Role of cAMP and cGMP Signaling in Brown Fat

Sacubitril/valsartan promotes white adipose tissue browning in rats with metabolic syndrome through activation of mTORC1

In addition to their usual use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, weak evidence is available for the potential of combined use of neprilysin inhibitor (sacubitril) and AT1 receptor antagonist (valsartan) to promote browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study involved 32 male Wistar albino rats divided into four groups: CTRL-healthy control rats; ENT-healthy rats treated with sacubitril/valsartan; MS-rats with MetS; MS + ENT-rats with MetS treated with sacubitril/valsartan. After finishing the experimental protocol, different WAT depots were isolated for further analysis of molecular pathways. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies were used for in silico assessment of the binding affinity of sacubitril and valsartan towards subunits of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Sacubitril/valsartan treatment markedly diminished morphological changes in adipose tissue, resulting in smaller lipid size and multilocular lipid droplet structure in WAT. We showed significantly higher protein expression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and mTORC1 in WAT of MS + ENT rats, correlating with increased relative gene expression of browning-related markers in tissue of rats treated with sacubitril/valsartan compared with MS group of rats. In silico analysis showed that sacubitrilat and valsartan exhibited the highest binding affinity against mTOR and mLST8, forming stable complexes with these mTORC1 subunits. The observed results confirmed strong potential of combined sacubitril/valsartan treatment to increase browning markers expression in different WAT depots in MetS condition and to form permanent complexes with mTOR and mLST8 subunits over the time.

Cold-induced expression of a truncated adenylyl cyclase 3 acts as rheostat to brown fat function

Promoting brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity innovatively targets obesity and metabolic disease. While thermogenic activation of BAT is well understood, the rheostatic regulation of BAT to avoid excessive energy dissipation remains ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate that adenylyl cyclase 3 (AC3) is key for BAT function. We identified a cold-inducible promoter that generates a 5' truncated AC3 mRNA isoform (Adcy3-at), whose expression is driven by a cold-induced, truncated isoform of PPARGC1A (PPARGC1A-AT). Male mice lacking Adcy3-at display increased energy expenditure and are resistant to obesity and ensuing metabolic imbalances. Mouse and human AC3-AT are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, unable to translocate to the plasma membrane and lack enzymatic activity. AC3-AT interacts with AC3 and sequesters it in the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing the pool of adenylyl cyclases available for G-protein-mediated cAMP synthesis. Thus, AC3-AT acts as a cold-induced rheostat in BAT, limiting adverse consequences of cAMP activity during chronic BAT activation.

EPAC1 enhances brown fat growth and beige adipogenesis

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a central thermogenic organ that enhances energy expenditure and cardiometabolic health. However, regulators that specifically increase the number of thermogenic adipocytes are still an unmet need. Here, we show that the cAMP-binding protein EPAC1 is a central regulator of adaptive BAT growth. In vivo, selective pharmacological activation of EPAC1 increases BAT mass and browning of white fat, leading to higher energy expenditure and reduced diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, EPAC1 coordinates a network of regulators for proliferation specifically in thermogenic adipocytes, but not in white adipocytes. We pinpoint the effects of EPAC1 to PDGFRα-positive preadipocytes, and the loss of EPAC1 in these cells impedes BAT growth and worsens diet-induced obesity. Importantly, EPAC1 activation enhances the proliferation and differentiation of human brown adipocytes and human brown fat organoids. Notably, a coding variant of RAPGEF3 (encoding EPAC1) that is positively correlated with body mass index abolishes noradrenaline-induced proliferation of brown adipocytes. Thus, EPAC1 might be an attractive target to enhance thermogenic adipocyte number and energy expenditure to combat metabolic diseases.

