Monocarboxylate transporters in subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria

Acidosis attenuates CPT-I-supported bioenergetics as a potential mechanism limiting lipid oxidation

Fuel interactions in contracting muscle represent a complex interplay between enzymes regulating carbohydrate and fatty acid catabolism, converging in the mitochondrial matrix. While increasing exercise intensity promotes carbohydrate use at the expense of fatty acid oxidation, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain poorly elucidated. As a potential explanation, we investigated whether exercise-induced reductions in intramuscular pH (acidosis) attenuate carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I)-supported bioenergetics, the rate-limiting step for fatty acid oxidation within mitochondria. Specifically, we assessed the effect of a physiologically relevant reduction in pH (pH 7.2 versus 6.8) on single and mixed substrate respiratory responses in murine skeletal muscle isolated mitochondria and permeabilized fibers. While pH did not influence oxidative phosphorylation stoichiometry (ADP/O ratios), coupling efficiency, oxygen affinity, or ADP respiratory responses, acidosis impaired lipid bioenergetics by attenuating respiration with L-carnitine and palmitoyl-CoA, while enhancing the inhibitory effect of malonyl-CoA on CPT-I. These acidotic effects were largely retained following a single bout of intense exercise. At rest, pyruvate and succinate-supported respiration were also impaired by acidosis. However, providing more pyruvate and ADP at pH 6.8 to model increases in glycolytic flux and ATP turnover with intense exercise overcame the acidotic attenuation of carbohydrate-linked oxidative phosphorylation. Importantly, this situation is fundamentally different from lipids where CPT-I substrate sensitivity and availability is impaired at higher power outputs suggesting lipid metabolism may be more susceptible to the effects of acidosis, possibly contributing to fuel shifts with increasing exercise intensity.

GDF15 promotes weight loss by enhancing energy expenditure in muscle

Caloric restriction that promotes weight loss is an effective strategy for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and improving insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes1. Despite its effectiveness, in most individuals, weight loss is usually not maintained partly due to physiological adaptations that suppress energy expenditure, a process known as adaptive thermogenesis, the mechanistic underpinnings of which are unclear2,3. Treatment of rodents fed a high-fat diet with recombinant growth differentiating factor 15 (GDF15) reduces obesity and improves glycaemic control through glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor α-like (GFRAL)-dependent suppression of food intake4-7. Here we find that, in addition to suppressing appetite, GDF15 counteracts compensatory reductions in energy expenditure, eliciting greater weight loss and reductions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to caloric restriction alone. This effect of GDF15 to maintain energy expenditure during calorie restriction requires a GFRAL-β-adrenergic-dependent signalling axis that increases fatty acid oxidation and calcium futile cycling in the skeletal muscle of mice. These data indicate that therapeutic targeting of the GDF15-GFRAL pathway may be useful for maintaining energy expenditure in skeletal muscle during caloric restriction.

Effects of Endurance Training on Metabolic Enzyme Activity and Transporter Proteins in Skeletal Muscle of Ovariectomized Mice

PURPOSE

Estrogen deficiency or insufficiency can occur under several conditions, leading to negative health outcomes. To establish an effective countermeasure against estrogen loss, we investigated the effects of endurance training on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced metabolic disturbances.

METHODS

Female Institute of Cancer Research mice underwent OVX or sham operations. On day 7 of recovery, the mice were randomized to remain either sedentary or undergo 5 wk of treadmill running (15-20 m·min -1 , 60 min, 5 d·wk -1 ). During week 5 of the training, all animals performed a treadmill running test (15 m·min -1 , 60 min).

RESULTS

After the experimental period, OVX resulted in greater gains in body mass, fat mass, and triglyceride content in the gastrocnemius muscle. OVX enhanced phosphofructokinase activity in the plantaris muscle and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity in the plantaris and soleus muscles. OVX decreased the protein content of NDUFB8, a mitochondrial respiratory chain subunit, but did not decrease other mitochondrial proteins or enzyme activities. Endurance training significantly enhanced mitochondrial enzyme activity and protein content in the skeletal muscles. Although OVX increased the respiratory exchange ratio during the treadmill running test, and postexercise blood lactate levels, endurance training normalized these parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that endurance training is a viable strategy to counteract the negative metabolic consequences in hypoestrogenism.

