming the allosteric sites. Additionally, mutation of certain residues eliminated activation by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, but not its binding, with little effect on activation by fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, indicating a divergence in the signal transduction route despite their binding to the same site.

Hypoxia, glucose metabolism and the Warburg's effect

As described by Warburg more than 50 years ago, tumour cells maintain a high glycolytic rate even in conditions of adequate oxygen supply. However, most of tumours are subjected to hypoxic conditions due to the abnormal vasculature that supply them with oxygen and nutrients. Thus, glycolysis is essential for tumour survival and spread. A key step in controlling glycolytic rate is the conversion of fructose-6-P to fructose-1,6-P(2) by 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1). The activity of PFK-1 is allosterically controlled by fructose-2,6-P(2), the product of the enzymatic activity of a dual kinase/phosphatase family of enzymes (PFKFB1-4) that are increased in a significant number of tumour types. In turn, these enzymes are induced by hypoxia through the activation of the HIF-1 complex (hypoxia-inducible complex-1), a transcriptional activator that controls the expression of most of hypoxia-regulated genes. HIF-1 complex is overexpressed in a variety of tumours and its expression appears to correlate with poor prognosis and responses to chemo or radiotherapy. Thus, targeting PFKFB enzymes, either directly or through inhibition of HIF-1, appears as a promising approach for the treatment of certain tumours.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate has anticonvulsant activity in models of acute seizures in adult rats

A variety of observations suggest that decreasing glycolysis and increasing levels of reduced glutathione, generated by metabolism of glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway, would have an anticonvulsant effect. Because fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6BP) shifts the metabolism of glucose from glycolysis to the pentose phosphate pathway, it was hypothesized to have anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activity of F1,6BP was determined in rat models of acute seizures induced by pilocarpine, kainic acid, or pentylenetetrazole. The efficacy of F1,6BP was compared with that of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG; an inhibitor of glucose uptake and glycolysis), valproic acid (VPA), and the ketogenic diet. One hour before each convulsant, Sprague Dawley rats received either saline (as seizure controls), F1,6BP (0.25, 0.5 or 1 g/kg), 2-DG (0.25 or 0.5 g/kg), or VPA (0.3 g/kg). Additional animals received the ketogenic diet (starting at 20 or 60 d old). Time to seizure onset, seizure duration, and seizure score were measured in each group. F1,6BP had dose-dependent anticonvulsant activity in all three models, whereas VPA had partial efficacy. 2-DG was only effective in the pilocarpine model. The ketogenic diet had no effect in these models. F1,6BP was also partially effective when given at the first behavioral seizure after pilocarpine. Administration of sodium lactate, which bypasses the block in the glycolytic pathway, abolished the anticonvulsant activity of 2-DG in the pilocarpine model, but only decreased the efficacy of F1,6BP. These data demonstrate that F1,6BP has significant anticonvulsant efficacy.

Expression of inducible 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase/PFKFB3 isoforms in adipocytes and their potential role in glycolytic regulation

6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2/FBPase) catalyzes the synthesis and degradation of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP), which is a powerful activator of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase, the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis. Four genes encode PFK-2/FBPase (PFKFB1-4), and an inducible isoform (iPFK-2/PFKFB3) has been found to mediate F2,6BP production in proliferating cells. We have investigated the role of iPFK-2/PFKFB3 and related isoforms in the regulation of glycolysis in adipocytes. Human visceral fat cells express PFKFB3 mRNA, and three alternatively spliced isoforms of iPFK-2/PFKFB3 are expressed in the epididymal fat pad of the mouse. Forced expression of the iPFK-2/PFKFB3 in COS-7 cells resulted in increased glucose uptake and cellular F2,6BP content. Prolonged insulin treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes led to reduced PFKFB3 mRNA expression, and epididymal fat pads from db/db mice also showed decreased expression of PFKFB3 mRNA. Finally, anti-phospho-iPFK-2(Ser461) Western blotting revealed strong reactivity in insulin-treated 3T3-L1 adipocyte, suggesting that insulin induces the phosphorylation of PFKFB3 protein. These data expand the role of these structurally unique iPFK-2/PFKFB3 isoforms in the metabolic regulation of adipocytes.

Mayaro virus infection alters glucose metabolism in cultured cells through activation of the enzyme 6-phosphofructo 1-kinase

Although it is well established that cellular transformation with tumor virus leads to changes on glucose metabolism, the effects of cell infection by non-transforming virus are far to be completely elucidated. In this study, we report the first evidence that cultured Vero cells infected with the alphavirus Mayaro show several alterations on glucose metabolism. Infected cells presented a two fold increase on glucose consumption, accompanied by an increment in lactate production. This increase in glycolytic flux was also demonstrated by a significant increase on the activity of 6-phosphofructo 1-kinase, one of the regulatory enzymes of glycolysis. Analysis of the kinetic parameters revealed that the regulation of 6-phosphofructo 1-kinase is altered in infected cells, presenting an increase in Vmax along with a decrease in Km for fructose-6-phosphate. Another fact contributing to an increase in enzyme activity was the decrease in ATP levels observed in infected cells. Additionally, the levels of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, a potent activator of this enzyme, was significantly reduced in infected cells. These observations suggest that the increase in PFK activity may be a compensatory cellular response to the viral-induced metabolic alterations that could lead to an impairment of the glycolytic flux and energy production.