Dietary dibutyryl cAMP supplementation regulates the fat deposition in adipose tissues of finishing pigs via cAMP/PKA pathway

This study investigated potential mechanism of dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) on porcine fat deposition. (1) Exp.1, 72 finishing pigs were allotted to 3 treatments (0, 10 or 20 mg/kg dbcAMP) with 6 replicates. dbcAMP increased the hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) activity and expression of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) and growth hormone receptor (GHR), but decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPAR-γ2) and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) in back fat. dbcAMP upregulated expression of β-AR, GHR, PPAR-γ2 and A-FABP, but decreased insulin receptor (INSR) expression in abdominal fat. Dietary dbcAMP increased HSL activity and expression of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities, and expression of INSR, cAMP-response element-binding protein (C/EBP-α) and A-FABP in perirenal fat. (2) Exp. 2, dbcAMP suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of porcine preadipocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which might be associated with increased activities of cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA), and expression of GPCR, β-AR, GHR and CREB via inhibiting C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ2 expression. Collectively, dbcAMP treatment may reduce fat deposition by regulating gene expression related to adipocyte differentiation and fat metabolism partially via cAMP-PKA pathway.

Comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles uncovered the age-induced dynamic development pattern of subcutaneous fat in Ningxiang pig

Enhancing meat production and quality is the eternal theme for pig breeding industries. Fat deposition has always been the focus of research in practical production because it is closely linked to pig production efficiency and pork quality. In the current study, multi-omics techniques were performed to explore the modulatory mechanisms of backfat (BF) accumulation at three core developmental stages for Ningxiang pigs. Our results identified that 15 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 9 significantly changed metabolites (SCMs) contributed to the BF development via the cAMP signaling pathway, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Herein, we found a series of candidate genes such as adrenoceptor beta 1 (ADRB1), adenylate cyclase 5 (ADCY5), ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit beta 1 (ATP1B1), ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 3 (ATP2B3), ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 2 (ATP1A2), perilipin 1 (PLIN1), patatin like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3), ELOVL fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5) and metabolites like epinephrine, cAMP, arachidonic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid existed age-specificeffects and played important roles in lipolysis, fat accumulation, and fatty acid composition. Our findings provide a reference for molecular mechanisms in BF tissue development and the optimization of carcass quality.

Nanopore sequencing unveils the complexity of the cold-activated murine brown adipose tissue transcriptome

Alternative transcription increases transcriptome complexity by expression of multiple transcripts per gene. Annotation and quantification of transcripts using short-read sequencing is non-trivial. Long-read sequencing aims at overcoming these problems by sequencing full-length transcripts. Activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis involves major transcriptomic remodeling and positively affects metabolism via increased energy expenditure. We benchmark Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) long-read sequencing protocols to Illumina short-read sequencing assessing alignment characteristics, gene and transcript detection and quantification, differential gene and transcript expression, transcriptome reannotation, and differential transcript usage (DTU). We find ONT sequencing is superior to Illumina for transcriptome reassembly, reducing the risk of false-positive events by unambiguously mapping reads to transcripts. We identified novel isoforms of genes undergoing DTU in cold-activated BAT including Cars2, Adtrp, Acsl5, Scp2, Aldoa, and Pde4d, validated by real-time PCR. The reannotated murine BAT transcriptome established here provides a framework for future investigations into the regulation of BAT.

The 10th International Conference on cGMP 2022: recent trends in cGMP research and development-meeting report

Increasing cGMP is a unique therapeutic principle, and drugs inhibiting cGMP-degrading enzymes or stimulating cGMP production are approved for the treatment of various diseases such as erectile dysfunction, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome, or achondroplasia. In addition, cGMP-increasing therapies are preclinically profiled or in clinical development for quite a broad set of additional indications, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases or different forms of dementias, bone formation disorders, underlining the pivotal role of cGMP signaling pathways. The fundamental understanding of the signaling mediated by nitric oxide-sensitive (soluble) guanylyl cyclase and membrane-associated receptor (particulate) guanylyl cyclase at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as in vivo, especially in disease models, is a key prerequisite to fully exploit treatment opportunities and potential risks that could be associated with an excessive increase in cGMP. Furthermore, human genetic data and the clinical effects of cGMP-increasing drugs allow back-translation into basic research to further learn about signaling and treatment opportunities. The biannual international cGMP conference, launched nearly 20 years ago, brings all these aspects together as an established and important forum for all topics from basic science to clinical research and pivotal clinical trials. This review summarizes the contributions to the "10th cGMP Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications," which was held in Augsburg in 2022 but will also provide an overview of recent key achievements and activities in the field of cGMP research.