Metabolism of phenolics in coffee and plant-based foods by canonical pathways: an assessment of the role of fatty acid β-oxidation to generate biologically-active and -inactive intermediates

ω-Phenyl-alkenoic acids are abundant in coffee, fruits, and vegetables. Along with ω-phenyl-alkanoic acids, they are produced from numerous dietary (poly)phenols and aromatic amino acids in vivo. This review addresses how phenyl-ring substitution and flux modulates their gut microbiota and endogenous β-oxidation. 3',5'-Dihydroxy-derivatives (from alkyl-resorcinols, flavanols, proanthocyanidins), and 4'-hydroxy-phenolic acids (from tyrosine, p-coumaric acid, naringenin) are β-oxidation substrates yielding benzoic acids. In contrast, 3',4',5'-tri-substituted-derivatives, 3',4'-dihydroxy-derivatives and 3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-derivatives (from coffee, tea, cereals, many fruits and vegetables) are poor β-oxidation substrates with metabolism diverted via gut microbiota dehydroxylation, phenylvalerolactone formation and phase-2 conjugation, possibly a strategy to conserve limited pools of coenzyme A. 4'-Methoxy-derivatives (citrus fruits) or 3',4'-dimethoxy-derivatives (coffee) are susceptible to hepatic "reverse" hydrogenation suggesting incompatibility with enoyl-CoA-hydratase. Gut microbiota-produced 3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxy-derivatives (citrus fruits) and 3'-hydroxy-derivatives (numerous (poly)phenols) are excreted as the phenyl-hydracrylic acid β-oxidation intermediate suggesting incompatibility with hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, albeit with considerable inter-individual variation. Further investigation is required to explain inter-individual variation, factors determining the amino acid to which C6-C3 and C6-C1 metabolites are conjugated, the precise role(s) of l-carnitine, whether glycine might be limiting, and whether phenolic acid-modulation of β-oxidation explains how phenolic acids affect key metabolic conditions, such as fatty liver, carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance.

Effects of endurance training on metabolic enzyme activity and transporter protein levels in the skeletal muscles of orchiectomized mice

This study investigated whether endurance training attenuates orchiectomy (ORX)-induced metabolic alterations. At 7 days of recovery after sham operation or ORX surgery, the mice were randomized to remain sedentary or undergo 5 weeks of treadmill running training (15-20 m/min, 60 min, 5 days/week). ORX decreased glycogen concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle, enhanced phosphofructokinase activity in the plantaris muscle, and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity in the plantaris and soleus muscles. Mitochondrial enzyme activities and protein content in the plantaris and soleus muscles were also decreased after ORX, but preserved, in part, by endurance training. In the treadmill running test (15 m/min, 60 min) after 4 weeks of training, orchiectomized sedentary mice showed impaired exercise performance, which was restored by endurance training. Thus, endurance training could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the hypoandrogenism-induced decline in muscle mitochondrial content and physical performance.

Effects of sildenafil citrate on peripheral fatigue and exercise performance after exhaustive swimming exercise in rats

Sildenafil citrate is a potent and selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type-5 used to treat erectile dysfunction. We investigated the effects of sildenafil citrate treatment on peripheral fatigue and exercise performance after exhaustive swimming exercise in rats. The rats in the sildenafil citrate-treated groups received sildenafil citrate orally once a day for 14 consecutive days at respective dosage. On the 14 days after starting experiment, each animal was submitted to swimming test with intensity equivalent to overload. The exhaustion was defined as a state in which coordinated movements did not return to the water surface for breathing within 10 sec. Western blot for monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)1, MCT4, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were performed. Exhaustive swimming exercise decreased time of exhaustion and increased lactate concentration, however, sildenafil citrate enhanced time of exhaustion and decreased lactate concentration. Exhaustive swimming exercise increased MCT1 and MCT4 expressions in the gastrocnemius muscles and sildenafil citrate further enhanced MCT1 and MCT4 expressions in the exhaustive swimming exercise rats. Exhaustive swimming exercise decreased nNOS expression in the gastrocnemius muscles and sildenafil citrate enhanced nNOS expression in the exhaustive swimming exercise rats. The most potent effect appeared in the 20-mg/kg sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil citrate might be proposed as a potential ergogenic aid through antiperipheral fatigue.

