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Xia Y, Andersson E, Caputo M, Cansby E, Sedda F, Font-Gironès F, Ruud J, Kurhe Y, Hallberg B, Marschall HU, Asterholm IW, Romeo S, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. Knockout of STE20-type kinase TAOK3 does not attenuate diet-induced NAFLD development in mice. Mol Med 2023; 29:138. [PMID: 37864157 PMCID: PMC10589923 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00738-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the primary hepatic consequence of obesity, is affecting about 25% of the global adult population. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo role of STE20-type protein kinase TAOK3, which has been previously reported to regulate hepatocellular lipotoxicity in vitro, in the development of NAFLD and systemic insulin resistance in the context of obesity. METHODS Taok3 knockout mice and wild-type littermates were challenged with a high-fat diet. Various in vivo tests were performed to characterize the whole-body metabolism. NAFLD progression in the liver, and lipotoxic damage in adipose tissue, kidney, and skeletal muscle were compared between the genotypes by histological assessment, immunofluorescence microscopy, protein and gene expression profiling, and biochemical assays. Intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative/ER stress were analyzed in cultured human and mouse hepatocytes where TAOK3 was knocked down by small interfering RNA. The expression of TAOK3-related STE20-type kinases was quantified in different organs from high-fat diet-fed Taok3-/- and wild-type mice. RESULTS TAOK3 deficiency had no impact on body weight or composition, food consumption, locomotor activity, or systemic glucose or insulin homeostasis in obese mice. Consistently, Taok3-/- mice and wild-type littermates developed a similar degree of high-fat diet-induced liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, and we detected no difference in lipotoxic damage of adipose tissue, kidney, or skeletal muscle when comparing the two genotypes. In contrast, the silencing of TAOK3 in vitro markedly suppressed ectopic lipid accumulation and metabolic stress in mouse and human hepatocytes. Interestingly, the hepatic mRNA abundance of several TAOK3-related kinases, which have been previously implicated to increase the risk of NAFLD susceptibility, was significantly elevated in Taok3-/- vs. wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the in vitro observations, genetic deficiency of TAOK3 in mice failed to mitigate the detrimental metabolic consequences of chronic exposure to dietary lipids, which may be partly attributable to the activation of liver-specific compensation response for the genetic loss of TAOK3 by related STE20-type kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Andersson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francesca Sedda
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ferran Font-Gironès
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Ruud
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yeshwant Kurhe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity, and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München, University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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2
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Chen KQ, Lei GL, Ke BY, Chen L, Wang ZB, Wang SZ. STK25: a viable therapeutic target for cancer treatments? Anticancer Drugs 2023; 34:995-1001. [PMID: 36728989 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) is a critical regulator of ectopic lipid storage, glucose and insulin homeostasis, fibrosis, and meta-inflammation. More and more studies have revealed a strong correlation between STK25 and human diseases. On the one hand, STK25 can affect glucose and fatty acid metabolism in normal cells or tumors. On the other hand, STK25 participates in autophagy, cell polarity, cell apoptosis, and cell migration by activating various signaling pathways. This article reviews the composition and function of STK25, the energy metabolism and potential drugs that may target STK25, and the research progress of STK25 in the occurrence and development of tumors, to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Qian Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School
- Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Guan-Lan Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School
- Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Bo-Yi Ke
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School
- Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School
- Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zong-Bao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School
- Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shu-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School
- Department of Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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3
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Ocker M, Neureiter D. Gene expression inhibitors for the treatment of liver fibrosis: drugs under preclinical and early clinical investigation. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1133-1141. [PMID: 37997755 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2288075] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver fibrosis represents an unmet medical condition with growing incidence and only limited therapeutic options. Interfering with dysregulated gene expression was considered a specific treatment approach, and we are here reviewing the current options to modulate transcription and translation with small molecule inhibitors of involved enzymes, transcription factors or by using non-coding RNA molecules (RNA interference) or DNA antisense oligonucleotides. Despite promising results in preclinical models, only limited data are available from studies in humans. AREAS COVERED This expert opinion provides a general overview of how to interfere with gene expression (transcription and translation) and highlighting recent achievements in liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION Many compounds that were explored to modulate gene expression in liver fibrosis (models) were developed as anti-cancer agents. Their use in humans with impaired liver function is often impaired by the lack of specificity to inhibit only fibrosis-related genes in the liver and by associated general toxicity and narrow therapeutic windows. RNAi approaches show a higher degree of specificity and potentially less systemic toxicity. Clinical development in liver fibrosis requires close interaction between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities to address topics like relevant (surrogate) endpoints to achieve meaningful readouts faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- EO Translational Insights Consulting GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University/University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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4
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Xia Y, Andersson E, Anand SK, Cansby E, Caputo M, Kumari S, Porosk R, Kilk K, Nair S, Marschall HU, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. Silencing of STE20-type kinase TAOK1 confers protection against hepatocellular lipotoxicity through metabolic rewiring. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202304010-00004. [PMID: 36930872 PMCID: PMC10027040 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide afflicting about one quarter of the adult population. NASH is a severe subtype of NAFLD, which in addition to hepatic steatosis connotes liver inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning. In light of the exponentially increasing prevalence of NAFLD, it is imperative to gain a better understanding of its molecular pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the potential role of STE20-type kinase TAOK1 -a hepatocellular lipid droplet-associated protein-in the regulation of liver lipotoxicity and NAFLD etiology. METHODS The correlation between TAOK1 mRNA expression in liver biopsies and the severity of NAFLD was evaluated in a cohort of 62 participants. Immunofluorescence microscopy was applied to describe the subcellular localization of TAOK1 in human and mouse hepatocytes. Metabolic reprogramming and oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress were investigated in immortalized human hepatocytes, where TAOK1 was overexpressed or silenced by small interfering RNA, using functional assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, and colorimetric analysis. Migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were examined in TAOK1-deficient human hepatoma-derived cells. Alterations in hepatocellular metabolic and pro-oncogenic signaling pathways were assessed by immunoblotting. RESULTS We observed a positive correlation between the TAOK1 mRNA abundance in human liver biopsies and key hallmarks of NAFLD (i.e., hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning). Furthermore, we found that TAOK1 protein fully colocalized with intracellular lipid droplets in human and mouse hepatocytes. The silencing of TAOK1 alleviated lipotoxicity in cultured human hepatocytes by accelerating lipid catabolism (mitochondrial β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion), suppressing lipid anabolism (fatty acid influx and lipogenesis), and mitigating oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the opposite changes were detected in TAOK1-overexpressing cells. We also found decreased proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacity, as well as lower epithelial-mesenchymal transition in TAOK1-deficient human hepatoma-derived cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that TAOK1 knockdown inhibited ERK and JNK activation and repressed acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) protein abundance in human hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Together, we provide the first experimental evidence supporting the role of hepatic lipid droplet-decorating kinase TAOK1 in NAFLD development through mediating fatty acid partitioning between anabolic and catabolic pathways, regulating oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress, and modulating metabolic and pro-oncogenic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Andersson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sumit K Anand