(20R)-panaxadiol improves obesity by promoting white fat beigeing

Introduction: Obesity is an important cause of a range of metabolic diseases. However, the complex mechanisms of obesity and its related diseases make some weight loss methods ineffective or have safety issues. Ginseng, a specialty of Jilin Province in China with both edible and medicinal value, contains mainly ginsenosides and other components. In order to study the anti-obesity effect of ginseng, network pharmacology was used to predict and screen the active ingredients, action targets and signaling pathways of ginseng. We found (20R)-panaxadiol (PD) is a more desirable active ingredient due to its high drug-like properties and high bioavailability. Moreover, it is closely related to cAMP pathway which is more important in metabolism regulation. The corresponding pharmacodynamic targets of PD include ADRB2 (the gene encoding the β₂-adrenoceptor receptor). Our study aimed to investigate whether Panaxadiol can promote white adipocyte beigeing and increase thermogenesis through modulating the β₂/cAMP pathway to exert anti-obesity effects. Methods: In vivo, we established high-fat feeding obesity model, genotypically obese mice (ob/ob) model, and administered PD (10 mg/kg). PD treatment in ob/ob mice along with β₂ receptor inhibitor ICI118551. In vitro, differentiated mature 3T3-L1 cells were given palmitate (PA) to induce hypertrophy model along with PD (20 μM). Results: The results of this study demonstrated that PD significantly reduced body weight, improved glucose tolerance and lipid levels in high-fat-induced obese mice and ob/ob mice, and also reduced lipid droplet size in PA-treated hypertrophic adipocytes in vitro. Molecular biology assays confirmed that cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was increased after PD administration, and the expression of thermogenesis-related proteins UCP1, PRDM16 and mitochondrial biosynthesis-related proteins PGC-1α, TFAM and NRF1 were increased. Molecular docking results showed a low binding energy between β₂ receptors and PD, indicating an affinity between the β₂ receptor and PD. In addition, the β₂ receptor inhibition, reversed the anti-obesity effect of PD on the body weight, lipid droplets, the expression of thermogenesis-related proteins and CREB phosphorylation in ob/ob mice. Discussion: These results suggest that PD may promote the expression of thermogenic proteins through phosphorylation of CREB via β2 receptor activation, and thus exert anti-obesity effects.

The lipid-lowering effects of fenugreek gum, hawthorn pectin, and burdock inulin

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering effects and mechanisms of fenugreek gum (FG), hawthorn pectin (HP), and burdock inulin (BI) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Methods

In this study, high-fat diet (HFD) together with fat emulsion administration were used to establish hyperlipidemia model. The biochemical indices were assayed after administration of FG, HP, and BI. Their effects were evaluated by factor analysis. Alterations of gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecal were assessed to illustrate the mechanism of lipid lowering.

Results

The supplementation of FG, HP, and BI on HFD-fed rats decreased the levels of serum lipid and reduced the HFD-related liver and testicle damage. In the scatter plot of factor analysis, HP and BI were closer to normal fat diet (NFD) group in restoring the severity of hyperlipidemia, while FG and HP enhanced the excretion of cholesterol and bile acids (BAs). The levels of total SCFAs, especially butyric acid reduced by HFD were increased by HP. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes increased by HFD was reduced by HP and BI. FG, HP, and BI enriched intestinal probiotics, which were related to bile acid excretion or lipid-lowering.