Neuroprotective effect of rLosac on supplement-deprived mouse cultured cortical neurons involves maintenance of monocarboxylate transporter MCT2 protein levels

The recombinant Lonomia obliqua Stuart-factor activator (rLosac) is a recombinant hemolin which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. It is capable of inducing pro-survival activity in serum-deprived human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts by increasing mitochondrial metabolism. We hypothesize that it could promote neuronal survival by acting on neuroenergetics. Our study reveals that treatment of primary mouse cortical neurons cultured in neurobasal medium lacking B27 supplement with rLosac led to an enhancement of cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In parallel, preserved or enhanced phosphorylation of Akt, p44, and p42 MAPK, as well as mTOR was observed following treatment with rLosac. During deprivation, as assessed by western blot and qRT-PCR, protein and mRNA expression of MCT2 (the predominant neuronal monocarboxylate transporter allowing lactate use as an alternative energy substrate) decreased significantly in B27 supplement-deprived cortical neurons and was hardly detected after 24 h of deprivation. Interestingly, rLosac maintained MCT2 protein expression after 24 h of deprivation including at the cell surface without preventing mRNA loss. MCT2 knockdown reduced rLosac-enhanced cell viability, confirming its involvement in rLosac effect. Enhanced uptake of lactate was detected following rLosac treatment and might contribute to rLosac-enhanced viability during deprivation. In the presence of both lactate and rLosac, cell viability was higher than in the presence of lactate alone. Our observations suggest that rLosac promotes cell viability in stressed (B27 supplement-deprived) neurons by facilitating the use of lactate as energy substrate via the preservation of MCT2 protein expression. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

Subcellular drug distribution: mechanisms and roles in drug efficacy, toxicity, resistance, and targeted delivery

After administration, drug molecules usually enter target cells to access their intracellular targets. In eukaryotic cells, these targets are often located in organelles, including the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, Golgi apparatus, and peroxisomes. Each organelle type possesses unique biological features. For example, mitochondria possess a negative transmembrane potential, while lysosomes have an intraluminal delta pH. Other properties are common to several organelle types, such as the presence of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) or solute carrier-type (SLC) transporters that sequester or pump out xenobiotic drugs. Studies on subcellular drug distribution are critical to understand the efficacy and toxicity of drugs along with the body's resistance to them and to potentially offer hints for targeted subcellular drug delivery. This review summarizes the results of studies from 1990 to 2017 that examined the subcellular distribution of small molecular drugs. We hope this review will aid in the understanding of drug distribution within cells.

Utilization of lactic acid in human myotubes and interplay with glucose and fatty acid metabolism

Once assumed only to be a waste product of anaerobe glycolytic activity, lactate is now recognized as an energy source in skeletal muscles. While lactate metabolism has been extensively studied in vivo, underlying cellular processes are poorly described. This study aimed to examine lactate metabolism in cultured human myotubes and to investigate effects of lactate exposure on metabolism of oleic acid and glucose. Lactic acid, fatty acid and glucose metabolism were studied in myotubes using [¹⁴C(U)]lactic acid, [¹⁴C]oleic acid and [¹⁴C(U)]glucose, respectively. Myotubes expressed both the MCT1, MCT2, MCT3 and MCT4 lactate transporters, and lactic acid was found to be a substrate for both glycogen synthesis and lipid storage. Pyruvate and palmitic acid inhibited lactic acid oxidation, whilst glucose and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid inhibited lactic acid uptake. Acute addition of lactic acid inhibited glucose and oleic acid oxidation, whereas oleic acid uptake was increased. Pretreatment with lactic acid for 24 h did not affect glucose or oleic acid metabolism. By replacing glucose with lactic acid during the whole culturing period, glucose uptake and oxidation were increased by 2.8-fold and 3-fold, respectively, and oleic acid oxidation was increased 1.4-fold. Thus, lactic acid has an important role in energy metabolism of human myotubes.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) can influence the energetic phenotype of breast cancer cells, but does not impact their proliferation and the response to chemotherapy or radiation