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sima Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rando Porosk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Syam Nair
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity, and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München, University Hospital Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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5
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Wang GY, Zhang XY, Wang CJ, Guan YF. Emerging novel targets for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treatment: Evidence from recent basic studies. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:75-95. [PMID: 36683713 PMCID: PMC9850950 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i1.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a leading chronic disease worldwide, affects approximately a quarter of the global population. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of NAFLD and is more likely to progress to liver fibrosis than simple steatosis. NASH is also identified as the most rapidly growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although in the past decade, several phase II/III clinical trials have shown promising results in the use of novel drugs targeting lipid synthase, farnesoid X receptor signaling, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling, hepatocellular injury, and inflammatory signaling, proven pharmaceutical agents to treat NASH are still lacking. Thus, continuous exploration of the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the identification of novel therapeutic targets remain urgent tasks in the field. In the current review, we summarize studies reported in recent years that not only provide new insights into the mechanisms of NAFLD development but also explore the possibility of treating NAFLD by targeting newly identified signaling pathways. We also discuss evidence focusing on the intrahepatic targets involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD as well as extrahepatic targets affecting liver metabolism and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin 300070, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhang
- Health Science Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Chun-Jiong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin 300070, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - You-Fei Guan
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
- Dalian Key Laboratory for Nuclear Receptors in Major Metabolic Diseases, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
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6
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Lu K, Fan Q, Zou X. Antisense oligonucleotide is a promising intervention for liver diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1061842. [PMID: 36569303 PMCID: PMC9780395 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1061842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the body's critical metabolic organ, the liver plays an essential role in maintaining proper body homeostasis. However, as people's living standards have improved and the number of unhealthy lifestyles has increased, the liver has become overburdened. These have made liver disease one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Under the influence of adverse factors, liver disease progresses from simple steatosis to hepatitis, to liver fibrosis, and finally to cirrhosis and cancer, followed by increased mortality. Until now, there has been a lack of accepted effective treatments for liver disease. Based on current research, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), as an alternative intervention for liver diseases, is expected to be an effective treatment due to its high efficiency, low toxicity, low dosage, strong specificity, and additional positive characteristics. In this review, we will first introduce the design, modification, delivery, and the mechanisms of ASO, and then summarize the application of ASO in liver disease treatment, including in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. Finally, we discuss challenges and perspectives on the transfer of ASO drugs into clinical use. This review provides a current and comprehensive understanding of the integrative and systematic functions of ASO for its use in liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailing Lu
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qijing Fan
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoju Zou
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoju Zou,
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7
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Paris J, Henderson NC. Liver zonation, revisited. Hepatology 2022; 76:1219-1230. [PMID: 35175659 PMCID: PMC9790419 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The concept of hepatocyte functional zonation is well established, with differences in metabolism and xenobiotic processing determined by multiple factors including oxygen and nutrient levels across the hepatic lobule. However, recent advances in single-cell genomics technologies, including single-cell and nuclei RNA sequencing, and the rapidly evolving fields of spatial transcriptomic and proteomic profiling have greatly increased our understanding of liver zonation. Here we discuss how these transformative experimental strategies are being leveraged to dissect liver zonation at unprecedented resolution and how this new information should facilitate the emergence of novel precision medicine-based therapies for patients with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Paris
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe Queen’s Medical Research InstituteEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Neil C. Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe Queen’s Medical Research InstituteEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK,MRC Human Genetics UnitInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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8
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Alshehade SA, Al Zarzour RH, Murugaiyah V, Lim SYM, El-Refae HG, Alshawsh MA. Mechanism of action of Orthosiphon stamineus against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Insights from systems pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1572-1588. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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9
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Kiyeleko S, Hocine S, Mautino G, Kuenemann M, Nawrotek A, Miallau L, Vuillard LM, Mirguet O, Kotschy A, Hanessian S. Tartgeting Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Design, X-Ray co-crystal structure and synthesis of 'first-in-kind' inhibitors of Serine/Threonine Kinase25. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 75:128950. [PMID: 36030002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128950] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We describe the synthesis of a series of 3-t-butyl 5-aminopyrazole p-substituted arylamides as inhibitors of serine-threonine25 (STK25), an enzyme implicated in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Appending a p-N-pyrrolidinosulphonamide group to the arylamide group led to a 'first-in kind' inhibitor with IC50=228nM. A co-crystal structure with STK 25 revealed productive interactions which were also reproduced using molecular docking. A new series of triazolo dihydro oxazine carboxamides of 3-t-butyl 5-aminopyrazole was not active against STK25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scarlett Kiyeleko
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sofiane Hocine
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Giséle Mautino
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy, France
| | - Mélaine Kuenemann
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy, France
| | - Agata Nawrotek
- NovAliX, Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale Servier au Synchrotron Soleil, LBS3 L'Orme des Merisiers 91190 St Aubin FRANCE
| | - Linda Miallau
- NovAliX, Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale Servier au Synchrotron Soleil, LBS3 L'Orme des Merisiers 91190 St Aubin FRANCE
| | | | - Olivier Mirguet
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy, France.