Conclusions

FG inhibited the absorption of cholesterol and enhanced the excretion of it, as well as increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. While BI restored the imbalance of intestinal microbiota. HP enhanced the excretion of cholesterol and BAs, and restored the imbalance of intestinal microbiota. It was also utilized by intestinal microorganisms to yield SCFAs. This study suggested that FG, HP, and BI possessed the potential to be utilized as dietary supplements for obesity management.

Effects of a Phosphodiesterase inhibitor on the Browning of Adipose Tissue in Mice

Cilostazol is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 3 (PDE3) that increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which plays a critical role in the development of the beige phenotype and the activation of its thermogenic program in white adipose tissue (WAT). We investigated the metabolic effects of PDE3B inhibition with cilostazol treatment in the adipose tissue of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Seven-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to either the cilostazol or control group. The control group was divided into two groups: the chow diet and HFD. The expression of uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) and other brown adipocyte markers was compared. In the HFD-fed cilostazol group, C57BL/6J mice displayed improvements in systemic metabolism, including improved glucose tolerance and lipid profile, but only modest effects on body weight were observed. In the visceral WAT of HFD-fed cilostazol-treated mice, cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathways were activated, resulting in the “browning” phenotype, smaller fat deposits, and enhanced mRNA expression of UCP1 and other brown adipocyte markers. PDE3B appears to be an important regulator of lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and thermogenic programs in adipose tissues. An increase in intracellular cAMP via PDE3B inhibition with cilostazol treatment promoted the browning of visceral WAT.

Nitric oxide — soluble guanylate cyclase — cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of heart failure and search for novel therapeutic targets

Heart failure is a severe disease with an unfavorable prognosis, which requires intensification of therapy and the search for novel approaches to treatment. In this review, the physiological significance of soluble guanylate cyclase-related signaling pathway, reasons for decrease in its activity in heart failure and possible consequences are discussed. Pharmacological methods of stimulating the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate using drugs with different mechanisms of action are considered. Data from clinical studies regarding their effectiveness and safety are presented. A promising approach is stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase, which showed beneficial effects in preclinical studies, as well as in the recently completed phase III VICTORIA study.

On the potential role of globins in brown adipose tissue: a novel conceptual model and studies in myoglobin knockout mice

Myoglobin (Mb) regulates O₂ bioavailability in muscle and heart as the partial pressure of O₂ (Po₂) drops with increased tissue workload. Globin proteins also modulate cellular NO pools, "scavenging" NO at higher Po₂ and converting NO₂^- to NO as Po₂ falls. Myoglobin binding of fatty acids may also signal a role in fat metabolism. Interestingly, Mb is expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT), but its function is unknown. Herein, we present a new conceptual model that proposes links between BAT thermogenic activation, concurrently reduced Po₂, and NO pools regulated by deoxy/oxy-globin toggling and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR). We describe the effect of Mb knockout (Mb^-/-) on BAT phenotype [lipid droplets, mitochondrial markers uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and cytochrome C oxidase 4 (Cox4), transcriptomics] in male and female mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 45% of energy, ∼13 wk), and examine Mb expression during brown adipocyte differentiation. Interscapular BAT weights did not differ by genotype, but there was a higher prevalence of mid-large sized droplets in Mb^-/-. COX4 protein expression was significantly reduced in Mb^-/- BAT, and a suite of metabolic/NO/stress/hypoxia transcripts were lower. All of these Mb^-/--associated differences were most apparent in females. The new conceptual model, and results derived from Mb^-/- mice, suggest a role for Mb in BAT metabolic regulation, in part through sexually dimorphic systems and NO signaling. This possibility requires further validation in light of significant mouse-to-mouse variability of BAT Mb mRNA and protein abundances in wild-type mice and lower expression relative to muscle and heart.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Myoglobin confers the distinct red color to muscle and heart, serving as an oxygen-binding protein in oxidative fibers. Less attention has been paid to brown fat, a thermogenic tissue that also expresses myoglobin. In a mouse knockout model lacking myoglobin, brown fat had larger fat droplets and lower markers of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, especially in females. Gene expression patterns suggest a role for myoglobin as an oxygen/nitric oxide-sensor that regulates cellular metabolic and signaling pathways.

