Overexpression of GLUT4 in mice causes up-regulation of UCP3 mRNA in skeletal muscle

Muscle-UCP3 in the regulation of energy metabolism

Uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) is a mitochondria-regulatory protein with potential energy- homeostatic functions. This study explores the role of UCP3 in the regulation of muscle- and energy metabolism. UCP3 is critical for tuning substrate utilization, favoring lipid oxidation, particularly in conditions of high-fat availability. While UCP3 is non-essential for lipid oxidation during energy excess, it proves vital during fasting, indicating an energy-homeostatic trait. Preliminary evidence indicates UCP3' promotion of glucose uptake and oxidation, at least in conditions of high glucose/low fat availability. However, the dynamics of how fats and glucose differentially influence UCP3 remain undefined. UCP3 exhibits inducible proton transport and uncoupling activity, operating in a dual manner: a resting state with no/low activity and an activated state in the presence of activators. Uncoupling may enhance thermogenesis in specific conditions and in the presence of activators such as fatty acids, thyroid hormones, and catecholamines. This energy-dissipative activity adapts to varying energy availability, balancing energy dissipation with fatty acid oxidation to optimize whole-body energy homeostasis: fasting triggers UCP3 upregulation, enhancing lipid utilization while suppressing uncoupling. Additionally, UCP3 upregulation induces glucose and lipid disposal from the bloodstream and decreases tri-/diglyceride storage in muscle. This process improves mitochondrial functionality and insulin signaling, leading to enhanced systemicgluco-metabolic balance and protection from metabolic conditions. Reviewed evidence suggests that UCP3 plays a crucial role in adapting the system to changing energy conditions. However, the precise role of UCP3 in regulating metabolism requires further elucidation.

Uncoupling Proteins in Striated Muscle Tissue: Known Facts and Open Questions

Significance: Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are a family of proteins that allow proton leakage across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Although UCP1, also known as thermogenin, is well known and important for heat generation in brown adipose tissue, striated muscles express two distinct members of UCP, namely UCP2 and UCP3. Unlike UCP1, the main function of UCP2 and UCP3 does not appear to be heat production. Recent Advances: Interestingly, UCP2 is the main isoform expressed in cardiac tissues, whereas UCP3 is the dominant isoform in skeletal muscles. In the past years, researchers have started to investigate the regulation of UCP2 and UCP3 expression in striated muscles. Furthermore, concepts about the proposed functions of UCP2 and UCP3 in striated muscles are developed but are still a matter of debate. Critical Issues: Potential functions of UCP2 and UCP3 in striated muscles include a role in protection against mitochondria-dependent oxidative stress, as transporter for pyruvate, fatty acids, and protons into and out of the mitochondria, and in metabolic sensing. In this context, the different isoform expression of UCP2 and UCP3 in the skeletal and cardiac muscle may be related to different metabolic requirements of the two organs. Future Directions: The level of expression of UCP2 and UCP3 in striated muscles changes in different disease stages. This suggests that UCPs may become drug targets for therapy in the future. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 324-335.

Regulation of avian uncoupling protein (av-UCP) expression by cytokines and hormonal signals in quail myoblast cells

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs), members of the mitochondrial anion carrier family, play a pivotal role in thermogenesis, redox balance, reactive oxygen species and many other cellular processes. They were extensively studied in mammalian species and have been shown to be tightly regulated at transcriptional and translational levels by various environmental and hormonal factors. Such studies are very limited in avian species which represent a unique model because they lack brown adipose tissue and they contain only one UCP (av-UCP) predominantly expressed in the muscle. The present study aimed, therefore, to determine the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα) and energy homeostasis-related hormones (leptin and T3) on the expression of av-UCP and its related transcription factors in quail myoblast (QM7) cells. Leptin treatment for 24 h significantly down-regulated av-UCP, and up-regulated PGC-1α, PPARα, and PPARγ expression in QM7 cells. IL-6 and TNFα administration significantly up-regulated the expression of av-UCP, however T3 had a biphasic effects (up-regulation with low dose and down-regulation with high dose) on av-UCP mRNA levels (P < .05). TNFα significantly induced PPARα and PPARγ mRNA abundances, however T3 and IL-6 down-regulated PPARα expression (P < .05). Together, these data are the first to report cytokine and hormonal regulation of av-UCP in avian muscle cells, suggesting that these effects are mediated through PPARs and PGC-1α, and opening a new vista for future functional and mechanistic studies.