6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase: head-to-head with a bifunctional enzyme that controls glycolysis

Fru-2,6-P2 (fructose 2,6-bisphosphate) is a signal molecule that controls glycolysis. Since its discovery more than 20 years ago, inroads have been made towards the understanding of the structure-function relationships in PFK-2 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase)/FBPase-2 (fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase), the homodimeric bifunctional enzyme that catalyses the synthesis and degradation of Fru-2,6-P2. The FBPase-2 domain of the enzyme subunit bears sequence, mechanistic and structural similarity to the histidine phosphatase family of enzymes. The PFK-2 domain was originally thought to resemble bacterial PFK-1 (6-phosphofructo-1-kinase), but this proved not to be correct. Molecular modelling of the PFK-2 domain revealed that, instead, it has the same fold as adenylate kinase. This was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A PFK-2/FBPase-2 sequence in the genome of one prokaryote, the proteobacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, could be the result of horizontal gene transfer from a eukaryote distantly related to all other organisms, possibly a protist. This, together with the presence of PFK-2/FBPase-2 genes in trypanosomatids (albeit with possibly only one of the domains active), indicates that fusion of genes initially coding for separate PFK-2 and FBPase-2 domains might have occurred early in evolution. In the enzyme homodimer, the PFK-2 domains come together in a head-to-head like fashion, whereas the FBPase-2 domains can function as monomers. There are four PFK-2/FBPase-2 isoenzymes in mammals, each coded by a different gene that expresses several isoforms of each isoenzyme. In these genes, regulatory sequences have been identified which account for their long-term control by hormones and tissue-specific transcription factors. One of these, HNF-6 (hepatocyte nuclear factor-6), was discovered in this way. As to short-term control, the liver isoenzyme is phosphorylated at the N-terminus, adjacent to the PFK-2 domain, by PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase), leading to PFK-2 inactivation and FBPase-2 activation. In contrast, the heart isoenzyme is phosphorylated at the C-terminus by several protein kinases in different signalling pathways, resulting in PFK-2 activation.

Implication of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, adenosine 5'-mono-, di-, and triphosphate and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate in the regulation of the glycolytic pathway in relation to the gametogenic cycle in the mussel mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk

The changes in the contents of cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, ATP, ADP, AMP and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate that occur in the mantle tissue of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk were analysed with regard to the annual gametogenic cycle. Throughout 2 years, the lowest contents of AMP, ADP and ATP were detected during late winter-spring, whereas the maximum appeared in the autumn months. During the second year, fructose-2,6-bisphosphate and cAMP showed a very similar behaviour. The levels of both compounds rose throughout the year until a maximum in September. Their behaviour was also similar to that observed during the first year, but displaced in time. Both in 1998 and in 1999, the highest level of cGMP was detected during the spring-summer months. The results obtained suggest that the glycolytic pathway, with regard to the breeding cycle, might be regulated by fructose-2,6-bisphosphate and cyclic AMP through the activation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase, which is the main regulating enzyme of the glycolysis in mantle of M. galloprovincialis.

Identification of C-terminal motifs responsible for transmission of inhibition by ATP of mammalian phosphofructokinase, and their contribution to other allosteric effects

Systematic deletions and point mutations in the C-terminal extension of mammalian PFK (phosphofructokinase) led us to identify Leu-767 and Glu-768 of the M-type isoform (PFK-M) as the motifs responsible for the role of this region in inhibition by MgATP. These amino acids are the only residues of the C-terminus that are conserved in all mammalian isoforms, and were found to have a similar function in the C-type isoenzyme. Both residues in PFK-C and Leu-767 in PFK-M were also observed to be critical for inhibition by citrate, which is synergistic with that by MgATP. Binding studies utilizing titration of intrinsic protein fluorescence indicated that the C-terminal part of the enzyme participates in the signal transduction route from the MgATP inhibitory site to the catalytic site, but does not contribute to the binding of this inhibitor, whereas it is essential for the binding of citrate. Mutations of the identified structural motifs did not alter either the action of other allosteric effectors that also interact with MgATP, such as the inhibitor phosphoenolpyruvate and the strong activator fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, or the co-operative effect of fructose 6-phosphate. The latter data provide evidence that activation by fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and fructose 6-phosphate co-operativity are not linked to the same allosteric transition as that mediating inhibition by MgATP.