Control of Adipocyte Thermogenesis and Lipogenesis through β3-Adrenergic and Thyroid Hormone Signal Integration

Here, we show that β adrenergic signaling coordinately upregulates de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT), and both effects are blocked in mice lacking the cAMP-generating G protein-coupled receptor Gs (Adipo-GsαKO) in adipocytes. However, UCP1 expression but not DNL activation requires rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1. Furthermore, β3-adrenergic agonist CL316243 readily upregulates thermogenic but not lipogenic genes in cultured adipocytes, indicating that additional regulators must operate on DNL in sWAT in vivo. We identify one such factor as thyroid hormone T3, which is elevated locally by adrenergic signaling. T3 administration to wild-type mice enhances both thermogenesis and DNL in sWAT. Mechanistically, T3 action on UCP1 expression in sWAT depends upon cAMP and is blocked in Adipo-GsαKO mice even as elevated DNL persists. Thus, T3 enhances sWAT thermogenesis by amplifying cAMP signaling, while its control of adipocyte DNL can be mediated independently of both cAMP and rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1.

Single-Cell RNA Profiling Reveals Adipocyte to Macrophage Signaling Sufficient to Enhance Thermogenesis

Adipocytes deficient in fatty acid synthase (iAdFASNKO) emit signals that mimic cold exposure to enhance the appearance of thermogenic beige adipocytes in mouse inguinal white adipose tissues (iWATs). Both cold exposure and iAdFASNKO upregulate the sympathetic nerve fiber (SNF) modulator Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4), activate SNFs, and require adipocyte cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling for beige adipocyte appearance, as it is blocked by adipocyte Gsα deficiency. Surprisingly, however, in contrast to cold-exposed mice, neither iWAT denervation nor Nrg4 loss attenuated adipocyte browning in iAdFASNKO mice. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of iWAT stromal cells revealed increased macrophages displaying gene expression signatures of the alternately activated type in iAdFASNKO mice, and their depletion abrogated iWAT beiging. Altogether, these findings reveal that divergent cellular pathways are sufficient to cause adipocyte browning. Importantly, adipocyte signaling to enhance alternatively activated macrophages in iAdFASNKO mice is associated with enhanced adipose thermogenesis independent of the sympathetic neuron involvement this process requires in the cold.

Henriques et al. show an alternative pathway to enhance thermogenesis through an adipocyte cAMP/PKA axis in denervated iWAT. Signals emanating from this pathway generate M2-type macrophages associated with iWAT browning.

Novel adipokine asprosin modulates browning and adipogenesis in white adipose tissue

Obesity is an increasingly serious epidemic worldwide characterized by an increase in the number and size of adipocytes. Adipose tissue maintains the balance between lipid storage and energy utilization. Therefore, adipose metabolism is of great significance for the prevention, treatment and intervention of obesity. Asprosin, a novel adipokine, is a circulating hormone mainly secreted by white adipose tissue. Previous studies have shown that asprosin plays a role in fasting-induced homeostasis, insulin resistance, and glucose tolerance. However, whether it can regulate the metabolism of adipose tissue itself has not been studied. This study intended to examine the roles and potential mechanisms of asprosin in adipose regulation. We first demonstrated that the expression level of asprosin was significantly downregulated in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed or cold-stimulated mice. Overexpression of asprosin in scWAT reduced heat production, decreased expression of the browning marker uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and other browning-related genes, along with upregulation of adipogenic gene expression. Mechanistically, we found that Nrf2 was activated upon cold exposure, but this activation was suppressed after asprosin overexpression. In primary cultured adipocytes, adenovirusmediated asprosin overexpression inhibited adipose browning and aggravated lipid deposition, while Nrf2 agonist oltipraz could reverse these changes. Our findings suggest that novel adipokine asprosin negatively regulated browning and elevate lipid deposition in adipose tissue via a Nrf2-mediated mechanism. Asprosin may be a promising target for the prevention and treatment of obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Thrombospondin 1 in Metabolic Diseases

