1
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McGettrick AF, Bourner LA, Dorsey FC, O'Neill LAJ. Metabolic Messengers: itaconate. Nat Metab 2024; 6:1661-1667. [PMID: 39060560 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-01092-x] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The metabolite itaconate has emerged as an important immunoregulator with roles in antibacterial defence, inhibition of inflammation and, more recently, as an inhibitory factor in obesity. Itaconate is one of the most upregulated metabolites in inflammatory macrophages. It is produced owing to the disturbance of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the diversion of aconitate to itaconate via the enzyme aconitate decarboxylase 1. In immunology, initial studies concentrated on the role of itaconate in inflammatory macrophages where it was shown to be inhibitory, but this has expanded as the impact of itaconate on other cell types is starting to emerge. This review focuses on itaconate as a key immunoregulatory metabolite and describes its diverse mechanisms of action and its many impacts on the immune and inflammatory responses and in cancer. We also examine the clinical relevance of this immunometabolite and its therapeutic potential for immune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F McGettrick
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - L A Bourner
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - F C Dorsey
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - L A J O'Neill
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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2
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Ye D, Wang P, Chen LL, Guan KL, Xiong Y. Itaconate in host inflammation and defense. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:586-606. [PMID: 38448252 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Immune cells undergo rapid and extensive metabolic changes during inflammation. In addition to contributing to energetic and biosynthetic demands, metabolites can also function as signaling molecules. Itaconate (ITA) rapidly accumulates to high levels in myeloid cells under infectious and sterile inflammatory conditions. This metabolite binds to and regulates the function of diverse proteins intracellularly to influence metabolism, oxidative response, epigenetic modification, and gene expression and to signal extracellularly through binding the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Administration of ITA protects against inflammatory diseases and blockade of ITA production enhances antitumor immunity in preclinical models. In this article, we review ITA metabolism and its regulation, discuss its target proteins and mechanisms, and conjecture a rationale for developing ITA-based therapeutics to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Ye
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Pu Wang
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei-Lei Chen
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xiong
- Cullgen Inc., 12730 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130, USA.
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3
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Ciccarone F, Ciriolo MR. Reprogrammed mitochondria: a central hub of cancer cell metabolism. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1305-1315. [PMID: 38716960 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231090] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria represent the metabolic hub of normal cells and play this role also in cancer but with different functional purposes. While cells in differentiated tissues have the prerogative of maintaining basal metabolism and support the biosynthesis of specialized products, cancer cells have to rewire the metabolic constraints imposed by the differentiation process. They need to balance the bioenergetic supply with the anabolic requirements that entail the intense proliferation rate, including nucleotide and membrane lipid biosynthesis. For this aim, mitochondrial metabolism is reprogrammed following the activation of specific oncogenic pathways or due to specific mutations of mitochondrial proteins. The main process leading to mitochondrial metabolic rewiring is the alteration of the tricarboxylic acid cycle favoring the appropriate orchestration of anaplerotic and cataplerotic reactions. According to the tumor type or the microenvironmental conditions, mitochondria may decouple glucose catabolism from mitochondrial oxidation in favor of glutaminolysis or disable oxidative phosphorylation for avoiding harmful production of free radicals. These and other metabolic settings can be also determined by the neo-production of oncometabolites that are not specific for the tissue of origin or the accumulation of metabolic intermediates able to boost pro-proliferative metabolism also impacting epigenetic/transcriptional programs. The full characterization of tumor-specific mitochondrial signatures may provide the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic opportunities based on metabolic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Ciccarone
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciriolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy
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4
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Yu Z, Li X, Quan Y, Chen J, Liu J, Zheng N, Liu S, Wang Y, Liu W, Qiu C, Wang Y, Zheng R, Qin J. Itaconate alleviates diet-induced obesity via activation of brown adipocyte thermogenesis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114142. [PMID: 38691458 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114142] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite medical advances, there remains an unmet need for better treatment of obesity. Itaconate, a product of the decarboxylation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate cis-aconitate, plays a regulatory role in both metabolism and immunity. Here, we show that itaconate, as an endogenous compound, counteracts high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity through leptin-independent mechanisms in three mouse models. Specifically, itaconate reduces weight gain, reverses hyperlipidemia, and improves glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. Additionally, itaconate enhances energy expenditure and the thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Unbiased proteomic analysis reveals that itaconate upregulates key proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation and represses the expression of lipogenic genes. Itaconate may provoke a major metabolic reprogramming by inducing fatty acid oxidation and suppression of fatty acid synthesis in BAT. These findings highlight itaconate as a potential activator of BAT-mediated thermogenesis and a promising candidate for anti-obesity therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Yu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xianju Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yanni Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jiawen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jiarui Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Nairen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yini Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wanlin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ruimao Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China.