Evolution of energy metabolism and its compartmentation in Kinetoplastida

Kinetoplastida are protozoan organisms that probably diverged early in evolution from other eukaryotes. They are characterized by a number of unique features with respect to their energy and carbohydrate metabolism. These organisms possess peculiar peroxisomes, called glycosomes, which play a central role in this metabolism; the organelles harbour enzymes of several catabolic and anabolic routes, including major parts of the glycolytic and pentosephosphate pathways. The kinetoplastid mitochondrion is also unusual with regard to both its structural and functional properties.In this review, we describe the unique compartmentation of metabolism in Kinetoplastida and the metabolic properties resulting from this compartmentation. We discuss the evidence for our recently proposed hypothesis that a common ancestor of Kinetoplastida and Euglenida acquired a photosynthetic alga as an endosymbiont, contrary to the earlier notion that this event occurred at a later stage of evolution, in the Euglenida lineage alone. The endosymbiont was subsequently lost from the kinetoplastid lineage but, during that process, some of its pathways of energy and carbohydrate metabolism were sequestered in the kinetoplastid peroxisomes, which consequently became glycosomes. The evolution of the kinetoplastid glycosomes and the possible selective advantages of these organelles for Kinetoplastida are discussed. We propose that the possession of glycosomes provided metabolic flexibility that has been important for the organisms to adapt easily to changing environmental conditions. It is likely that metabolic flexibility has been an important selective advantage for many kinetoplastid species during their evolution into the highly successful parasites today found in many divergent taxonomic groups.Also addressed is the evolution of the kinetoplastid mitochondrion, from a supposedly pluripotent organelle, attributed to a single endosymbiotic event that resulted in all mitochondria and hydrogenosomes of extant eukaryotes. Furthermore, indications are presented that Kinetoplastida may have acquired other enzymes of energy and carbohydrate metabolism by various lateral gene transfer events different from those that involved the algal- and alpha-proteobacterial-like endosymbionts responsible for the respective formation of the glycosomes and mitochondria.

Implication of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, adenosine 5'-mono-, di- and triphosphate and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate in the regulation of the glycolytic pathway in hypoxic/anoxic mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis

The change in the content of cyclic GMP, cyclic AMP, ATP, ADP, AMP and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate that occurred in the mantle of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk when specimens of this mollusk were subjected to a hypoxia/anoxia situation were assessed. After the early 24 h in anaerobiosis, a clear decrease was observed in the ATP content, which remained close to that value for the rest of the time. AMP content doubled during the early 24 h in anaerobiosis and, from that time on, it remained close to that value. Fructose-2,6-bisphoshate and cyclic GMP showed a similar behavior. The levels of these compounds rose significantly during the early hours in anaerobiosis, and then fell to values similar to those of aerobiosis, remaining constant for the rest of the time. Neither ADP nor cAMP showed significant variations.

N-terminal truncation affects the kinetics and structure of fructose-6-phosphate 2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase from Arabidopsis thaliana

The enzyme fructose-6-phosphate 2-kinase (F6P,2K; 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase)/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (F26BPase) catalyses the formation and degradation of the regulatory metabolite fructose 2,6-bisphosphate. A cDNA encoding the bifunctional plant enzyme isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtF2KP) was expressed in yeast, and the substrate affinities and allosteric properties of the affinity-purified enzyme were characterized. In addition to the known regulators 3-phosphoglycerate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate and P(i), several metabolites were identified as important new effectors. PP(i), phosphoenolpyruvate and 2-phosphoglycerate strongly inhibited F6P,2K activity, whereas fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and 6-phosphogluconate inhibited F26BPase activity. Furthermore, pyruvate was an activator of F6P,2K and an inhibitor of F26BPase. Both kinase and phosphatase activities were rapidly inactivated by mild heat treatment (42 degrees C, 10 min), but the presence of phosphate protected both enzyme activities from inactivation. In addition to the catalytic regions, the Arabidopsis enzyme comprises a 345-amino-acid N-terminus of unknown function. The role of this region was examined by the expression of a series of N-terminally truncated enzymes. The full-length and truncated enzymes were analysed by gel-filtration chromatography. The full-length enzyme was eluted as a homotetramer, whereas the truncated enzymes were eluted as monomers. Deletion of the N-terminus decreased the kinase/phosphatase activity ratio by 4-fold, and decreased the affinity for the substrate fructose 6-phosphate. The data show that the N-terminus is important both for subunit assembly and for defining the kinetic properties of the enzyme.

Regulation of glucose production by the liver

Glucose is an essential nutrient for the human body. It is the major energy source for many cells, which depend on the bloodstream for a steady supply. Blood glucose levels, therefore, are carefully maintained. The liver plays a central role in this process by balancing the uptake and storage of glucose via glycogenesis and the release of glucose via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The several substrate cycles in the major metabolic pathways of the liver play key roles in the regulation of glucose production. In this review, we focus on the short- and long-term regulation glucose-6-phosphatase and its substrate cycle counter-part, glucokinase. The substrate cycle enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase catalyzes the terminal step in both the gluconeogenic and glycogenolytic pathways and is opposed by the glycolytic enzyme glucokinase. In addition, we include the regulation of GLUT 2, which facilitates the final step in the transport of glucose out of the liver and into the bloodstream.

Suppression of kinetic AMP cooperativity of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase by carbamoylation of lysine 50

Selective treatment of pig kidney fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase with cyanate leads to the formation of an active carbamoylated derivative that shows no cooperative interaction between the AMP-binding sites, but completely retains the sensitivity to the inhibitor. By an exhaustive carbamoylation of the enzyme a derivative is formed that has a complete loss of cooperativity and a decrease of sensitivity to AMP. It was proposed that the observed changes of allosteric properties were due to the chemical modification of two lysine residues per enzyme subunit [Slebe et al. (1983), J. Protein Chem. 2, 437-443]. Studies of the temperature dependence of AMP sensitivity and the interaction with Cibacron Blue Sepharose of carbamoylated fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase derivatives indicate that the lysine residue involved in AMP sensitivity is located at the allosteric AMP site, while the lysine residue involved in AMP cooperativity is at a distinct location. Using [14C]cyanate, we identified both lysine residues in the primary structure of the enzyme; Lys50 is essential for AMP cooperativity and Lys112 appears to be the reactive residue involved in the AMP sensitivity. According to the fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase crystal structure, Lys50 is strategically positioned at the C1-C2 interface, near the molecular center of the tetramer, and Lys112 is in the AMP-binding site. The results reported here, combined with the structural data of the enzyme, strongly suggest that the C1-C2 interface is critical for the propagation of the allosteric signal among the AMP sites on different subunits.