Undaria pinnatifida extract feeding increases exercise endurance and skeletal muscle mass by promoting oxidative muscle remodeling in mice

Dietary habits can alter the skeletal muscle performance and mass, and Undaria pinnatifida extracts are considered a potent candidate for improving the muscle mass and function. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the effect of U pinnatifida extracts on exercise endurance and skeletal muscle mass. C57BL/6 mice were fed a 0.25% U pinnatifida extract-containing diet for 8 weeks. U pinnatifida extract-fed mice showed increased running distance, total running time, and extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius muscle weights. U pinnatifida extract supplementation upregulated the expression of myocyte enhancer factor 2C, oxidative muscle fiber markers such as myosin heavy chain 1 (MHC1), and oxidative biomarkers in the gastrocnemius muscles. Compared to the controls, U pinnatifida extract-fed mice showed larger mitochondria and increased gene and protein expression of molecules involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation, including nuclear respiratory factor 2 and mitochondrial transcription factor A. U pinnatifida extract supplementation also increased the mRNA expression of angiogenesis markers, including VEGFa, VEGFb, FGF1, angiopoietin 1, and angiopoietin 2, in the gastrocnemius muscles. Importantly, U pinnatifida extracts upregulated the estrogen-related receptor γ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1-alpha (PGC-1α)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) networks, which are partially increased by fucoxanthin, hesperetin, and caffeic acid treatments. Collectively, U pinnatifida extracts enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, increase oxidative muscle fiber, and promote angiogenesis in skeletal muscles, resulting in improved exercise capacity and skeletal muscle mass. These effects are attributable to fucoxanthin, hesperetin, and caffeic acid, bioactive components of U pinnatifida extracts.

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 induces cell cycle arrest and necrotic cell death

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a mitochondrial membrane protein that regulates energy metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We generated mouse carboxy- and amino-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged UCP2 constructs to investigate the effect of UCP2 expression on cell proliferation and viability. UCP2-transfected Hepa 1-6 cells did not show reduced cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but showed increased levels of glutathione. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that transfected cells were less proliferative than nontransfected controls, with most cells blocked at the G1 phase. The effect of UCP2 on cell cycle arrest could not be reversed by providing exogenous ATP or oxidant supply, and was not affected by the chemical uncoupler carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). However, this effect of UCP2 was augmented by treatment with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which by itself did not affect cell proliferation on control hepatocytes. Western blotting analysis revealed decreased expression levels of CDK6 but not CDK2 and D-type cyclins. Examination of cell viability in UCP2-transfected cells with Trypan Blue and Annexin-V staining revealed that UCP2 transfection led to significantly increased cell death. However, characteristics of apoptosis were absent in UCP2-transfected Hepa 1-6 cells, including lack of oligonucleosomal fragmentation (laddering) of chromosomal DNA, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and cleavage of caspase-3. In conclusion, our results indicate that UCP2 induces cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and causes nonapoptotic cell death, suggesting that UCP2 may act as a powerful influence on hepatic regeneration and cell death in the steatotic liver.

Urocortin 3 transgenic mice exhibit a metabolically favourable phenotype resisting obesity and hyperglycaemia on a high-fat diet

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Urocortins are the endogenous ligands for the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2 (CRFR2), which is implicated in regulating energy balance and/or glucose metabolism. We determined the effects of chronic CRFR2 activation on metabolism in vivo, by generating and phenotyping transgenic mice overproducing the specific CRFR2 ligand urocortin 3.

METHODS

Body composition, glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, energy efficiency and expression of key metabolic genes were assessed in adult male urocortin 3 transgenic mice (Ucn3(+)) under control conditions and following an obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) challenge.

RESULTS

Ucn3(+) mice had increased skeletal muscle mass with myocyte hypertrophy. Accelerated peripheral glucose disposal, increased respiratory exchange ratio and hypoglycaemia on fasting demonstrated increased carbohydrate metabolism. Insulin tolerance and indices of insulin-stimulated signalling were unchanged, indicating these effects were not mediated by increased insulin sensitivity. Expression of the transgene in Crfr2 (also known as Crhr2)-null mice negated key aspects of the Ucn3(+) phenotype. Ucn3(+) mice were protected from the HFD-induced hyperglycaemia and increased adiposity seen in control mice despite consuming more energy. Expression of uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 was higher in Ucn3(+) muscle, suggesting increased catabolic processes. IGF-1 abundance was upregulated in Ucn3(+) muscle, providing a potential paracrine mechanism in which urocortin 3 acts upon CRFR2 to link the altered metabolism and muscular hypertrophy observed.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Urocortin 3 acting on CRFR2 in skeletal muscle of Ucn3(+) mice results in a novel metabolically favourable phenotype, with lean body composition and protection against diet-induced obesity and hyperglycaemia. Urocortins and CRFR2 may be of interest as potential therapeutic targets for obesity.