Background

Ketogenic diets (KDs) or short-term fasting are popular trends amongst supportive approaches for cancer patients. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) is the main physiological ketone body, whose concentration can reach plasma levels of 2–6 mM during KDs or fasting. The impact of 3-OHB on the biology of tumor cells described so far is contradictory. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a physiological concentration of 3 mM 3-OHB on metabolism, proliferation, and viability of breast cancer (BC) cells in vitro.

Methods

Seven different human BC cell lines (BT20, BT474, HBL100, MCF-7, MDA-MB 231, MDA-MB 468, and T47D) were cultured in medium with 5 mM glucose in the presence of 3 mM 3-OHB at mild hypoxia (5% oxygen) or normoxia (21% oxygen). Metabolic profiling was performed by quantification of the turnover of glucose, lactate, and 3-OHB and by Seahorse metabolic flux analysis. Expression of key enzymes of ketolysis as well as the main monocarboxylic acid transporter MCT2 and the glucose-transporter GLUT1 was analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The effect of 3-OHB on short- and long-term cell proliferation as well as chemo- and radiosensitivity were also analyzed.

Results

3-OHB significantly changed the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in BT20 cells resulting in a more oxidative energetic phenotype. MCF-7 and MDA-MB 468 cells had increased ECAR only in response to 3-OHB, while the other three cell types remained uninfluenced. All cells expressed MCT2 and GLUT1, thus being able to uptake the metabolites. The consumption of 3-OHB was not strongly linked to mRNA overexpression of key enzymes of ketolysis and did not correlate with lactate production and glucose consumption. Neither 3-OHB nor acetoacetate did interfere with proliferation. Further, 3-OHB incubation did not modify the response of the tested BC cell lines to chemotherapy or radiation.

Conclusions

We found that a physiological level of 3-OHB can change the energetic profile of some BC cell lines. However, 3-OHB failed to influence different biologic processes in these cells, e.g., cell proliferation and the response to common breast cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, we have no evidence that 3-OHB generally influences the biology of breast cancer cells in vitro.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40170-018-0180-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chronic activation of AMP-activated protein kinase increases monocarboxylate transporter 2 and 4 expression in skeletal muscle

Acute activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) increases monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) expression in skeletal muscle. However, the impact of chronic activation of AMPK on MCT expression in skeletal muscle is unknown. To investigate, MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4 mRNA expression and protein abundance were measured in the longissimus lumborum (glycolytic), masseter (oxidative), and heart from wild-type (control) and AMPK γ3 pigs. The AMPK γ3 gain in function mutation results in AMPK being constitutively active in glycolytic skeletal muscle and increases energy producing pathways. The MCT1 and MCT2 mRNA expression in muscle was lower ( < 0.05) from both wild-type and AMPK γ3 animals compared to other tissues. However, in both genotypes, MCT1 and MCT2 mRNA expression was greater ( < 0.05) in the masseter than the longissimus lumborum. The MCT1 protein was not detected in skeletal muscle, but MCT2 was greater ( < 0.05) in muscles with an oxidative muscle phenotype. Monocarboxylate transporter 2 was also detected in muscle mitochondria and may explain the differences between muscles. The MCT4 mRNA expression was intermediate among all tissues tested and greater ( < 0.05) in the longissimus lumborum than the masseter. Furthermore, MCT4 protein expression in the longissimus lumborum from AMPK γ3 animals was greater ( < 0.05) than in the longissimus lumborum from wild-type animals. In totality, these data indicate that chronic AMPK activation simultaneously increases MCT2 and MCT4 expression in skeletal muscle.