Cyclic AMP, a possible regulator of glycolysis in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Amanita muscaria

The amounts of cyclic AMP (cAMP), fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F26BP), trehalose and glycogen were determined in cell suspension cultures of the ectomycorrhiza-forming fungus Amanita muscaria (L. ex Fr.) Hooker. For the assay of cAMF a protocol was developed that enabled the detection of as little as 50 fmol of this secondary messenger by an enzyme-linked immuno assay (EIA). Values varied from < 1 and up to 5 pmol cAMP mg¹ d. wt according to the age of the fungal culture. Typically, a transient increase in cAMP occurred after c. 4 d of culture of the fungus on glucose-containing medium. This increase (up to 100%) was followed by the start of the logarithmic growth phase, and by a more persistent increase in F26BP. In parallel, glucose in the medium started to decrease, whilst the amounts of fungal carbohydrates, especially the disaccharide trehalose, increased, From these data we assume that a high initial rate of glucose uptake caused an increase in the fungal pools of storage carbohydrates and, via activation of an adenylate cyclase, of cAMP. According to data reported for yeast cells this should enhance the formation of F26BP by phosphorylation of relevant enzymes. In animal and yeast cells an increase in the concentration of F26BP stimulates glycolysis by activation of the ATP-dependent phosphofructokinase (PFK). A. muscaria also possesses an F26BP activated PFK and, under conditions of symbiosis, host-derived carbohydrates are supplied mainly in the form of glucose. The implications of these findings to the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism of symbiotic plant root/fungus structures (ectomycorrhiza) are discussed.

Evidence for an up-regulation of the host and a down-regulation of the fungal phosphofructokinase activity in ectomycorrhizas of Norway spruce and fly agaric

For an understanding of metabolic interactions in ectomycorrhizal associations it is essential to distinguish enzyme activities of the symbionts. For the ATP-dependent phosphofructokinase (PFK) from ectomycorrhizas of fly agaric (Amanita muscaria (L. ex Fr.) Hooker) on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) we were able to achieve a symbiont-specific differentiation by special assay conditions. Substrate concentrations, Mg²⁺ : ATP ratio and pH values which were optimum for the fly agaric PFK completely suppressed the PFK activity of spruce roots. On the other hand, under the optimum assay conditions for the spruce root PFK, the fungal PFK activity was reduced by more than 90%. The most pronounced difference between the enzymes of both organisms was the response towards fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F26BP); whereas F26BP had no influence on the spruce PFK activity, the fly agaric PFK activity was strongly enhanced by very low levels of F26BP. The distinction of the partner-specific PFK activities illustrated that mycorrhiza formation exerted partner-specific effects. On the basis of host d. wt of the mycorrhizas, the host-specific PFK activity was more than doubled compared with that of the non-mycorrhizal short roots. By contrast, the fungal PFK activity, on a fungal d.wt basis, was reduced in the mycorrhizas to less than 1/4 of the activity of the free-living mycelium.

Activation by phosphorylation of phosphofructokinase from the annelid Lumbricus terrestris and comparison of phosphorylated sites in invertebrate phosphofructokinases

Purified phosphofructokinase from the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris was phosphorylated in vitro by the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase from the same organism to an extent of approx. 0.5 mol/mol of subunit. Activation of the enzyme occurred in parallel to the incorporation of covalently bound phosphate and was reversed by the action of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A. Phosphorylation decreased the co-operativity of fructose 6-phosphate saturation in the presence of inhibitory concentrations of ATP, and increased the apparent Vmax obtained with saturating concentrations of the activators 5'-AMP and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate. The phosphorylated sites of phosphofructokinase from L. terrestris and from two molluscs (Helix pomatia and Mytilus edulis) were sequenced and shown to exhibit distinct similarity to sequences located near to the N-terminus of nematode phosphofructokinases [Klein, Olson, Favreau, Wintertowed, Hatzenbuhler, Shea, Nulf and Geary (1991) Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 48, 17-26.

Hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor beta regulate 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase gene expression in rat hepatocyte primary cultures

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) are believed to be of major importance for hepatic regeneration after liver damage. We have studied the effect of these growth factors on fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) levels and the expression of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase) in rat hepatocyte primary cultures. Our results demonstrate that HGF activates the expression of the 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase gene by increasing the levels of its mRNA. As a consequence of this activation, the amount of 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase protein and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase activity increased, which was reflected by a rise in Fru-2,6-P2 levels. In contrast, TGF-beta decreased the levels of 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase mRNA, which led to a decrease in the amount of 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase protein and Fru-2,6-P2. The different actions of HGF and TGF-beta on 6PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase gene expression are concomitant with their effect on cell proliferation. Here we show that, in the absence of hormones, primary cultures of hepatocytes express the F-type isoenzyme. In addition, HGF increases the expression of this isoenzyme, and dexamethasone activates the L-type isoform. HGF and TGF-beta were able to inhibit this activation.