Endurance capacity of mice selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running

Mice from four lines bred for high voluntary wheel activity run approximately 3-fold more revolutions per day and have elevated maximal oxygen consumption during forced treadmill exercise, as compared with four unselected control (C) lines. We hypothesized that these high runner (HR) lines would have greater treadmill endurance-running capacity. Ninety-six mice from generation 49 were familiarized with running on a motorized treadmill for 3 days. On days 4 and 5, mice were given an incremental speed test (starting at 20 m min(-1), increased 1.5 m min(-1) every 2 min) and endurance was measured as the total time or distance run to exhaustion. Blood samples were taken to measure glucose and lactate concentrations at rest during the photophase, during peak nightly wheel running, and immediately following the second endurance test. Individual differences in endurance time were highly repeatable between days (r=0.79), and mice tended to run longer on the second day (paired t-test, P<0.0001). Blood glucose following the treadmill test was low for all animals ( approximately 53 mg dl(-1)) and lactate was high ( approximately 6.5 mmol l(-1)), suggesting that exhaustion occurred. The HR lines had significantly higher endurance than the C lines (1-tailed P<0.05), whether or not body mass was used as a covariate in the analysis. The relationship between line means for wheel running and treadmill endurance differed between the sexes, reinforcing previous studies that indicate sex-specific responses to selective breeding. HR mice appear to have a higher endurance capacity than reported in the literature for inbred strains of mice or transgenics intended to enhance endurance.

Altered hepatic and muscle substrate utilization provoked by GLUT4 ablation

Studies were conducted to explore altered substrate utilization and metabolism in GLUT4 null mice. Liver fatty acid synthase mRNA and fatty acid synthesis rates were dramatically increased in GLUT4 null mice compared with control mice and were supported by increased rates of the pentose phosphate pathway oxidative phase and sterol regulatory binding protein mRNA expression. Increased GLUT2 protein content, glucokinase mRNA, and glucose-6-phosphate in GLUT4 null mice may provide substrate for the enhanced fatty acid synthesis. Increased fatty acid synthesis, however, did not lead to hepatic triglyceride accumulation in GLUT4 null mice because of increased hepatic triglyceride secretion rates. GLUT4 null mice rapidly cleared orally administered olive oil, had reduced serum triglyceride concentrations in the fed and the fasted state, and increased skeletal muscle lipoprotein lipase when compared with controls. Oleate oxidation rates were increased in GLUT4 null skeletal muscle in association with mitochondrial hyperplasia/hypertrophy. This study demonstrated that GLUT4 null mice had increased hepatic glucose uptake and conversion into triglyceride for subsequent use by muscle. The ability of GLUT4 null mice to alter hepatic carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to provide proper nutrients for peripheral tissues may explain (in part) their ability to resist diabetes when fed a normal diet.

Nur77 regulates lipolysis in skeletal muscle cells. Evidence for cross-talk between the beta-adrenergic and an orphan nuclear hormone receptor pathway

Skeletal muscle is a major mass peripheral tissue that accounts for approximately 40% of total body weight and 50% of energy expenditure and is a primary site of glucose disposal and fatty acid oxidation. Consequently, muscle has a significant role in insulin sensitivity, obesity, and the blood-lipid profile. Excessive caloric intake is sensed by the brain and induces beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR)-mediated adaptive thermogenesis. Beta-AR null mice develop severe obesity on a high fat diet. However, the target gene(s), target tissues(s), and molecular mechanism involved remain obscure. We observed that 30-60 min of beta-AR agonist (isoprenaline) treatment of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells strikingly activated (>100-fold) the expression of the mRNA encoding the nuclear hormone receptor, Nur77. In contrast, the expression of other nuclear receptors that regulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism was not induced. Stable transfection of Nur77-specific small interfering RNAs (siNur77) into skeletal muscle cells repressed endogenous Nur77 mRNA expression. Moreover, we observed attenuation of gene and protein expression associated with the regulation of energy expenditure and lipid homeostasis, for example AMP-activated protein kinase gamma3, UCP3, CD36, adiponectin receptor 2, GLUT4, and caveolin-3. Attenuation of Nur77 expression resulted in decreased lipolysis. Finally, in concordance with the cell culture model, injection and electrotransfer of siNur77 into mouse tibialis cranialis muscle resulted in the repression of UCP3 mRNA expression. This study demonstrates regulatory cross-talk between the nuclear hormone receptor and beta-AR signaling pathways. Moreover, it suggests Nur77 modulates the expression of genes that are key regulators of skeletal muscle lipid and energy homeostasis. In conclusion, we speculate that Nur77 agonists would stimulate lipolysis and increase energy expenditure in skeletal muscle and suggest selective activators of Nur77 may have therapeutic utility in the treatment of obesity.