Adipocytes promote malignant growth of breast tumours with monocarboxylate transporter 2 expression via β-hydroxybutyrate

Adipocytes are the most abundant stromal partners in breast tissue. However, the crosstalk between breast cancer cells and adipocytes has been given less attention compared to cancer-associated fibroblasts. Here we find, through systematic screening, that primary mammary gland-derived adipocytes (MGDAs) promote growth of breast cancer cells that express monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) both in vitro and in vivo. We show that β-hydroxybutyrate is secreted by MGDAs and is required to enhance breast cancer cells malignancy in vitro. Consistently, β-hydroxybutyrate is sufficient to promote tumorigenesis of a mouse xenograft model of MCT2-expressing breast cancer cells. Mechanistically we observe that upon co-culturing with MGDAs or treatment with β-hydroxybutyrate, breast cancer cells expressing MCT2 increase the global histone H3K9 acetylation and upregulate several tumour-promoting genes. These results suggest that adipocytes promote malignancy of MCT2-expressing breast cancer via β-hydroxybutyrate potentially by inducing the epigenetic upregulation of tumour-promoting genes.

Invasion of the adipose tissue correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Here, the authors show that mammary gland adipocytes promote malignancy via β-hydroxybutyrate, which acts on cancer cells through the monocarboxylate transporter MCT2 resulting in tumour-promoting epigenetic modifications.

Activation of AMPKα2 Is Not Required for Mitochondrial FAT/CD36 Accumulation during Exercise

Exercise has been shown to induce the translocation of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), a fatty acid transport protein, to both plasma and mitochondrial membranes. While previous studies have examined signals involved in the induction of FAT/CD36 translocation to sarcolemmal membranes, to date the signaling events responsible for FAT/CD36 accumulation on mitochondrial membranes have not been investigated. In the current study muscle contraction rapidly increased FAT/CD36 on plasma membranes (7.5 minutes), while in contrast, FAT/CD36 only increased on mitochondrial membranes after 22.5 minutes of muscle contraction, a response that was exercise-intensity dependent. Considering that previous research has shown that AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2 is not required for FAT/CD36 translocation to the plasma membrane, we investigated whether AMPK α2 signaling is necessary for mitochondrial FAT/CD36 accumulation. Administration of 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) induced AMPK phosphorylation, and resulted in FAT/CD36 accumulation on SS mitochondria, suggesting AMPK signaling may mediate this response. However, SS mitochondrial FAT/CD36 increased following acute treadmill running in both wild-type (WT) and AMPKα 2 kinase dead (KD) mice. These data suggest that AMPK signaling is not required for SS mitochondrial FAT/CD36 accumulation. The current data also implicates alternative signaling pathways that are exercise-intensity dependent, as IMF mitochondrial FAT/CD36 content only occurred at a higher power output. Taken altogether the current data suggests that activation of AMPK signaling is sufficient but not required for exercise-induced accumulation in mitochondrial FAT/CD36.

Localization of MCT2 at peroxisomes is associated with malignant transformation in prostate cancer

Previous studies on monocarboxylate transporters expression in prostate cancer (PCa) have shown that monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) was clearly overexpressed in prostate malignant glands, pointing it out as a putative biomarker for PCa. However, its localization and possible role in PCa cells remained unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that MCT2 localizes mainly at peroxisomes in PCa cells and is able to take advantage of the peroxisomal transport machinery by interacting with Pex19. We have also shown an increase in MCT2 expression from non-malignant to malignant cells that was directly correlated with its peroxisomal localization. Upon analysis of the expression of several peroxisomal β-oxidation proteins in PIN lesions and PCa cells from a large variety of human prostate samples, we suggest that MCT2 presence at peroxisomes is related to an increase in β -oxidation levels which may be crucial for malignant transformation. Our results present novel evidence that may not only contribute to the study of PCa development mechanisms but also pinpoint novel targets for cancer therapy.