Phosphorylating enzymes involved in glucose fermentation of Actinomyces naeslundii

Enzymatic activities involved in glucose fermentation of Actinomyces naeslundii were studied with glucose-grown cells from batch cultures. Glucose could be phosphorylated to glucose 6-phosphate by a glucokinase that utilized polyphosphate and GTP instead of ATP as a phosphoryl donor. Glucose 6-phosphate was further metabolized to the end products lactate, formate, acetate, and succinate through the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway. The phosphoryl donor for phosphofructokinase was only PPi. Phosphoglycerate kinase, pyruvate kinase, and acetate kinase coupled GDP as well as ADP, but P(i) compounds were not their phosphoryl acceptor. Cell extracts showed GDP-dependent activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, which assimilates bicarbonate and phosphoenolpyruvate into oxaloacetate, a precursor of succinate. Considerable amounts of GTP, polyphosphate, and PPi were found in glucose-fermenting cells, indicating that these compounds may serve as phosphoryl donors or acceptors in Actinomyces cells. PPi could be generated from UTP and glucose 1-phosphate through catalysis of UDP-glucose synthase, which provides UDP-glucose, a precursor of glycogen.

Crystallographic evidence for the action of potassium, thallium, and lithium ions on fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (Fru-1,6-Pase; D-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate 1-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.11) requires two divalent metal ions to hydrolyze alpha-D-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. Although not required for catalysis, monovalent cations modify the enzyme activity; K+ and Tl+ ions are activators, whereas Li+ ions are inhibitors. Their mechanisms of action are still unknown. We report here crystallographic structures of pig kidney Fru-1,6-Pase complexed with K+, Tl+, or both Tl+ and Li+. In the T form Fru-1,6-Pase complexed with the substrate analogue 2,5-anhydro-D-glucitol 1,6-bisphosphate (AhG-1,6-P2) and Tl+ or K+ ions, three Tl+ or K+ binding sites are found. Site 1 is defined by Glu-97, Asp-118, Asp-121, Glu-280, and a 1-phosphate oxygen of AhG-1,6-P2; site 2 is defined by Glu-97, Glu-98, Asp-118, and Leu-120. Finally, site 3 is defined by Arg-276, Glu-280, and the 1-phosphate group of AhG-1,6-P2. The Tl+ or K+ ions at sites 1 and 2 are very close to the positions previously identified for the divalent metal ions. Site 3 is specific to K+ or Tl+. In the divalent metal ion complexes, site 3 is occupied by the guanidinium group of Arg-276. These observations suggest that Tl+ or K+ ions can substitute for Arg-276 in the active site and polarize the 1-phosphate group, thus facilitating nucleophilic attack on the phosphorus center. In the T form complexed with both Tl+ and Li+ ions, Li+ replaces Tl+ at metal site 1. Inhibition by lithium very likely occurs as it binds to this site, thus retarding turnover or phosphate release. The present study provides a structural basis for a similar mechanism of inhibition for inositol monophosphatase, one of the potential targets of lithium ions in the treatment of manic depression.

Role of the N-terminal region in covalent modification of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase: comparison of phosphorylation and ADP-ribosylation

The effect of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent phosphorylation and ADP-ribosylation on the activities of the rat liver bifunctional enzyme, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2/FBPase-2), was investigated in order to determine the role of the N-terminus in covalent modification of the enzyme. The bifunctional enzyme was demonstrated to be a substrate in vitro for arginine-specific ADP-ribosyltransferase: 2 mol of ADP-ribose was incorporated per mol of subunit. The Km values for NAD+ and PFK-2/FBPase-2 were 14 microM and 0.4 microM respectively. A synthetic peptide (Val-Leu-Gln-Arg-Arg-Arg-Gly-Ser-Ser-Ile-Pro-Gln) corresponding to the site phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase was ADP-ribosylated on all three arginine residues. Analysis of ADP-ribosylation of analogue peptides containing only two arginine residues, with the third replaced by alanine, revealed that ADP-ribosylation occurred predominantly on the two most C-terminal arginine residues. Sequencing of the ADP-ribosylated native enzyme also demonstrated that the preferred sites were at Arg-29 and Arg-30, which are just N-terminal to Ser-32, whose phosphorylation is catalysed by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). ADP-ribosylation was independent of the phosphorylation state of the enzyme. Furthermore, ADP-ribosylation of the enzyme decreased its recognition by liver-specific anti-bifunctional-enzyme antibodies directed to its unique N-terminal region. ADP-ribosylation of PFK-2/FBPase-2 blocked its phosphorylation by PKA, and decreased its PFK-2 activity, but did not alter FBPase-2 activity. In contrast, cAMP-dependent phosphorylation inhibited the kinase and activated the bisphosphatase. These results demonstrate that ADP-ribosylation of arginine residues just N-terminal to the site phosphorylated by PKA modulate PFK-2 activity by an electrostatic and/or steric mechanism which does not involved uncoupling of N- and C-terminal interactions as seen with cAMP-dependent phosphorylation.