The thrombospondin family comprises of five multifunctional glycoproteins, whose best-studied member is thrombospondin 1 (TSP1). This matricellular protein is a potent antiangiogenic agent that inhibits endothelial migration and proliferation, and induces endothelial apoptosis. Studies have demonstrated a regulatory role of TSP1 in cell migration and in activation of the latent transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1). These functions of TSP1 translate into its broad modulation of immune processes. Further, imbalances in immune regulation have been increasingly linked to pathological conditions such as obesity and diabetes mellitus. While most studies in the past have focused on the role of TSP1 in cancer and inflammation, recently published data have revealed new insights about the role of TSP1 in physiological and metabolic disorders. Here, we highlight recent findings that associate TSP1 and its receptors to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. TSP1 regulates nitric oxide, activates latent TGFβ1, and interacts with receptors CD36 and CD47, to play an important role in cell metabolism. Thus, TSP1 and its major receptors may be considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic diseases.

Effect of celecoxib in treatment of burn-induced hypermetabolism

Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of prostanoid biosynthesis. Under pathologic conditions, COX-2 activity can produce reactive oxygen species and toxic prostaglandin metabolites that exacerbate injury and metabolic disturbance. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of Celecoxib (the inhibitor of COX-2) treatment on lipolysis in burn mice.

Methods: One hundred male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into sham group, burn group, celecoxib group, and burn with celecoxib group (25 mice in each group). Thirty percent total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness injury was made for mice to mimic burn injuries. Volume of oxygen uptake (VO₂), volume of carbon dioxide output (VCO₂), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), energy expenditure (EE), COX-2 and uncoupled protein-1 (UCP-1) expression in brown adipose tissue (BAT) were measured for different groups.

Results: Adipose tissue (AT) activation was associated with the augmentation of mitochondria biogenesis, and UCP-1 expression in isolated iBAT mitochondria. In addition, VO₂, VCO₂, EE, COX-2, and UCP-1 expression were significantly higher in burn group than in burn with celecoxib group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: BAT plays important roles in burn injury-induced hypermetabolism through its morphological changes and elevating the expression of UCP-1. Celecoxib could improve lipolysis after burn injury.

Dopamine receptor D1- and D2-agonists do not spark brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in mice

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis is considered a potential target for treatment of obesity and diabetes. In vitro data suggest dopamine receptor signaling as a promising approach; however, the biological relevance of dopamine receptors in the direct activation of BAT thermogenesis in vivo remains unclear. We investigated BAT thermogenesis in vivo in mice using peripheral administration of D1-agonist SKF38393 or D2-agonist Sumanirole, infrared thermography, and in-depth molecular analyses of potential target tissues; and ex vivo in BAT explants to identify direct effects on key thermogenic markers. Acute in vivo treatment with the D1- or D2-agonist caused a short spike or brief decrease in BAT temperature, respectively. However, repeated daily administration did not induce lasting effects on BAT thermogenesis. Likewise, neither agonist directly affected Ucp1 or Dio2 mRNA expression in BAT explants. Taken together, the investigated agonists do not seem to exert lasting and physiologically relevant effects on BAT thermogenesis after peripheral administration, demonstrating that D1- and D2-receptors in iBAT are unlikely to constitute targets for obesity treatment via BAT activation.

Phosphodiesterase 2A2 regulates mitochondria clearance through Parkin-dependent mitophagy

Programmed degradation of mitochondria by mitophagy, an essential process to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, is not completely understood. Here we uncover a regulatory process that controls mitophagy and involves the cAMP-degrading enzyme phosphodiesterase 2A2 (PDE2A2). We find that PDE2A2 is part of a mitochondrial signalosome at the mitochondrial inner membrane where it interacts with the mitochondrial contact site and organizing system (MICOS). As part of this compartmentalised signalling system PDE2A2 regulates PKA-mediated phosphorylation of the MICOS component MIC60, resulting in modulation of Parkin recruitment to the mitochondria and mitophagy. Inhibition of PDE2A2 is sufficient to regulate mitophagy in the absence of other triggers, highlighting the physiological relevance of PDE2A2 in this process. Pharmacological inhibition of PDE2 promotes a 'fat-burning' phenotype to retain thermogenic beige adipocytes, indicating that PDE2A2 may serve as a novel target with potential for developing therapies for metabolic disorders.