CD147 and MCT1-potential partners in bladder cancer aggressiveness and cisplatin resistance

The relapsing and progressive nature of bladder tumors, and the heterogeneity in the response to cisplatin-containing regimens, are the major concerns in the care of urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) patients. The metabolic adaptations that alter the tumor microenvironment and thus contribute to chemoresistance have been poorly explored in UBC setting. We found significant associations between the immunoexpressions of the microenvironment-related molecules CD147, monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) 1 and 4, CD44 and CAIX in tumor tissue sections from 114 UBC patients. The presence of MCT1 and/or MCT4 expressions was significantly associated with unfavorable clinicopathological parameters. The incidence of CD147 positive staining significantly increased with advancing stage, grade and type of lesion, and occurrence of lymphovascular invasion. Similar associations were observed when considering the concurrent expression of CD147 and MCT1. This expression profile lowered significantly the 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates. Moreover, when selecting patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy, the prognosis was significantly worse for those with MCT1 and CD147 positive tumors. CD147 specific silencing by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in UBC cells was accompanied by a decrease in MCT1 and MCT4 expressions and, importantly, an increase in chemosensitivity to cisplatin. Our results provide novel insights for the involvement of CD147 and MCTs in bladder cancer progression and resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. We consider that the possible cooperative role of CD147 and MCT1 in determining cisplatin resistance should be further explored as a potential theranostics biomarker.

Substrate-specific changes in mitochondrial respiration in skeletal and cardiac muscle of hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrels

During torpor, the metabolic rate (MR) of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) is considerably lower relative to euthermia, resulting in part from temperature-independent mitochondrial metabolic suppression in liver and skeletal muscle, which together account for ~40% of basal MR. Although heart accounts for very little (<0.5%) of basal MR, in the present study, we showed that respiration rates were decreased up to 60% during torpor in both subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IM) mitochondria from cardiac muscle. We further demonstrated pronounced seasonal (summer vs. winter [i.e., interbout] euthermia) changes in respiration rates in both mitochondrial subpopulations in this tissue, consistent with a shift in fuel use away from carbohydrates and proteins and towards fatty acids and ketones. By contrast, these seasonal changes in respiration rates were not observed in either SS or IM mitochondria isolated from hind limb skeletal muscle. Both populations of skeletal muscle mitochondria, however, did exhibit metabolic suppression during torpor, and this suppression was 2- to 3-fold greater in IM mitochondria, which provide ATP for Ca(2+)- and myosin ATPases, the activities of which are likely quite low in skeletal muscle during torpor because animals are immobile. Finally, these changes in mitochondrial respiration rates were still evident when standardized to citrate synthase activity rather than to total mitochondrial protein.

Effect of AMPK activation on monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)1 and MCT4 in denervated muscle

It is now evident that exercise training leads to increases in monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)1 and MCT4, but little is known about the mechanisms of coupling muscle contraction with these changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) induced activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on MCT1, MCT4, and GLUT4 in denervated muscle. Protein levels of MCT4 and GLUT4 after 10 days of denervation were significantly decreased in mice gastrocnemius muscle, while MCT1 protein levels were not altered. AICAR treatment for 10 days significantly increased MCT4, and GLUT4 protein levels in innervated muscle as shown in previous studies. We found that the MCT1 protein level was also increased in AICAR treated innervated muscle. AICAR treatment prevented the decline in MCT4 and GLUT4 protein levels in denervated muscle. Thus, the current study suggests that MCT1 and MCT4 protein expression in muscles, as well as GLUT4, may be regulated by AMPK-mediated signal pathways, and AMPK activation can prevent denervation-induced decline in MCT4 protein.

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in gliomas: expression and exploitation as therapeutic targets

BACKGROUND

Gliomas exhibit high glycolytic rates, and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) play a major role in the maintenance of the glycolytic metabolism through the proton-linked transmembrane transport of lactate. However, their role in gliomas is poorly studied. Thus, we aimed to characterize the expression of MCT1, MCT4, and their chaperone CD147 and to assess the therapeutic impact of MCT inhibition in gliomas.