UCP-3: regulação da expressão gênica no músculo esquelético e possível relação com o controle do peso corporal

As UCPs constituem um subgrupo das proteínas carreadoras mitocondriais que estão localizadas na membrana mitocondrial interna. Por meio da dissipação do gradiente de próton, elas desacoplam a fosforilação oxidativa e convertem combustível em calor. Foram identificadas quatro isoformas da UCP. A UCP-1 foi a primeira a ser descoberta, sendo encontrada exclusivamente no tecido adiposo marrom, a UCP-2 é encontrada em vários tecidos, a UCP-3 encontra-se no músculo esquelético em humanos e tecido adiposo marrom e músculo esquelético em roedores, enquanto a UCP-4 é expressa no cérebro. A expressão da UCP-3 no músculo esquelético e no tecido adiposo marrom pode fazer destes tecidos importantes mediadores da termogênese adaptativa. No entanto, o papel da UCP-3 quanto ao gasto de energia e como causa da obesidade ainda não passa de uma hipótese. Há evidências de que a UCP-3 seja regulada pelos substratos energéticos, tais como ácidos graxos e glicose que, ao entrarem no músculo, provocam aumento da UCP-3 e aumento no gasto de energia. Nosso objetivo nesta revisão foi descrever e discutir as informações disponíveis sobre a regulação da UCP-3, e sua possível relação com o controle do peso corporal.

Prevention of obesity and insulin resistance by glucokinase expression in skeletal muscle of transgenic mice

In type 2 diabetes, glucose phosphorylation, a regulatory step in glucose utilization by skeletal muscle, is impaired. Since glucokinase expression in skeletal muscle of transgenic mice increases glucose phosphorylation, we examined whether such mice counteract the obesity and insulin resistance induced by 12 wk of a high-fat diet. When fed this diet, control mice became obese, whereas transgenic mice remained lean. Furthermore, high-fat fed control mice developed hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia (a 3-fold increase), indicating that they were insulin resistant. In contrast, transgenic mice were normoglycemic and showed only a mild increase in insulinemia (1.5-fold). They also showed improved whole body glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and increased intramuscular concentrations of glucose 6-phosphate and glycogen. A parallel increase in uncoupling protein 3 mRNA levels in skeletal muscle of glucokinase-expressing transgenic mice was also observed. These results suggest that the rise in glucose phosphorylation by glucokinase expression in skeletal muscle leads to increased glucose utilization and energy expenditure that counteracts weight gain and maintains insulin sensitivity.

Enhanced diabetogenic effect of streptozotocin in mice overexpressing UCP-3 in skeletal muscle

Diabetic patients exhibit varying degrees of increased muscle UCP-3 expression in skeletal muscle and, in rodents, the pancreatoxin streptozotocin (STZ) upregulates UCP-3 mRNA in skeletal and cardiac muscles. We have investigated the development of STZ-induced diabetes in transgenic mice overexpressing UCP-3 in skeletal muscle in order to provide further insight on the functional role of muscle UCP-3. UCP-3 transgenic mice treated with STZ (UCP3-STZ) showed a significant increase in blood glucose concentration 3 days after the last dose of STZ with a progressive induction of diabetes, attaining blood glucose concentrations of 24.7 +/- 1.5 mmol/L on day 17. Wild-type mice treated with STZ (WT-STZ) only started to show an increase in blood glucose concentration 6 days after the last dose of STZ and peaked on day 17 at a lower concentration than in the UCP-STZ mice. The pancreatic insulin content of UCP-3 control mice (UCP3-CON) was decreased relative to wild-type control mice (WT-CON), and STZ reduced the total pancreatic insulin content by 72% in WT-STZ mice and by 88% in UCP3-STZ mice. In an insulin tolerance test, blood glucose concentrations declined more in the UCP-3 transgenic mice than in the wild-type mice. Mice overexpressing UCP-3 in skeletal muscle have a lower pancreatic insulin content, but tend to be more insulin-sensitive. These twin actions result in an increased susceptibility to STZ-induced diabetes in UCP-3 transgenic mice.