| | - Andras Kotschy
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Zahony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stephen Hanessian
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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10
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Huang L, Zhang ZZ, Li YN, Yi P, Gu W, Yang J, Li YM, Hao XJ, Yuan CM. Hypersampones A-C, Three Nor-Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols with Lipid-Lowering Activity from Hypericum sampsonii. Org Lett 2022; 24:5967-5971. [PMID: 35925684 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c02240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypersampones A-C (1-3), three unprecedented nor-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), were isolated from Hypericum sampsonii. These compounds represent the first nor-PPAPs with an unexpected tetracyclic 6/5/5/6 ring system. Their structures were assigned through the analysis of detailed spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compound 1 significantly inhibited the accumulation of lipid in an oleic acid-treated HepG2 cell model by suppressing the protein expression of FAS and ACACA at 5 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Zi-Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Ya-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Ping Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Wei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Jue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China.,State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Chun-Mao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China.,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
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11
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Jiang J, Zheng Y, Chen F, Dong L, Guo X. Activation of YAP1 by STK25 contributes to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Tissue Cell 2022; 76:101797. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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12
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Anand SK, Caputo M, Xia Y, Andersson E, Cansby E, Kumari S, Henricsson M, Porosk R, Keuenhof KS, Höög JL, Nair S, Marschall HU, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. Inhibition of MAP4K4 Signaling Initiaties Metabolic Reprogramming to Protect Hepatocytes from Lipotoxic Damage. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100238. [PMID: 35679904 PMCID: PMC9293639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary hepatic consequence of obesity is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affecting about 25% of the global adult population. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of NAFLD characterized by liver lipid accumulation, inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning, with a different degree of hepatic fibrosis. In the light of rapidly increasing prevalence of NAFLD and NASH, there is an urgent need for improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. The aim of this study was to decipher the possible role of STE20-type kinase MAP4K4 in the regulation of hepatocellular lipotoxicity and susceptibility to NAFLD. We found that MAP4K4 mRNA expression in human liver biopsies was positively correlated with key hallmarks of NAFLD (i.e., liver steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, and fibrosis). We also found that the silencing of MAP4K4 suppressed lipid deposition in human hepatocytes by stimulating β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion, while attenuating fatty acid influx and lipid synthesis. Furthermore, downregulation of MAP4K4 markedly reduced the glycolysis rate and lowered incidences of oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress. In parallel, we observed suppressed JNK and ERK and increased AKT phosphorylation in MAP4K4-deficient hepatocytes. Together, these results provide the first experimental evidence supporting the potential involvement of STE20-type kinase MAP4K4 as a component of the hepatocellular lipotoxic milieu promoting NAFLD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kumar Anand
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Andersson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sima Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Henricsson
- Biomarker Discovery and Development, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rando Porosk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katharina Susanne Keuenhof
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johanna Louise Höög
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Syam Nair
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity, and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München, University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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13
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Wang Y, Dong Q, Hu S, Zou H, Wu T, Shi J, Zhang H, Sheng Y, Sun W, Kong X, Chen L. Decoding microbial genomes to understand their functional roles in human complex diseases. IMETA 2022; 1:e14. [PMID: 38868571 PMCID: PMC10989872 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Complex diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cancer have become a major burden to public health and affect more than 20% of the population worldwide. The etiology of complex diseases is not yet clear, but they are traditionally thought to be caused by genetics and environmental factors (e.g., dietary habits), and by their interactions. Besides this, increasing pieces of evidence now highlight that the intestinal microbiota may contribute substantially to the health and disease of the human host via their metabolic molecules. Therefore, decoding the microbial genomes has been an important strategy to shed light on their functional potential. In this review, we summarize the roles of the gut microbiome in complex diseases from its functional perspective. We further introduce artificial tools in decoding microbial genomes to profile their functionalities. Finally, state-of-the-art techniques have been highlighted which may contribute to a mechanistic understanding of the gut microbiome in human complex diseases and promote the development of the gut microbiome-based personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Quanbin Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Shixian Hu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversitySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Huayiyang Zou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Tingting Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Yanhui Sheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Xiangqing Kong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Lianmin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Cardiovascular Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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14
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Mahlapuu M, Caputo M, Xia Y, Cansby E. GCKIII kinases in lipotoxicity: Roles in NAFLD and beyond. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2613-2622. [PMID: 35641240 PMCID: PMC9512487 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by excessive accumulation of lipid droplets within hepatocytes. The STE20‐type kinases comprising the germinal center kinase III (GCKIII) subfamily – MST3, MST4, and STK25 – decorate intrahepatocellular lipid droplets and have recently emerged as critical regulators of the initiation and progression of NAFLD. While significant advancement has been made toward deciphering the role of GCKIII kinases in hepatic fat accumulation (i.e., steatosis) as well as the aggravation of NAFLD into its severe form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), much remains to be resolved. This review provides a brief overview of the recent studies in patient cohorts, cultured human cells, and mouse models, which have characterized the function of MST3, MST4, and STK25 in the regulation of hepatic lipid accretion, meta‐inflammation, and associated cell damage in the context of NAFLD/NASH. We also highlight the conflicting data and emphasize future research directions that are needed to advance our understanding of GCKIII kinases as potential targets in the therapy of NAFLD and its comorbidities. Conclusions: Several lines of evidence suggest that GCKIII proteins govern the susceptibility to hepatic lipotoxicity and that pharmacological inhibition of these kinases could mitigate NAFLD development and aggravation. Comprehensive characterization of the molecular mode‐of‐action of MST3, MST4, and STK25 in hepatocytes as well as extrahepatic tissues is important, especially in relation to their impact on carcinogenesis, to fully understand the efficacy as well as safety of GCKIII antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Cansby E, Kumari S, Caputo M, Xia Y, Porosk R, Robinson J, Wang H, Olsson BM, Vallin J, Grantham J, Soomets U, Svensson LT, Sihlbom C, Marschall HU, Edsfeldt A, Goncalves I, Mahlapuu M. Silencing of STE20-type kinase STK25 in human aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells is atheroprotective. Commun Biol 2022; 5:379. [PMID: 35440683 PMCID: PMC9018782 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies highlight the importance of lipotoxic damage in aortic cells as the major pathogenetic contributor to atherosclerotic disease. Since the STE20-type kinase STK25 has been shown to exacerbate ectopic lipid storage and associated cell injury in several metabolic organs, we here investigate its role in the main cell types of vasculature. We depleted STK25 by small interfering RNA in human aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells exposed to oleic acid and oxidized LDL. In both cell types, the silencing of STK25 reduces lipid accumulation and suppresses activation of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways as well as lowering oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Notably, in smooth muscle cells, STK25 inactivation hinders the shift from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. Together, we provide several lines of evidence that antagonizing STK25 signaling in human aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells is atheroprotective, highlighting this kinase as a new potential therapeutic target for atherosclerotic disease. Silencing of STK25, an STE20-type kinase, in human aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells reduces lipid accumulation and suppresses inflammation and fibrotic pathways, ultimately exerting atheroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sima Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rando Porosk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jonathan Robinson