Bromodomain-containing protein 2 promotes lipolysis via ERK/HSL signalling pathway in white adipose tissue of mice

White adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction is prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Uncontrolled free fatty acid (FFA) release from WAT stores has detrimental effects on lipid metabolism, leading to insulin resistance. Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (Brd2) has emerged as a central transcriptional regulator of adipocyte differentiation and pancreatic β-cell bioactivity. A recent study shows that Brd2 overexpression leads to insulin resistance in mice. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been fully elucidated. This study provides the first evidence that adenoviral-mediated Brd2 overexpression in the WAT of mice increases lipolysis-related gene expression in addition to significantly reducing WAT size and promoting plasma FFA release. Brd2 overexpression in adipocytes also inhibits fat synthesis-related gene expression, while activating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) expression and ERK-dependent perilipin 1 inhibition as well as promoting glycerol release, which are all involved in lipolysis. Collectively, these results indicate that Brd2 triggers insulin resistance via lipolysis-mediated FFA release.

Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Novel Insights into Heat Stress Responses in Sheep

Simple Summary

The general increase in global temperatures has meant that heat stress has become an increasingly significant problem for sheep. This has both direct and indirect impact on their physiological functions, productivity, and health of sheep. Sheep generally live in high-temperature environments; however, the genes and pathways that play regulatory roles in the heat stress responses of sheep remain unclear. In this study, we applied RNA-Seq technology to analyze liver tissues of sheep from heat-stressed and control groups, and screened genes and pathways related to sheep heat stress. This work provides a theoretical foundation for the breeding and production of heat-resistant sheep.

Abstract

With the intensified and large-scale development of sheep husbandry and global warming, sheep heat stress has become an increasingly important issue. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms related to sheep responses to heat stress. In this study, transcriptomic analysis of liver tissues of sheep in the presence and absence of heat stress was conducted, with the goal of identifying genes and pathways related to regulation when under such stress. After a comparison with the sheep reference genome, 440,226,436 clean reads were obtained from eight libraries. A p-value ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥ 2 were taken as thresholds for categorizing differentially expressed genes, of which 1137 were identified. The accuracy and reliability of the RNA-Seq results were confirmed by qRT-PCR. The identified differentially expressed genes were significantly associated with 419 GO terms and 51 KEGG pathways, which suggested their participation in biological processes such as response to stress, immunoreaction, and fat metabolism. This study’s results provide a comprehensive overview of sheep heat stress-induced transcriptional expression patterns, laying a foundation for further analysis of the molecular mechanisms of sheep heat stress.

Cold exposure induces nuclear translocation of CRTC3 in brown adipose tissue

In mammals, cold stress activates the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, increases brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity, and induces thermogenesis to maintain body temperature. The cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3) plays important role in adipose development and energy metabolism. However, the effect of cold exposure on the intracellular localization of CRTC3 in BAT is unclear. Here, we report that cold-treated mice have higher expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in adipose tissues and lower body weights and fat masses. Notably, cold exposure results in the nuclear translocation of CRTC3 in BAT. Moreover, forskolin (FSK), the activator of PKA pathway, induces the nuclear translocation of CRTC3 in brown adipocytes. At the molecular level, cold exposure and FSK treatment decrease liver kinase B1 (Lkb1) expression in brown adipocytes, which is related to the nuclear localization of CRTC3. These results demonstrate that the localization of CRTC3 involves in regulating cold-induced upregulation of UCP1 in BAT and provide useful information for understanding the molecular regulation of BAT thermogenesis induced by a cold environment.