The role of uncoupling proteins in pathophysiological states

Until very recently, the uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), present only in brown adipose tissue (BAT), was considered to be the only mitochondrial carrier protein that stimulated heat production by dissipating the proton gradient generated during respiration across the inner mitochondrial membrane and therefore uncoupling respiration from ATP synthesis. Recently, new uncoupling proteins, UCP2, UCP3, and UCP4, and brain mitochondrial carrier protein-1 (BMCP-1) have been described in mammalian tissues. The present review deals with the possible role of these proteins in different pathological conditions involving alterations in energy balance such as obesity or cachexia. In conclusion, the emergence of the UCP family has altered the approaches to bioenergetics and stressed the importance of uncoupling respiration in different pathophysiological conditions. An extensive qualitative and quantitative characterization of the new members of the UCP family in mammalian tissues will allow a better understanding of the molecular and regulatory mechanisms of thermogenesis and energy metabolism. At this point, we hope that the knowledge presented in the present review will not only stimulate a debate about the role of the UCP family in disease but also lead to applications beneficial for human health.

Uncoupling protein 3 content is decreased in skeletal muscle of patients with type 2 diabetes

Recently, a role for uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) in carbohydrate metabolism and in type 2 diabetes has been suggested. Mice overexpressing UCP3 in skeletal muscle showed reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance after an oral glucose load, and reduced fasting plasma insulin levels. However, data regarding the expression of UCP3 in patients with type 2 diabetes is inconsistent, and so far, there have been no reports of UCP3 protein content. Here we compared, for the first time, the protein levels of UCP3 in vastus lateralis muscle in 14 male type 2 diabetic patients (age 49.8 +/- 2.1 years; BMI 27.2 +/- 1.2 kg/m(2); mean +/- SE) with 16 male control subjects (age 48.0 +/- 1.9 years; BMI 23.4 +/- 0.6 kg/m(2)). We found that UCP3 protein levels were twice as low in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects (117 +/- 16 vs. 58 +/- 12 AU; P = 0.007). There was no correlation between UCP3 content and BMI. In conclusion, UCP3 content is lower in type 2 diabetic patients compared with healthy control subjects. These results are consistent with a role for UCP3 in glucose homeostasis and suggest a role for UCP3 in type 2 diabetes.

Insulin and contraction directly stimulate UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA expression in rat skeletal muscle in vitro

To study the regulation of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 and 3 (UCP2 and UCP3), we studied the effect of insulin and muscle contraction on UCP mRNA expression in rat skeletal muscle in vitro. Insulin dose-dependently increased skeletal muscle UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA expression in m. extensor digitorum longus (EDL) with maximal stimulation obtained at around 0.6-6 nM. The concentration of insulin giving half-maximal stimulation was 60 pM for the UCP2 and 48 pM for the UCP3 mRNA expression. The effect of insulin was maximal after 2 h and the effect was sustained during the whole study period (6 h). The insulin-induced increase in UCP mRNA was independent of the glucose uptake (as UCP mRNA was stimulated even in incubations without glucose). In addition, electrically induced contractions (in vitro) increased UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA expression 60-120 min after a single bout of contraction (for 10 min). Both the increment of UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA were sustained throughout the study period (4 h) (153 +/- 62 and 216 +/- 71% above basal, P < 0.05 respectively). Finally, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamid-ribosid (AICAR), an activator of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), that is activated during exercise, was able to mimic the increase in UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA expression. In conclusion, UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA expression in skeletal muscle are stimulated rapidly by insulin and contraction in vitro, thus the stimulation is direct and not caused by changes in other hormones or metabolites. Even a brief bout of contraction induces an increase in UCP2 and UCP3 expression, an effect that could be mimicked by activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase by AICAR.

Uncoupling protein 3 genetic variants in human obesity: the c-55t promoter polymorphism is negatively correlated with body mass index in a UK Caucasian population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether genetic variation at the UCP3 locus contributes to human obesity.