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Josefine Vallin
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julie Grantham
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ursel Soomets
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - L Thomas Svensson
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Sihlbom
- Proteomics Core Facility, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas Edsfeldt
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund/Malmö, Sweden.,Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Isabel Goncalves
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund/Malmö, Sweden
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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16
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Keating MF, Drew BG, Calkin AC. Antisense Oligonucleotide Technologies to Combat Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease. Front Physiol 2022; 13:839471. [PMID: 35295579 PMCID: PMC8918623 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.839471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic oligonucleotide technologies are DNA or RNA based molecular compounds that are utilized to disrupt gene transcription or translation in target tissues or cells. Optimally, oligonucleotides are 10–30 base pairs in length, and mediate target gene suppression through directed sequence homology with messenger RNA (mRNA), leading to mRNA degradation. Examples of specific oligonucleotide technologies include antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), short hairpin RNAs (shRNA), and small interfering RNAs (siRNA). In vitro and in vivo studies that model obesity related disorders have demonstrated that oligonucleotide technologies can be implemented to improve the metabolism of cells and tissues, exemplified by improvements in fat utilization and hepatic insulin signaling, respectively. Oligonucleotide therapy has also been associated with reductions in lipid accumulation in both the liver and adipose tissue in models of diet-induced obesity. Recent advances in oligonucleotide technologies include the addition of chemical modifications such as N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) conjugates that have been successful at achieving affinity for the liver, in turn improving specificity, and thus reducing off target effects. However, some challenges are still yet to be overcome relating to hepatic injury and off-target effects that have been reported with some compounds, including ASOs. In summary, oligonucleotide-based therapies are an effective tool to elucidate mechanistic insights into metabolic pathways and provide an attractive avenue for translational research into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Keating
- Lipid Metabolism and Cardiometabolic Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Molecular Metabolism and Ageing Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Disease, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brian G Drew
- Molecular Metabolism and Ageing Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Disease, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna C Calkin
- Lipid Metabolism and Cardiometabolic Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Disease, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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17
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Zhou Z, Li H, Bai S, Xu Z, Jiao Y. Loss of serine/threonine protein kinase 25 in retinal ganglion cells ameliorates high glucose-elicited damage through regulation of the AKT-GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 600:87-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Xia Y, Caputo M, Cansby E, Anand SK, Sütt S, Henricsson M, Porosk R, Marschall HU, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. STE20-type kinase TAOK3 regulates hepatic lipid partitioning. Mol Metab 2021; 54:101353. [PMID: 34634521 PMCID: PMC8567304 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), defined by excessive lipid storage in hepatocytes, has recently emerged as a leading global cause of chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to examine the role of STE20-type protein kinase TAOK3, which has previously been shown to associate with hepatic lipid droplets, in the initiation and aggravation of human NAFLD. METHODS The correlation between TAOK3 mRNA expression and the severity of NAFLD was investigated in liver biopsies from 62 individuals. In immortalized human hepatocytes, intracellular fat deposition, lipid metabolism, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress were analyzed when TAOK3 was overexpressed or knocked down by small interfering RNA. Subcellular localization of TAOK3 was characterized in human and mouse hepatocytes by immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS We found that the TAOK3 transcript levels in human liver biopsies were positively correlated with the key lesions of NAFLD (i.e., hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning). Overexpression of TAOK3 in cultured human hepatocytes exacerbated lipid storage by inhibiting β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion while enhancing lipid synthesis. Conversely, silencing of TAOK3 attenuated lipid deposition in human hepatocytes by stimulating mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and triacylglycerol efflux while suppressing lipogenesis. We also found aggravated or decreased oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress in human hepatocytes with increased or reduced TAOK3 levels, respectively. The subcellular localization of TAOK3 in human and mouse hepatocytes was confined to intracellular lipid droplets. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that hepatic lipid droplet-coating kinase TAOK3 is a critical regulatory node controlling liver lipotoxicity and susceptibility to NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sumit Kumar Anand
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silva Sütt
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Henricsson
- Biomarker Discovery and Development, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rando Porosk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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19
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Antagonizing STK25 Signaling Suppresses the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Targeting Metabolic, Inflammatory, and Pro-Oncogenic Pathways. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:405-423. [PMID: 34624527 PMCID: PMC8688184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal and fastest-growing cancers. Recently, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been recognized as a major catalyst for HCC. Thus, additional research is critically needed to identify mechanisms involved in NASH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, to advance the prevention and treatment of NASH-driven HCC. Because the sterile 20-type kinase serine/threonine kinase 25 (STK25) exacerbates NASH-related phenotypes, we investigated its role in HCC development and aggravation in this study. METHODS Hepatocarcinogenesis was induced in the context of NASH in Stk25 knockout and wild-type mice by combining chemical procarcinogens and a dietary challenge. In the first cohort, a single injection of diethylnitrosamine was combined with a high-fat diet-feeding. In the second cohort, chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride was combined with a choline-deficient L-amino-acid-defined diet. To study the cell-autonomous mode of action of STK25, we silenced this target in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 by small interfering RNA. RESULTS In both mouse models of NASH-driven HCC, the livers from Stk25-/- mice showed a markedly lower tumor burden compared with wild-type controls. We also found that genetic depletion of STK25 in mice suppressed liver tumor growth through reduced hepatocellular apoptosis and decreased compensatory proliferation, by a mechanism that involves protection against hepatic lipotoxicity and inactivation of STAT3, ERK1/2, and p38 signaling. Consistently, silencing of STK25 suppressed proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in HepG2 cells, which was accompanied by lower expression of the markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagic flux. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that antagonizing STK25 signaling hinders the development of NASH-related HCC and provides an impetus for further analysis of STK25 as a therapeutic target for NASH-induced HCC treatment in human beings.