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5
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Tewary G, Freyter B, Al-Razaq MA, Auerbach H, Laschke MW, Kübelbeck T, Kolb A, Mangelinck A, Mann C, Kramer D, Rübe CE. Immunomodulatory Effects of Histone Variant H2A.J in Ionizing Radiation Dermatitis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:801-816. [PMID: 37758068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Histone variant H2A.J is associated with premature senescence after ionizing radiation (IR) and modulates senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Using constitutive H2A.J knock-out mice, the role of H2A.J was investigated in radiation dermatitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS H2A.J wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice were exposed to moderate or high IR doses (≤20 Gy, skinfold IR). Radiation-induced skin reactions were investigated up to 2 weeks post-IR at macroscopic and microscopic levels. H2A.J and other senescence markers, as well as DNA damage and proliferation markers, were studied by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. After high-dose IR, protein-coding transcriptomes were analyzed by RNA sequencing, immune cell infiltration by flow cytometry, and gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in (non-) irradiated WT versus KO skin. RESULTS In WT skin, epidermal keratinocytes showed time- and dose-dependent H2A.J accumulation after IR exposure. Unexpectedly, stronger inflammatory reactions with increased epidermal thickness and progressive hair follicle loss were observed in irradiated KO versus WT skin. Clearly more radiation-induced senescence was observed in keratinocyte populations of KO skin after moderate and high doses, with hair follicle stem cells being particularly badly damaged, leading to follicle atrophy. After high-dose IR, transcriptomic analysis revealed enhanced senescence-associated signatures in irradiated KO skin, with intensified release of SASP factors. Flow cytometric analysis indicated increased immune cell infiltration in both WT and KO skin; however, specific chemokine-mediated signaling in irradiated KO skin led to more neutrophil recruitment, thereby aggravating radiation toxicities. Increased skin damage in irradiated KO skin led to hyperproliferation, abnormal differentiation, and cornification of keratinocytes, accompanied by increased upregulation of transcription-factor JunB. CONCLUSIONS Lack of radiation-induced H2A.J expression in keratinocytes is associated with increased senescence induction, modulation of SASP expression, and exacerbated inflammatory skin reactions. Hence, epigenetic H2A.J-mediated gene expression in response to IR regulates keratinocyte immune functions and plays an essential role in balancing the inflammatory response during radiation dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Tewary
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Benjamin Freyter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Mutaz Abd Al-Razaq
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Hendrik Auerbach
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Tanja Kübelbeck
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Antonia Kolb
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Adèle Mangelinck
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Carl Mann
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Daniela Kramer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claudia E Rübe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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6
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Mainali R, Buechler N, Otero C, Edwards L, Key CC, Furdui C, Quinn MA. Itaconate stabilizes CPT1a to enhance lipid utilization during inflammation. eLife 2024; 12:RP92420. [PMID: 38305778 PMCID: PMC10945551 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92420] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
One primary metabolic manifestation of inflammation is the diversion of cis-aconitate within the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to synthesize the immunometabolite itaconate. Itaconate is well established to possess immunomodulatory and metabolic effects within myeloid cells and lymphocytes, however, its effects in other organ systems during sepsis remain less clear. Utilizing Acod1 knockout mice that are deficient in synthesizing itaconate, we aimed to understand the metabolic role of itaconate in the liver and systemically during sepsis. We find itaconate aids in lipid metabolism during sepsis. Specifically, Acod1 KO mice develop a heightened level of hepatic steatosis when induced with polymicrobial sepsis. Proteomics analysis reveals enhanced expression of enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation in following 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI) treatment in vitro. Downstream analysis reveals itaconate stabilizes the expression of the mitochondrial fatty acid uptake enzyme CPT1a, mediated by its hypoubiquitination. Chemoproteomic analysis revealed itaconate interacts with proteins involved in protein ubiquitination as a potential mechanism underlying its stabilizing effect on CPT1a. From a systemic perspective, we find itaconate deficiency triggers a hypothermic response following endotoxin stimulation, potentially mediated by brown adipose tissue (BAT) dysfunction. Finally, by use of metabolic cage studies, we demonstrate Acod1 KO mice rely more heavily on carbohydrates versus fatty acid sources for systemic fuel utilization in response to endotoxin treatment. Our data reveal a novel metabolic role of itaconate in modulating fatty acid oxidation during polymicrobial sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabina Mainali
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
| | - Nancy Buechler
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
| | - Cristian Otero
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
| | - Laken Edwards
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
| | - Chia-Chi Key
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
| | - Cristina Furdui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
| | - Matthew A Quinn
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, United States
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7