Cell-type specificity of inhibition of glycolysis by 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside. Lack of effect in rabbit cardiomyocytes and human erythrocytes, and inhibition in FTO-2B rat hepatoma cells

The nucleoside AICAriboside (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside) has been shown to inhibit glycolysis in isolated rat hepatocytes [Vincent, Bontemps and Van den Berghe (1992) Biochem. J. 281, 267-272]. The effect is mediated by AICA-ribotide (ZMP), the product of the phosphorylation of AICA-riboside by adenosine kinase. To assess the cell-type specificity of the effect, studies were conducted in rabbit cardiomyocytes, human erythrocytes and rat hepatoma FTO-2B cells. AICA-riboside had no effect on glycolysis in cardiomyocytes, and a slight stimulatory effect in erythrocytes, but inhibited glycolysis by 65% at 250 microM concentration in FTO-2B cells, although only when tissue-culture medium was replaced by Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer. At 500 microM AICAriboside, ZMP remained undetectable in cardiomyocytes, but reached 0.65 mM in erythrocytes and 5 mM in FTO-2B cells. In the latter, AICAriboside provoked up to 2-fold elevations of glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate, accompanied by a decrease in fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. This indicated inhibition of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1). Accordingly, in FTO-2B cell-free extracts, the activity of PFK-1, measured under physiological conditions, was inhibited by approx. 70% by 5 mM ZMP. ZMP had a less pronounced effect on the activity of PFK-1 in normal rat liver; it did not influence the activity of PFK-1 in rat muscle, rabbit heart and human erythrocytes. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of AICAriboside on glycolysis is dependent on both (1) the capacity of the cells to accumulate ZMP and (2) the presence of target enzymes which are sensitive to ZMP.

Crystal structure of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase complexed with fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, AMP, and Zn2+ at 2.0-A resolution: aspects of synergism between inhibitors

The crystal structure of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (Fru-1,6-Pase; EC 3.1.3.11) complexed with Zn2+ and two allosteric regulators, AMP and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) has been determined at 2.0-A resolution. In the refined model, the crystallographic R factor is 0.189 with rms deviations of 0.014 A and 2.8 degrees from ideal geometries for bond lengths and bond angles, respectively. A 15 degrees rotation is observed between the upper dimer C1C2 and the lower dimer C3C4 relative to the R-form structure (fructose 6-phosphate complex), consistent with that expected from a T-form structure. The major difference between the structure of the previously determined Fru-2,6-P2 complex (R form) and that of the current quaternary T-form complex lies in the active site domain. A zinc binding site distinct from the three binding sites established earlier was identified within each monomer. Helix H4 (residues 123-127) was found to be better defined than in previously studied ligated Fru-1,6-Pase structures. Interactions between monomers in the active site domain were found involving H4 residues from one monomer and residues Tyr-258 and Arg-243 from the adjacent monomer. Cooperativity between AMP and Fru-2,6-P2 in signal transmission probably involves the following features: an AMP site, the adjacent B3 strand (residues 113-118), the metal site, the immediate active site, the short helix H4 (residues 123-127), and Tyr-258 and Arg-243 from the adjacent monomer within the upper (or lower) dimer. The closest distance between the immediate active site and that on the adjacent monomer is only 5 A. Thus, the involvement of H4 in signal transmission adds another important pathway to the scheme of the allosteric mechanism of Fru-1,6-Pase.

Transcriptional control of genes that regulate glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in adult liver

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Pyrophosphate-dependent phosphofructokinase from the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, an AMP-sensitive enzyme

PPi-dependent phosphofructokinase (PPi-PFK) was detected in extracts of the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, with a specific activity of about 15-30 nmol/min per mg of protein, which was increased about 2-fold by 0.5 mM AMP. PPi-PFK was inactivated upon gel filtration and could be re-activated by incubation at 30 degrees C in the presence of AMP. N. fowleri PPi-PFK was purified more than 1100-fold to near homogeneity with a yield of about 25%. The pure enzyme had a specific activity of 65 mumol/min per mg of protein, and SDS/PAGE analysis showed a single band, of 51 kDa. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed the existence of two forms: a large one (approximately 180 kDa), presumably a tetramer, which was active, and a smaller one (approximately 45 kDa), presumably the monomer, which was inactive, but could be re-activated and converted into the large form by incubation at 30 degrees C in the presence of 0.5 mM AMP. Reactivation was also observed at 30 degrees C in the absence of AMP, particularly at higher enzyme concentration or in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol). Inactivation of the tetrameric enzyme was promoted by 0.25 M potassium thiocyanate. The enzyme displayed Km values of 10 and 15 microM for fructose 6-phosphate and PPi, respectively, in the forward reaction, and of 35 and 590 microM for fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and Pi in the backward reaction. The activity was dependent on the presence of Mg2+. AMP increased Vmax. about 2-fold without changing the affinity for the substrates; its half-maximal effect was observed at 2 microM.