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20
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Caputo M, Kurhe Y, Kumari S, Cansby E, Amrutkar M, Scandalis E, Booten SL, Ståhlman M, Borén J, Marschall HU, Aghajan M, Mahlapuu M. Silencing of STE20-type kinase MST3 in mice with antisense oligonucleotide treatment ameliorates diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21567. [PMID: 33891332 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002671rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite intensive nonclinical and clinical research in this field, no specific pharmacological therapy is currently approved to treat NAFLD, which has been recognized as one of the major unmet medical needs of the 21st century. Our recent studies have identified STE20-type kinase MST3, which localizes to intracellular lipid droplets, as a critical regulator of ectopic fat accumulation in human hepatocytes. Here, we explored whether treatment with Mst3-targeting antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can promote hepatic lipid clearance and mitigate NAFLD progression in mice in the context of obesity. We found that administration of Mst3-targeting ASOs in mice effectively ameliorated the full spectrum of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD including liver steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatocellular damage. Mechanistically, Mst3 ASOs suppressed lipogenic gene expression, as well as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) protein abundance, and substantially reduced lipotoxicity-mediated oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the livers of obese mice. Furthermore, we found that MST3 protein levels correlated positively with the severity of NAFLD in human liver biopsies. In summary, this study provides the first in vivo evidence that antagonizing MST3 signaling is sufficient to mitigate NAFLD progression in conditions of excess dietary fuels and warrants future investigations to assess whether MST3 inhibitors may provide a new strategy for the treatment of patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yeshwant Kurhe
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sima Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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21
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Caputo M, Cansby E, Kumari S, Kurhe Y, Nair S, Ståhlman M, Kulkarni NM, Borén J, Marschall HU, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. STE20-Type Protein Kinase MST4 Controls NAFLD Progression by Regulating Lipid Droplet Dynamics and Metabolic Stress in Hepatocytes. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1183-1200. [PMID: 34278168 PMCID: PMC8279465 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, primarily because of the massive global increase in obesity. Despite intense research efforts in this field, the factors that govern the initiation and subsequent progression of NAFLD are poorly understood, which hampers the development of diagnostic tools and effective therapies in this area of high unmet medical need. Here we describe a regulator in molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD: STE20-type protein kinase MST4. We found that MST4 expression in human liver biopsies was positively correlated with the key features of NAFLD (i.e., hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning). Furthermore, the silencing of MST4 attenuated lipid accumulation in human hepatocytes by stimulating β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion, while inhibiting fatty acid influx and lipid synthesis. Conversely, overexpression of MST4 in human hepatocytes exacerbated fat deposition by suppressing mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and triacylglycerol efflux, while enhancing lipogenesis. In parallel to these reciprocal alterations in lipid storage, we detected substantially decreased or aggravated oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress in human hepatocytes with reduced or increased MST4 levels, respectively. Interestingly, MST4 protein was predominantly associated with intracellular lipid droplets in both human and rodent hepatocytes. Conclusion: Together, our results suggest that hepatic lipid droplet-decorating protein MST4 is a critical regulatory node governing susceptibility to NAFLD and warrant future investigations to address the therapeutic potential of MST4 antagonism as a strategy to prevent or mitigate the development and aggravation of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Sima Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Yeshwant Kurhe
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Syam Nair
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Institute of Clinical SciencesSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of MedicineUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Nagaraj M Kulkarni
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of MedicineUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of MedicineUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | | | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
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22
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Alkhouri N, Reddy GK, Lawitz E. Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics: An Emerging Strategy for the Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2021; 73:1581-1593. [PMID: 32978989 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naim Alkhouri
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - G Kesava Reddy
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Eric Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
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23
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Alkhouri N, Gawrieh S. A perspective on RNA interference-based therapeutics for metabolic liver diseases. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:237-244. [PMID: 33470860 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1879792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Therapeutic oligonucleotides have emerged as a promising new class of drug that could silence undruggable targets; they can potentially treat metabolic liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hereditary hemochromatosis and alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency.Areas covered: This article illuminates the mechanism of action of, and drug delivery approaches for therapeutic oligonucleotides such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and MicroRNAs (miRs). We reveal why the liver is the ideal organ for therapeutic oligonucleotides, discuss its unique architecture, and shed light on those susceptible molecular targets that can be modulated. We also examine preclinical and clinical data on the utility of oligonucleotides in silencing the expression of genes responsible for metabolic liver diseases.Expert opinion: The liver has numerous susceptible molecular therapeutic targets; hence, metabolic liver diseases can be treated effectively by modulating these targets via novel therapeutic oligonucleotides. Undoubtedly, these exciting developments integrate well with precision medicine progress. Specific therapeutic oligonucleotides can be designed based on the exact underlying molecular mechanism of the disease. So, there is a justification for furthering the development of therapeutic oligonucleotides for metabolic liver diseases. Safety concerns such as immunogenicity and off-target effects will however require careful monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Alkhouri
- Department of Hepatology, Arizona Liver Health, Chandler, AZ, USA