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Eberhart T, Stanley FU, Ricci L, Chirico T, Ferrarese R, Sisti S, Scagliola A, Baj A, Badurek S, Sommer A, Culp-Hill R, Dzieciatkowska M, Shokry E, Sumpton D, D'Alessandro A, Clementi N, Mancini N, Cardaci S. ACOD1 deficiency offers protection in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity by maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:105. [PMID: 38302438 PMCID: PMC10834593 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06483-2] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1) is the enzyme synthesizing itaconate, an immuno-regulatory metabolite tuning host-pathogen interactions. Such functions are achieved by affecting metabolic pathways regulating inflammation and microbe survival. However, at the whole-body level, metabolic roles of itaconate remain largely unresolved. By using multiomics-integrated approaches, here we show that ACOD1 responds to high-fat diet consumption in mice by promoting gut microbiota alterations supporting metabolic disease. Genetic disruption of itaconate biosynthesis protects mice against obesity, alterations in glucose homeostasis and liver metabolic dysfunctions by decreasing meta-inflammatory responses to dietary lipid overload. Mechanistically, fecal metagenomics and microbiota transplantation experiments demonstrate such effects are dependent on an amelioration of the intestinal ecosystem composition, skewed by high-fat diet feeding towards obesogenic phenotype. In particular, unbiased fecal microbiota profiling and axenic culture experiments point towards a primary role for itaconate in inhibiting growth of Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides, family and genus of Bacteroidetes phylum, the major gut microbial taxon associated with metabolic health. Specularly to the effects imposed by Acod1 deficiency on fecal microbiota, oral itaconate consumption enhances diet-induced gut dysbiosis and associated obesogenic responses in mice. Unveiling an unrecognized role of itaconate, either endogenously produced or exogenously administered, in supporting microbiota alterations underlying diet-induced obesity in mice, our study points ACOD1 as a target against inflammatory consequences of overnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Eberhart
- Cancer Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Uchenna Stanley
- Cancer Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ricci
- Cancer Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Chirico
- Cancer Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ferrarese
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, 20100, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, 20100, Italy
- Synlab Italia, Castenedolo, BS, Italy
| | - Sofia Sisti
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, 20100, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, 20100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scagliola
- Cancer Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Andreina Baj
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Sylvia Badurek
- Preclinical Phenotyping Facility, Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF), member of the Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Sommer
- Next Generation Sequencing Facility, Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF), member of the Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Rachel Culp-Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Monika Dzieciatkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | | | | | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicola Clementi
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, 20100, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, 20100, Italy
| | - Nicasio Mancini
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, 20100, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, 20100, Italy
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Fondazione Macchi University Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Simone Cardaci
- Cancer Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Song J, Zhang Y, Frieler RA, Andren A, Wood S, Tyrrell DJ, Sajjakulnukit P, Deng JC, Lyssiotis CA, Mortensen RM, Salmon M, Goldstein DR. Itaconate suppresses atherosclerosis by activating a Nrf2-dependent antiinflammatory response in macrophages in mice. J Clin Invest 2023; 134:e173034. [PMID: 38085578 PMCID: PMC10849764 DOI: 10.1172/jci173034] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Itaconate has emerged as a critical immunoregulatory metabolite. Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of itaconate in atherosclerosis. We found that both itaconate and the enzyme that synthesizes it, aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1, also known as immune-responsive gene 1 [IRG1]), are upregulated during atherogenesis in mice. Deletion of Acod1 in myeloid cells exacerbated inflammation and atherosclerosis in vivo and resulted in an elevated frequency of a specific subset of M1-polarized proinflammatory macrophages in the atherosclerotic aorta. Importantly, Acod1 levels were inversely correlated with clinical occlusion in atherosclerotic human aorta specimens. Treating mice with the itaconate derivative 4-octyl itaconate attenuated inflammation and atherosclerosis induced by high cholesterol. Mechanistically, we found that the antioxidant transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), was required for itaconate to suppress macrophage activation induced by oxidized lipids in vitro and to decrease atherosclerotic lesion areas in vivo. Overall, our work shows that itaconate suppresses atherogenesis by inducing Nrf2-dependent inhibition of proinflammatory responses in macrophages. Activation of the itaconate pathway may represent an important approach to treat atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianrui Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Soochow University Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ryan A. Frieler
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Anthony Andren
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sherri Wood
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel J. Tyrrell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter Sajjakulnukit
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
| | - Jane C. Deng
- Graduate Program in Immunology, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Richard M. Mortensen
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes
| | | | - Daniel R. Goldstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Graduate Program in Immunology, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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9