SUBJECTS

Ninety-one obese children (BMI>4 standard deviations from age related mean) and 419 Caucasian adults from the Isle of Ely Study.

DESIGN

Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was used to scan the coding region of the UCP3 gene in 91 severely obese children. A common polymorphism identified in this gene (c-55t) has been shown to associate with lower UCP3 mRNA expression. Polymerase chain reaction-based forced restriction digestion was used to detect this allele in Caucasian adults. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine associations between the c-55t genotype and anthropometric, energetic and biochemical indices relevant to obesity.

MEASUREMENTS

For the obese children, SSCP analysis and sequencing of variants were carried out. For the Isle of Ely Study, c-55t genotype and anthropometric (body mass index, waist-hip ratio, percentage body fat), energetic (dietary fat intake, physical activity index, adjusted metabolic rate, maximum oxygen consumption) and biochemical indices (pre- and post-glucose challenge plasma triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, insulin and glucose) were determined.

RESULTS

A previously reported missense mutation (V102I) was detected in a single obese Afro-Carribean child. Twenty-one percent of the genes examined in the Isle of Ely study carried the c-55t promoter variant. Age-adjusted body mass index (BMI) was significantly (P=0.0037) lower in carriers of this variant.

CONCLUSION

Mutations in the coding sequence of UCP3 are unlikely to be a common monogenic cause of severe human obesity. In a Caucasian population the UCP3 c-55t polymorphism is negatively associated with BMI.

Metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle overexpressing GLUT4: effects on muscle and physical activity

To understand the long-term metabolic and functional consequences of increased GLUT4 content, intracellular substrate utilization was investigated in isolated muscles of transgenic mice overexpressing GLUT4 selectively in fast-twitch skeletal muscles. Rates of glycolysis, glycogen synthesis, glucose oxidation, and free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation as well as glycogen content were assessed in isolated EDL (fast-twitch) and soleus (slow-twitch) muscles from female and male MLC-GLUT4 transgenic and control mice. In male MLC-GLUT4 EDL, increased glucose influx predominantly led to increased glycolysis. In contrast, in female MLC-GLUT4 EDL increased glycogen synthesis was observed. In both sexes, GLUT4 overexpression resulted in decreased exogenous FFA oxidation rates. The decreased rate of FFA oxidation in male MLC-GLUT4 EDL was associated with increased lipid content in liver, but not in muscle or at the whole body level. To determine how changes in substrate metabolism and insulin action may influence energy balance in an environment that encouraged physical activity, we measured voluntary training activity, body weight, and food consumption of MLC-GLUT4 and control mice in cages equipped with training wheels. We observed a small decrease in body weight of MLC-GLUT4 mice that was paradoxically accompanied by a 45% increase in food consumption. The results were explained by a marked fourfold increase in voluntary wheel exercise. The changes in substrate metabolism and physical activity in MLC-GLUT4 mice were not associated with dramatic changes in skeletal muscle morphology. Collectively, results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of altering muscle substrate utilization by overexpression of GLUT4. The results also suggest that as a potential treatment for type II diabetes mellitus, increased skeletal muscle GLUT4 expression may provide benefits in addition to improvement of insulin action.

Mitochondrial efficiency: lessons learned from transgenic mice

Metabolic research has, like most areas of research in the life sciences, been affected dramatically by the application of transgenic technologies. Within the specific area of bioenergetics it has been thought that transgenic approaches in mice would provide definitive proof for some longstanding metabolic theories and assumptions. Here we review a number of transgenic approaches that have been used in mice to address theories of mitochondrial efficiency. The focus is largely on genes that affect the coupling of energy substrate oxidation to ATP synthesis, and thus, mice in which the uncoupling protein (Ucp) genes are modified are discussed extensively. Transgenic approaches have indeed provided proof-of-concept in some instances, but in many other instances they have yielded results that are in contrast to initial hypotheses. Many studies have also shown that genetic background can affect phenotypic outcomes, and that the upregulated expression of genes that are related to the modified gene often complicates the interpretation of findings.