| | - Samer Gawrieh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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24
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Cansby E, Caputo M, Gao L, Kulkarni NM, Nerstedt A, Ståhlman M, Borén J, Porosk R, Soomets U, Pedrelli M, Parini P, Marschall HU, Nyström J, Howell BW, Mahlapuu M. Depletion of protein kinase STK25 ameliorates renal lipotoxicity and protects against diabetic kidney disease. JCI Insight 2020; 5:140483. [PMID: 33170807 PMCID: PMC7819747 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.140483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of severe renal disease worldwide and the single strongest predictor of mortality in diabetes patients. Kidney steatosis has emerged as a critical trigger in the pathogenesis of DKD; however, the molecular mechanism of renal lipotoxicity remains largely unknown. Our recent studies in genetic mouse models, human cell lines, and well-characterized patient cohorts have identified serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) as a critical regulator of ectopic lipid storage in several metabolic organs prone to diabetic damage. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of STK25 aggravates renal lipid accumulation and exacerbates structural and functional kidney injury in a mouse model of DKD. Reciprocally, inhibiting STK25 signaling in mice ameliorates diet-induced renal steatosis and alleviates the development of DKD-associated pathologies. Furthermore, we find that STK25 silencing in human kidney cells protects against lipid deposition, as well as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Together, our results suggest that STK25 regulates a critical node governing susceptibility to renal lipotoxicity and that STK25 antagonism could mitigate DKD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | | | | | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rando Porosk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ursel Soomets
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Paolo Parini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and.,Metabolism Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Inflammation and Infection, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jenny Nyström
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Brian W Howell
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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25
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Mashek DG. Hepatic lipid droplets: A balancing act between energy storage and metabolic dysfunction in NAFLD. Mol Metab 2020; 50:101115. [PMID: 33186758 PMCID: PMC8324678 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by the abundance of lipid droplets (LDs) in hepatocytes. While historically considered simply depots for energy storage, LDs are increasingly recognized to impact a wide range of biological processes that influence cellular metabolism, signaling, and function. While progress has been made toward understanding the factors leading to LD accumulation (i.e. steatosis) and its progression to advanced stages of NAFLD and/or systemic metabolic dysfunction, much remains to be resolved. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review covers many facets of LD biology. We provide a brief overview of the major pathways of lipid accretion and degradation that contribute to steatosis and how they are altered in NAFLD. The major focus is on the relationship between LDs and cell function and the detailed mechanisms that couple or uncouple steatosis from the severity and progression of NAFLD and systemic comorbidities. The importance of specific lipids and proteins within or on LDs as key components that determine whether LD accumulation is linked to cellular and metabolic dysfunction is presented. We discuss emerging areas of LD biology and future research directions that are needed to advance our understanding of the role of LDs in NAFLD etiology. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Impairments in LD breakdown appear to contribute to disease progression, but inefficient incorporation of fatty acids (FAs) into LD-containing triacylglycerol (TAG) and the consequential changes in FA partitioning also affect NAFLD etiology. Increased LD abundance in hepatocytes does not necessarily equate to cellular dysfunction. While LD accumulation is the prerequisite step for most NAFLD cases, the protein and lipid composition of LDs are critical factors in determining the progression from simple steatosis. Further defining the detailed molecular mechanisms linking LDs to metabolic dysfunction is important for designing effective therapeutic approaches targeting NAFLD and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Mashek
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Minnesota, Suite 6-155, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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26
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Zhang B, Zhang C, Zhang X, Li N, Dong Z, Sun G, Sun X. Atorvastatin promotes AMPK signaling to protect against high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver in golden hamsters. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:2133-2142. [PMID: 32104276 PMCID: PMC7027324 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by diffuse fatty acid degeneration and excess fat accumulation in the liver. Notably, the currently available medications used to treat NAFLD remain limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of atorvastatin (Ato) against NAFLD in golden hamsters fed a high fat diet (HFD) and in HepG2 cells treated with palmitate, and identify the underlying molecular mechanism. Ato (3 mg/kg) was administered orally every day for 8 weeks to the hamsters during HFD administration. Hamsters in the model group developed hepatic steatosis with high serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, insulin and C-reactive protein, which were effectively reduced by treatment with Ato. Additionally, the relative liver weight of hamsters treated with Ato was markedly lower compared with that of the model group. Hematoxylin and eosin, and oil red O staining indicated that the livers of the animals in the model group exhibited large and numerous lipid droplets, which were markedly decreased after Ato treatment. Western blot analysis indicated that Ato inhibited fat accumulation in the liver through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1 α and their target genes. Furthermore, in vitro, Ato inhibited PA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. This inhibitory effect was attenuated following Compound C treatment, indicating that AMPK may be a potential target of Ato. In conclusion, the increase in AMPK-mediated PPARα and its target genes may represent a novel molecular mechanism by which Ato prevents NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Nannan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Zhengqi Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Guibo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine against Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
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27
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Abstract
One of the CCM genes, CCM3/PDCD10, binds to the protein kinase family GCKIII, which comprises MST3/STK24, SOK1/STK25, and MST4/STK26. These proteins have been shown to have the same effect as CCM3, both in endothelial cells and in animal models such as zebrafish and are most likely involved in CCM pathogenesis. We describe here an in vitro kinase assay of GCKIII proteins which can be used to study their regulation in endothelial and other cells under different circumstances.