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Yang W, Wang Y, Tao K, Li R. Metabolite itaconate in host immunoregulation and defense. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:100. [PMID: 38042791 PMCID: PMC10693715 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic states greatly influence functioning and differentiation of immune cells. Regulating the metabolism of immune cells can effectively modulate the host immune response. Itaconate, an intermediate metabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle of immune cells, is produced through the decarboxylation of cis-aconitate by cis-aconitate decarboxylase in the mitochondria. The gene encoding cis-aconitate decarboxylase is known as immune response gene 1 (IRG1). In response to external proinflammatory stimulation, macrophages exhibit high IRG1 expression. IRG1/itaconate inhibits succinate dehydrogenase activity, thus influencing the metabolic status of macrophages. Therefore, itaconate serves as a link between macrophage metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune response, ultimately regulating macrophage function. Studies have demonstrated that itaconate acts on various signaling pathways, including Keap1-nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-ARE pathways, ATF3-IκBζ axis, and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway to exert antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, several studies have reported that itaconate affects cancer occurrence and development through diverse signaling pathways. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the role IRG1/itaconate and its derivatives in the regulation of macrophage metabolism and functions. By furthering our understanding of itaconate, we intend to shed light on its potential for treating inflammatory diseases and offer new insights in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yaxin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Ruidong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
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10
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Weiss JM, Palmieri EM, Gonzalez-Cotto M, Bettencourt IA, Megill EL, Snyder NW, McVicar DW. Itaconic acid underpins hepatocyte lipid metabolism in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in male mice. Nat Metab 2023; 5:981-995. [PMID: 37308721 PMCID: PMC10290955 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Itaconate, the product of the decarboxylation of cis-aconitate, regulates numerous biological processes. We and others have revealed itaconate as a regulator of fatty acid β-oxidation, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and the metabolic interplay between resident macrophages and tumors. In the present study, we show that itaconic acid is upregulated in human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Male mice deficient in the gene responsible for itaconate production (immunoresponsive gene (Irg)-1) have exacerbated lipid accumulation in the liver, glucose and insulin intolerance and mesenteric fat deposition. Treatment of mice with the itaconate derivative, 4-octyl itaconate, reverses dyslipidemia associated with high-fat diet feeding. Mechanistically, itaconate treatment of primary hepatocytes reduces lipid accumulation and increases their oxidative phosphorylation in a manner dependent upon fatty acid oxidation. We propose a model whereby macrophage-derived itaconate acts in trans upon hepatocytes to modulate the liver's ability to metabolize fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Weiss
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Erika M Palmieri
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Marieli Gonzalez-Cotto
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ian A Bettencourt
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Emily L Megill
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel W McVicar
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
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11
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Demaria TM, Crepaldi LD, Costa-Bartuli E, Branco JR, Zancan P, Sola-Penna M. Once a week consumption of Western diet over twelve weeks promotes sustained insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fat liver disease in C57BL/6 J mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3058. [PMID: 36810903 PMCID: PMC9942638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30254-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western diet (high in fat and sucrose) consumption is a highly prevalent feature in the whole world, mainly due to the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), which are cheaper and easier-to-eat, as compared to fresh and highly nutritive meals. Epidemiological studies have associated UPF consumption with development of obesity, non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance. For molecular studies, mice fed with Western diets have been used to characterize signaling pathways involved in these diet-induced pathologies. However, these studies fed mice continuously with the diets, which is not compatible with what occurs in real life, when consumption is occasional. Here, we fed mice once-a-week with a high fat, high sucrose (HFHS) diet and compared these animals with those fed continuously with HFHS diet or with a standard diet. Our results show that after a single day of consuming HFHS, animals presented impaired oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) as compared to control group. Although this impairment was reversed after 24 h consuming regular diet, repetition of HFHS consumption once-a-week aggravated the picture such as after 12-weeks, oGTT impairment was not reversed after 6 days under control diet. Liver steatosis, inflammation, impaired insulin signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress are similar comparing animals that consumed HFHS once-a-week with those that continuously consumed HFHS, though weekly-fed animals did not gain as much weight. Therefore, we conclude that regimen of one day HFHS plus 6 days normal diet over 12 weeks is sufficient to induce insulin resistance and NAFLD in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thainá Magalhães Demaria
- grid.8536.80000 0001 2294 473XThe Metabolizsm’ Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Leticia Diniz Crepaldi
- grid.8536.80000 0001 2294 473XThe Metabolizsm’ Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Emylle Costa-Bartuli
- grid.8536.80000 0001 2294 473XThe Metabolizsm’ Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Jessica Ristow Branco
- grid.8536.80000 0001 2294 473XThe Metabolizsm’ Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Patricia Zancan
- grid.8536.80000 0001 2294 473XThe Metabolizsm’ Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Mauro Sola-Penna
- The Metabolizsm' Group, Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
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