Changes in UCP mRNA expression levels in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle after feeding a high-energy diet and relationships with leptin, glucose and PPARgamma

Brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are known to be important sites for nonshivering thermogenesis. In this context, it is accepted that uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are involved in such process, but little is known about the physiological regulation of these proteins as affected by the intake of a high-energy (cafeteria) diet inducing fat deposition. In this study, the UCP messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and skeletal muscle was assessed to evaluate the influence of a dietary manipulation on energy homeostasis regulation. We report a statistically significant increase in mRNA levels of iBAT UCP1 and UCP3 and a statistical marginal rise in skeletal muscle UCP3 mRNA expression after feeding a high-energy diet, whereas no changes in UCP2 expression were found in either tissue. Furthermore, significant positive associations between iBAT UCP1 and UCP3 mRNA levels with serum leptin were found. Although the expression of the beta(3) adrenoceptor (beta(3)AR) was about 50% in the lean controls compared with the obese group in iBAT, no statistically significant changes were observed concerning peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) mRNA levels in muscle or iBAT. We conclude that feeding a diet inducing weight and fat gain produces different outcomes on iBAT and skeletal muscle UCP mRNA expression, revealing a tissue-dependent response for the three UCPs. Results suggest that the regulation of UCP expression in both tissues under these specific dietary conditions may be related to leptin circulating levels.

Effects of adenoviral overexpression of uncoupling protein-2 and -3 on mitochondrial respiration in insulinoma cells

The brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) catalyzes proton reentry without ATP synthesis, thereby dissipating energy as heat. In contrast, the function(s) of the recently described homologs, UCP2 and UCP3, are less clear. The aim of the present study was to determine whether overexpressed UCP subtypes affect mitochondrial respiration and substrate oxidation in cultured insulin-secreting INS-1 insulinoma cells. Adenoviral overexpression of UCP2 significantly decreased the ADP/O ratio by 31% and 39% in comparison to beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) or the mitochondrial protein manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), respectively, and increased state 4 respiration in the presence of succinate and oligomycin by 52% and 59% in comparison to beta-gal or MnSOD, respectively. Adenoviral overexpression of UCP3 also decreased the ADP/O ratio by 18% (nonsignificant) and increased state 4 respiration by 24% (nonsignificant) in comparison to ss-gal and significantly decreased the ADP/O ratio by 32% and increased state 4 respiration by 35% in comparison to MnSOD. Both UCP2 and UCP3 expression significantly increased whole cell lipid oxidation by 34% (P < 0.01) and 30% (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with cells expressing Ad5CMVlacZ. However, glucose oxidation was not significantly altered by UCP2 or UCP3 expression. Adenoviral UCP2 expression, but not UCP3 (compared with beta-gal), significantly inhibited insulin secretion in the presence of 15 mM glucose [6.17 +/- 0.42 ng/mg cell protein for beta-gal compared with 4.69 +/- 0.39 for UCP2 (P < 0.05) and 5.51 +/- 0.50 for UCP3]. Both overexpressed UCPs significantly reduced INS-1 cell ATP content. Within certain limitations, which are discussed, these data are the first to demonstrate increased respiration and impaired coupling of oxidative phosphorylation as a result of UCP homolog expression in isolated mammalian mitochondria. Our results also suggest an important role for UCP in lipid metabolism and, possibly, insulin secretion.

Etomoxir, sodium 2-[6-(4-chlorophenoxy)hexyl]oxirane-2-carboxylate, up-regulates uncoupling protein-3 mRNA levels in primary culture of rat preadipocytes

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial membrane proton transporters that uncouple respiration from oxidative phosphorylation by dissipating the proton gradient across the membrane. Treatment of primary culture of rat preadipocytes for 24 h with 40 microM etomoxir, an irreversible inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I), up-regulated UCP-3 mRNA levels (3. 6-fold induction), whereas changes in UCP-2 mRNA levels were not significant. As a consequence of increased UCP-3 expression, a fall in the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by flow cytometry. Etomoxir treatment modified neither L-CPT-I (liver-type) nor PPARalpha mRNA levels in preadipocytes. In contrast, mRNA expression of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), the rate-limiting enzyme of peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation, whose transcription is controlled by PPARalpha, was significantly induced (1.3-fold induction, P = 0.015). These findings suggest that the effects of etomoxir were mediated by PPARalpha. Since it has been reported that the intracellular accumulation of lipids following the inhibition of CPT-I by etomoxir leads to a PPARalpha-mediated metabolic response that increases the expression of genes involved in alternate fatty acid oxidation pathways, these results seem to implicate UCP-3 in this protective metabolic response. It remains to be studied whether reductions in the expression of UCP-3 could compromise this response, giving rise to lipotoxic effects on cells.