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28
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Nerstedt A, Kurhe Y, Cansby E, Caputo M, Gao L, Vorontsov E, Ståhlman M, Nuñez-Durán E, Borén J, Marschall HU, Mashek DG, Saunders DN, Sihlbom C, Hoy AJ, Mahlapuu M. Lipid droplet-associated kinase STK25 regulates peroxisomal activity and metabolic stress response in steatotic liver. J Lipid Res 2019; 61:178-191. [PMID: 31857389 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra119000316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are emerging as leading causes of liver disease worldwide and have been recognized as one of the major unmet medical needs of the 21st century. Our recent translational studies in mouse models, human cell lines, and well-characterized patient cohorts have identified serine/threonine kinase (STK)25 as a protein that coats intrahepatocellular lipid droplets (LDs) and critically regulates liver lipid homeostasis and progression of NAFLD/NASH. Here, we studied the mechanism-of-action of STK25 in steatotic liver by relative quantification of the hepatic LD-associated phosphoproteome from high-fat diet-fed Stk25 knockout mice compared with their wild-type littermates. We observed a total of 131 proteins and 60 phosphoproteins that were differentially represented in STK25-deficient livers. Most notably, a number of proteins involved in peroxisomal function, ubiquitination-mediated proteolysis, and antioxidant defense were coordinately regulated in Stk25 -/- versus wild-type livers. We confirmed attenuated peroxisomal biogenesis and protection against oxidative and ER stress in STK25-deficient human liver cells, demonstrating the hepatocyte-autonomous manner of STK25's action. In summary, our results suggest that regulation of peroxisomal function and metabolic stress response may be important molecular mechanisms by which STK25 controls the development and progression of NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Nerstedt
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yeshwant Kurhe
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lei Gao
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Egor Vorontsov
- Proteomics Core Facility, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Esther Nuñez-Durán
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Douglas G Mashek
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Darren N Saunders
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carina Sihlbom
- Proteomics Core Facility, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrew J Hoy
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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29
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Cansby E, Magnusson E, Nuñez-Durán E, Amrutkar M, Pedrelli M, Parini P, Hoffmann J, Ståhlman M, Howell BW, Marschall HU, Borén J, Mahlapuu M. STK25 Regulates Cardiovascular Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Hypercholesterolemia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 38:1723-1737. [PMID: 29930001 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.311241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective- Recent cohort studies have shown that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), associate with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, independently of conventional cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological link between NAFLD/NASH and cardiovascular disease still remain unclear. Our previous studies have identified STK25 (serine/threonine protein kinase 25) as a critical determinant in ectopic lipid storage, meta-inflammation, and progression of NAFLD/NASH. The aim of this study was to assess whether STK25 is also one of the mediators in the complex molecular network controlling the cardiovascular disease risk. Approach and Results- Atherosclerosis was induced in Stk25 knockout and transgenic mice, and their wild-type littermates, by gene transfer of gain-of-function mutant of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), which induces the downregulation of hepatic LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor), combined with an atherogenic western-type diet. We found that Stk25-/- mice displayed reduced atherosclerosis lesion area as well as decreased lipid accumulation, macrophage infiltration, collagen formation, and oxidative stress in aortic lesions compared with wild-type littermates, independently from alterations in dyslipidemia. Reciprocally, Stk25 transgenic mice presented aggravated plaque formation and maturation compared with wild-type littermates despite similar levels of fasting plasma cholesterol. We also found that STK25 protein was expressed in all layers of the aorta, suggesting a possible direct role in cardiovascular disease. Conclusions- This study provides the first evidence that STK25 plays a critical role in regulation of cardiovascular disease risk and suggests that pharmacological inhibition of STK25 function may provide new possibilities for prevention/treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Cansby
- From the Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research (E.C., E.M., E.N.-D., J.H., M.M.)
| | - Elin Magnusson
- From the Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research (E.C., E.M., E.N.-D., J.H., M.M.)
| | - Esther Nuñez-Durán
- From the Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research (E.C., E.M., E.N.-D., J.H., M.M.)
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden; Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway (M.A.)
| | | | - Paolo Parini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P., P.P.).,Department of Medicine, Metabolism Unit (P.P.)
| | - Jenny Hoffmann
- From the Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research (E.C., E.M., E.N.-D., J.H., M.M.)
| | | | - Brian W Howell
- Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; and Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse (B.W.H.)
| | | | - Jan Borén
- Wallenberg Laboratory (M.S., H.-U.M., J.B.)
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- From the Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research (E.C., E.M., E.N.-D., J.H., M.M.)
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30
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Cansby E, Kulkarni NM, Magnusson E, Kurhe Y, Amrutkar M, Nerstedt A, Ståhlman M, Sihlbom C, Marschall HU, Borén J, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. Protein kinase MST3 modulates lipid homeostasis in hepatocytes and correlates with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in humans. FASEB J 2019; 33:9974-9989. [PMID: 31173506 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900356rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic lipid storage in the liver is considered the main risk factor for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Understanding the molecular networks controlling hepatocellular lipid deposition is therefore essential for developing new strategies to effectively prevent and treat this complex disease. Here, we describe a new regulator of lipid partitioning in human hepatocytes: mammalian sterile 20-like (MST) 3. We found that MST3 protein coats lipid droplets in mouse and human liver cells. Knockdown of MST3 attenuated lipid accumulation in human hepatocytes by stimulating β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion while inhibiting fatty acid influx and lipid synthesis. We also observed that lipogenic gene expression and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase protein abundance were reduced in MST3-deficient hepatocytes, providing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the decreased lipid storage. Furthermore, MST3 expression was positively correlated with key features of NASH (i.e., hepatic lipid content, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning) in human liver biopsies. In summary, our results reveal a role of MST3 in controlling the dynamic metabolic balance of liver lipid catabolism vs. lipid anabolism. Our findings highlight MST3 as a potential drug target for the prevention and treatment of NASH and related complex metabolic diseases.-Cansby, E., Kulkarni, N. M., Magnusson, E., Kurhe, Y., Amrutkar, M., Nerstedt, A., Ståhlman, M., Sihlbom, C., Marschall, H.-U., Borén, J., Blüher, M., Mahlapuu, M. Protein kinase MST3 modulates lipid homeostasis in hepatocytes and correlates with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nagaraj M Kulkarni
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Magnusson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yeshwant Kurhe
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annika Nerstedt
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Sihlbom
- Proteomics Core Facility, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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31
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Pombo CM, Iglesias C, Sartages M, Zalvide JB. MST Kinases and Metabolism. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1111-1118. [PMID: 30882881 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the mammalian sterile twenty (MST) kinase family of proteins (MST1/STK4, MST2/STK3, MST3/STK24, and SOK1/STK25), much has been done that adds to our knowledge of their structure, regulation, and function. In the last few years, a series of articles has unveiled a previous unknown relation of these kinases with metabolic regulation and the homeostasis of metabolic tissues. The aim of this review is to bring together this body of data to provide a detailed picture of the current knowledge about these proteins, metabolism, and some of the associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia M Pombo
- Departamento de Fisioloxía and Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Cristina Iglesias