Modification of Cys-128 of pig kidney fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase with different thiol reagents: size dependent effect on the substrate and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate interaction

Treatment of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase with N-ethylmaleimide was shown to abolish the inhibition by fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, which also protected the enzyme against this chemical modification [Reyes, A., Burgos, M. E., Hubert, E., and Slebe, J. C. (1987), J. Biol. Chem. 262, 8451-8454]. On the basis of these results, it was suggested that a single reactive sulfhydryl group was essential for the inhibition. We have isolated a peptide bearing the N-ethylmaleimide target site and the modified residue has been identified as cysteine-128. We have further examined the reactivity of this group and demonstrated that when reagents with bulky groups are used to modify the protein at the reactive sulfhydryl [e.g., N-ethylmaleimide or 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoate)], most of the fructose 2,6-bisphosphate inhibition potential is lost. However, there is only partial or no loss of inhibition when smaller groups (e.g., cyanate or cyanide) are introduced. Kinetic and ultraviolet difference spectroscopy-binding studies show that the treatment of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase with N-ethylmaleimide causes a considerable reduction in the affinity of the enzyme for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate while affinity for fructose 1,6-bisphosphate does not change. We can conclude that modification of this reactive sulfhydryl affects the enzyme sensitivity to fructose 2,6-bisphosphate inhibition by sterically interfering with the binding of this sugar bisphosphate, although this residue does not seem to be essential for the inhibition to occur. The results also suggest that fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate may interact with the enzyme in a different way.

Allosteric transition of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase

Structural changes during the R-to-T transition of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) form a hierarchy, in which structural changes at one level are supported by those at the other levels. The quaternary conformational changes involve a 17 degrees rotation between the upper and lower dimers, and a 3.4 degrees rotation between monomers in a dimer. Within monomers, the FBP domain, which remains rigid during the R-to-T transition, rotates 2.3 degrees relative to the AMP domain, which undergoes significant structural reorientations. The most important of these reorientations are the newly identified partially ordered loop residues 55-61 in the T state and reorientations of helices H1, H2, and H3. Supporting these structural changes are numerous readjustments of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions throughout the entire tetrameric protein. Propagation of structural changes during the R-to-T transition relies primarily on helices H1, H2, H3, and loop 50-72. The change that begins at the AMP site causes reorientation of H1, H2, and H3 and changes of interactions across the C1-C4 (C2-C3) interface. These changes may propagate down H1, H2, H3, and loop 50-72 to affect interactions across the C1-C2 (C3-C4) and C1-C3 (C2-C4) interfaces. AMP inhibition is most probably caused by reduced metal binding affinity due to structural changes of metal ligands (Glu97, Asp118, and Asp121) in the active site. The eight-stranded beta-sheet, particularly the beta-strand B3, which connects Lys112 and Tyr113 of the AMP site with Asp118 and Asp121 of the metal site, may be responsible for communication between the AMP and active sites. Additional structural changes that support such communication include reorientation of the FBP domain and H1, H2, and H3 relative to the eight-stranded beta-sheet, and new conformations of loop 54-72 in the T state as AMP binds.

Gene expression of regulatory enzymes of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in regenerating rat liver

Levels of mRNA for glucokinase, L-pyruvate kinase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were analysed during liver regeneration. Levels of mRNA for glycolytic enzymes (glucokinase and L-pyruvate kinase) decreased rapidly after partial hepatectomy. Glucokinase mRNA increased at 16-24 h, returning to normal values after this time. L-pyruvate kinase mRNA recovered control levels at 168 h. In contrast, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA increased rapidly after liver resection and remained high during the regenerative process. However, the levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase mRNA were not modified significantly. These results correlate with the reported increased rate of gluconeogenesis and changes in enzyme levels after partial hepatectomy. The effect of stress on the mRNA levels was also studied. All enzymes showed variations in their mRNA levels after the surgical stress. In general, the differences were more pronounced in regenerating liver than in sham-operated animals, being practically normalized at 24 h.

Effect of treatment in vivo of rats with bacterial endotoxin on fructose 2,6-bisphosphate metabolism and L-pyruvate kinase activity and flux in isolated liver cells

The effect of treatment of rats with bacterial endotoxin on fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) metabolism was investigated in isolated liver cells prepared from 18 h-starved animals. The results obtained support the hypothesis that a stimulation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1) activity and an inhibition of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (Fru-1,6-P2ase) may be one mechanism underlying the inhibition of gluconeogenesis from lactate and pyruvate by endotoxin. We suggest that the stimulation of PFK-1 and inhibition of Fru-1,6-P2ase activity is the result of a 2-3-fold increase in Fru-2,6-P2. The latter is not due to changes in the total activity or phosphorylation state of the bifunctional 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFK-2)/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase, but appears to be the result of a decrease in the cytosolic concentration of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), an inhibitor of PFK-2 activity. The effect of endotoxin is resistant to the presence of glucagon, which has comparable effects in cells prepared from both control and endotoxin-treated animals. The mechanism by which endotoxin treatment of the rat decreases PEP and gluconeogenesis remains to be established. However, it does not involve alterations in either the total activity or the phosphorylation state of pyruvate kinase, nor does it involve increased flux through this enzyme in the intact cell, which is in fact decreased in this model of septic shock. It is suggested that the decreased flux may result from a lower rate of formation of PEP, suggesting that the prime lesion in sepsis is an inhibition of one or more of the steps leading to PEP formation.

Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase during liver regeneration

The control of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2/FBPase-2; EC 2.7.1.105/3.1.3.46) gene expression during liver regeneration was studied. The level of PFK-2/FBPase-2 mRNA decreased to about 5% of the control value 6 hr after partial hepatectomy. Thereafter the mRNA increased to a maximum at 48 hr and returned to normal levels by 96 hr. In sham-operated animals, only a small increase was observed during the first 4 hr. The mRNA was recognized by a 299-base-pair liver-specific cDNA probe but not by a muscle-specific probe. The time course of mRNA modulation was well correlated with PFK-2/FBPase-2 activity and with the amount of bifunctional enzyme protein determined by immunoblotting with an antibody raised against the N-terminal decapeptide of liver PFK-2/FBPase-2. No alteration in the degradation rate of PFK-2/FBPase-2 mRNA was noted after partial hepatectomy. The modulation of PFK-2/FBPase-2 gene expression during liver regeneration involved changes in the transcription rate. The rate decreased by 50% at 6 hr after liver resection. The rate increased thereafter to a maximum at 72 hr and then returned to control values by 96 hr. The transcription rate of albumin did not change, whereas that of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase increased 12-fold at 6 hr. These results show that PFK-2/FBPase-2 gene transcription is specifically regulated and that this regulation is in part responsible for the alterations in hepatic metabolism seen in regenerating liver.

Crystal structure of the neutral form of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase complexed with regulatory inhibitor fructose 2,6-bisphosphate at 2.6-A resolution

The three-dimensional structure of the complex between fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) and the physiological inhibitor beta-D-fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2), an analogue of the substrate (fructose 1,6-bisphosphate), has been refined at 2.6-A resolution to a residual error (R) factor of 0.171. The rms deviations are 0.012 A and 2.88 degrees from ideal geometries of bond lengths and angles, respectively. The Fru-2,6-P2 occupies the active sites of both polypeptides C1 and C2 in the crystallographic asymmetric unit in the space group P3(2)21. The furanose and 6-phosphate of Fru-2,6-P2 are located at the fructose 6-phosphate site established earlier, and the 2-phosphate binds to the OH of Ser-124, the NH3+ of Lys-274, and the backbone NH of Gly-122 and Ser-123. Backbone displacements of 1 A occur for residues from Asp-121 to Asn-125. Model building of substrate alpha-D-Fru-1,6-P2 based on the binding structure of Fru-2,6-P2 in the active site shows interactions of the 1-phosphate with the backbone NH of Ser-123 and Ser-124. In the AMP sites, density peaks attributed to Fru-2,6-P2 are seen in C1 (and C4) but not in C2 (and C3). This minor binding of Fru-2,6-P2 to AMP sites partially explains the synergistic interaction between AMP and Fru-2,6-P2 and the protection of the AMP site from acetylation in the presence of Fru-2,6-P2. In the synergistic interaction between AMP and Fru-2,6-P2, inhibition of catalytic metal binding by the presence of Fru-2,6-P2 at the active site, and propagation of structural changes over some 28 A along beta-strand B3 from residues 121 to 125 in the active site to Lys-112 and Tyr-113 in the AMP site, as well as movement of helices across the interdimeric interfaces, may affect AMP binding and the subsequent R-to-T transition. In addition, occupancy of Fru-2,6-P2 at the AMP sites of C1 and C4 may favor binding of AMP to the remaining unoccupied AMP sites and thus promote the accompanying quaternary conformational changes.

6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase in rat brain

The concentration of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in the brain remained stable during starvation and early stages of ischaemia, but decreased in diabetes or after lengthened ischaemia. 6-Phosphofructo-1-kinase activity was also decreased in diabetic and ischaemic animals, whereas 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase was not modified. The concentration of the bisphosphorylated metabolite seems to be remarkably constant under a wide variety of experimental conditions, suggesting that it plays an essential role in the basal activation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase. Purified 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase also showed fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase activity with an activity ratio similar to that of the purified heart isoenzyme. The brain enzyme also has a net charge similar to that of the heart isoenzyme. Its activity is not modified by sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, and it is more sensitive to citrate than the liver or muscle isoenzyme. Moreover, the enzyme from brain, similarly to that from heart and muscle, is not modified by the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C. A near-full-length cDNA probe from liver hybridized with RNA from brain and heart. In both cases, a major band of 6.8 kb of RNA and a minor one of 4 kb of RNA were detected. All these properties support the hypothesis that brain contains a different isoenzymic form from that of liver and muscle, and it is probably related to the heart isoform.

Crystal structure of the neutral form of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase complexed with the product fructose 6-phosphate at 2.1-A resolution

The crystal structure of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) complexed with the product fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) has been refined at 2.1-A resolution to an R factor of 0.177 with root-mean-square deviations of 0.014 A and 2.9 degrees from the ideal geometries of bond lengths and bond angles, respectively. The secondary structures but not the trace of the unligated enzyme have been slightly revised in the F6P complex at this higher resolution. Helix H4 in the unligated structure has been refined to a helix-like coil, and two very short 3(10) helices have been found, one in H4 and one in H5. F6P at 10 mM concentration in the absence of divalent metals in our study shows major binding at the active site and minor binding at the AMP site. The major site has almost equal full occupancy in the C1 and C2 chains of the crystallographic asymmetric unit, while the minor site shows occupancy only in the C1 chain at about 50%. The electron density in both (2Fo - Fc) and (Fo - Fc) maps calculated by omitting F6P slightly favors the beta anomer of D-F6P over the alpha anomer. Possible functions of the active-site residues are discussed, and candidates are suggested for site-directed mutagenesis.