- Departamento de Fisioloxía and Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Miriam Sartages
- Departamento de Fisioloxía and Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Juan B Zalvide
- Departamento de Fisioloxía and Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
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32
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Pereira RM, Rodrigues KCDC, Anaruma CP, Sant'Ana MR, de Campos TDP, Gaspar RS, Canciglieri RDS, de Melo DG, Mekary RA, da Silva ASR, Cintra DE, Ropelle ER, Pauli JR, de Moura LP. Short-term strength training reduces gluconeogenesis and NAFLD in obese mice. J Endocrinol 2019; 241:59-70. [PMID: 30878016 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a positive correlation with obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The aerobic training is an important tool in combating NAFLD. However, no studies have demonstrated the molecular effects of short-term strength training on the accumulation of hepatic fat in obese mice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term strength training on the mechanisms of oxidation and lipid synthesis in the liver of obese mice. The short duration protocol was used to avoid changing the amount of adipose tissue. Swiss mice were separated into three groups: lean control (CTL), sedentary obese (OB) and strength training obese (STO). The obese groups were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and the STO group performed the strength training protocol 1 session/day for 15 days. The short-term strength training reduced hepatic fat accumulation, increasing hepatic insulin sensitivity and controlling hepatic glucose production. The obese animals increased the mRNA of lipogenic genes Fasn and Scd1 and reduced the oxidative genes Cpt1a and Ppara. On the other hand, the STO group presented the opposite results. Finally, the obese animals presented higher levels of lipogenic proteins (ACC and FAS) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), but the short-term strength training was efficient in reducing this condition, regardless of body weight loss. In conclusion, there was a reduction of obesity-related hepatic lipogenesis and inflammation after short-term strength training, independent of weight loss, leading to improvements in hepatic insulin sensitivity and glycemic homeostasis in obese mice. Key points: (1) Short-term strength training (STST) reduced fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver; (2) Hepatic insulin sensitivity and HPG control were increased with STST; (3) The content and activity of ACC and content of FAS were reduced with STST; (4) STST improved hepatic fat accumulation and glycemic homeostasis; (5) STST effects were observed independently of body weight change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Martins Pereira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | | | - Chadi Pellegrini Anaruma
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | - Marcella Ramos Sant'Ana
- Laboratory of Nutritional Genomics, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Stellzer Gaspar
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | | | - Diego Gomes de Melo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | - Rania A Mekary
- Department of Neurosurgery, Computational Neuroscience Outcomes Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adelino Sanchez Ramos da Silva
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dennys Esper Cintra
- Laboratory of Nutritional Genomics, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Rochete Ropelle
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | - José Rodrigo Pauli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
| | - Leandro Pereira de Moura
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
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33
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Cansby E, Nuñez-Durán E, Magnusson E, Amrutkar M, Booten SL, Kulkarni NM, Svensson LT, Borén J, Marschall HU, Aghajan M, Mahlapuu M. Targeted Delivery of Stk25 Antisense Oligonucleotides to Hepatocytes Protects Mice Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 7:597-618. [PMID: 30576769 PMCID: PMC6411916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are emerging as leading causes of liver disease worldwide. Currently, no specific pharmacologic therapy is available for NAFLD/NASH, which has been recognized as one of the major unmet medical needs of the 21st century. Our recent studies in genetic mouse models, human cell lines, and well-characterized patient cohorts have identified serine/threonine protein kinase (STK)25 as a critical regulator of hepatic lipid partitioning and NAFLD/NASH. Here, we studied the metabolic benefit of liver-specific STK25 inhibitors on NAFLD development and progression in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. METHODS We developed a hepatocyte-specific triantennary N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting Stk25 and evaluated its effect on NAFLD features in mice after chronic exposure to dietary lipids. RESULTS We found that systemic administration of hepatocyte-targeting GalNAc-Stk25 ASO in obese mice effectively ameliorated steatosis, inflammatory infiltration, hepatic stellate cell activation, nutritional fibrosis, and hepatocellular damage in the liver compared with mice treated with GalNAc-conjugated nontargeting ASO, without any systemic toxicity or local tolerability concerns. We also observed protection against high-fat-diet-induced hepatic oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function with Stk25 ASO treatment in mice. Moreover, GalNAc-Stk25 ASO suppressed lipogenic gene expression and acetyl-CoA carboxylase protein abundance in the liver, providing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying repression of hepatic steatosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides in vivo nonclinical proof-of-principle for the metabolic benefit of liver-specific inhibition of STK25 in the context of obesity and warrants future investigations to address the therapeutic potential of GalNAc-Stk25 ASO in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Cansby
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Esther Nuñez-Durán
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Magnusson
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Nagaraj M. Kulkarni
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - L. Thomas Svensson
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Margit Mahlapuu, PhD, Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Science at University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 9C, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden. fax: (46) 31 7862599.
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34
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Sütt S, Cansby E, Paul A, Amrutkar M, Nuñez-Durán E, Kulkarni NM, Ståhlman M, Borén J, Laurencikiene J, Howell BW, Enerbäck S, Mahlapuu M. STK25 regulates oxidative capacity and metabolic efficiency in adipose tissue. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:187-202. [PMID: 29794231 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Whole-body energy homeostasis at over-nutrition critically depends on how well adipose tissue remodels in response to excess calories. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase (STK)25 as a critical regulator of ectopic lipid storage in non-adipose tissue and systemic insulin resistance in the context of nutritional stress. Here, we investigated the role of STK25 in regulation of adipose tissue dysfunction in mice challenged with a high-fat diet. We found that overexpression of STK25 in high-fat-fed mice resulted in impaired mitochondrial function and aggravated hypertrophy, inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in adipose depots. Reciprocally, Stk25-knockout mice displayed improved mitochondrial function and were protected against diet-induced excessive fat storage, meta-inflammation and fibrosis in brown and white adipose tissues. Furthermore, in rodent HIB-1B cell line, STK25 depletion resulted in enhanced mitochondrial activity and consequently, reduced lipid droplet size, demonstrating an autonomous action for STK25 within adipocytes. In summary, we provide the first evidence for a key function of STK25 in controlling the metabolic balance of lipid utilization vs lipid storage in brown and white adipose depots, suggesting that repression of STK25 activity offers a potential strategy for establishing healthier adipose tissue in the context of chronic exposure to dietary lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silva Sütt
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes ResearchDepartment of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes ResearchDepartment of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Paul
- Department of Biology and Biological EngineeringDivision of Chemical Biology, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary SurgeryInstitute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Esther Nuñez-Durán
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes ResearchDepartment of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nagaraj M Kulkarni
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes ResearchDepartment of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg LaboratoryInstitute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jurga Laurencikiene
- Lipid LaboratoryDepartment of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian W Howell
- Department of Neuroscience and PhysiologyState University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Sven Enerbäck
- Department of Medical and Clinical GeneticsInstitute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes ResearchDepartment of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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