METHODS

MCTs and CD147 expressions were characterized by immunohistochemistry in nonneoplastic brain and glioma samples. The effect of CHC (MCT inhibitor) and MCT1 silencing was assessed in in vitro and in vivo glioblastoma models.

RESULTS

MCT1, MCT4, and CD147 were overexpressed in the plasma membrane of glioblastomas, compared with diffuse astrocytomas and nonneoplastic brain. CHC decreased glycolytic metabolism, migration, and invasion and induced cell death in U251 cells (more glycolytic) but only affected proliferation in SW1088 (more oxidative). The effectiveness of CHC in glioma cells appears to be dependent on MCT membrane expression. MCT1 downregulation showed similar effects on different glioma cells, supporting CHC as an MCT1 inhibitor. There was a synergistic effect when combining CHC with temozolomide treatment in U251 cells. In the CAM in vivo model, CHC decreased the size of tumors and the number of blood vessels formed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the most comprehensive study reporting the expression of MCTs and CD147 in gliomas. The MCT1 inhibitor CHC exhibited anti-tumoral and anti-angiogenic activity in gliomas and, of importance, enhanced the effect of temozolomide. Thus, our results suggest that development of therapeutic approaches targeting MCT1 may be a promising strategy in glioblastoma treatment.

Intracellular shuttle: the lactate aerobic metabolism

Lactate is a highly dynamic metabolite that can be used as a fuel by several cells of the human body, particularly during physical exercise. Traditionally, it has been believed that the first step of lactate oxidation occurs in cytosol; however, this idea was recently challenged. A new hypothesis has been presented based on the fact that lactate-to-pyruvate conversion cannot occur in cytosol, because the LDH enzyme characteristics and cytosolic environment do not allow the reaction in this way. Instead, the Intracellular Lactate Shuttle hypothesis states that lactate first enters in mitochondria and only then is metabolized. In several tissues of the human body this idea is well accepted but is quite resistant in skeletal muscle. In this paper, we will present not only the studies which are protagonists in this discussion, but the potential mechanism by which this oxidation occurs and also a link between lactate and mitochondrial proliferation. This new perspective brings some implications and comes to change our understanding of the interaction between the energy systems, because the product of one serves as a substrate for the other.

Unsaturation of mitochondrial membrane lipids is related to palmitate oxidation in subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria

Membrane lipid composition is thought to influence the function of integral membrane proteins; however, the potential for lipid composition to influence overall mitochondrial long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) oxidation is currently unknown. Therefore, the naturally occurring variability of LCFA oxidation rates within subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria in muscles with varying oxidative potentials (heart → red → white) was utilized to examine this relationship. To this end, SS and IMF mitochondria were isolated and palmitate oxidation rates were compared to membrane phospholipid composition. Among tissues, rates of palmitate oxidation in mitochondria displayed a 2.5-fold range, creating the required range to determine potential relationships with membrane lipid composition. In general, the percent mole fraction of phospholipid head groups and major fatty acid subclasses were similar in all mitochondria studied. However, rates of palmitate oxidation were positively correlated with both the unsaturation index and relative abundance of cardiolipin within mitochondria (r = 0.57 and 0.49, respectively; p < 0.05). Thus, these results suggest that mitochondrial LCFA oxidation may be significantly influenced by the total unsaturation and percent mole fraction of cardiolipin of the mitochondrial membrane, whereas other indices of membrane structure (e.g., percent mole fraction of other predominant membrane phospholipids, chain length, and ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine) were not significantly correlated.

Clenbuterol, a β2-adrenergic agonist, reciprocally alters PGC-1 alpha and RIP140 and reduces fatty acid and pyruvate oxidation in rat skeletal muscle

Clenbuterol, a β2-adrenergic agonist, reduces mitochondrial content and enzyme activities in skeletal muscle, but the mechanism involved has yet to be identified. We examined whether clenbuterol-induced changes in the muscles' metabolic profile and the intrinsic capacity of mitochondria to oxidize substrates are associated with reductions in the nuclear receptor coactivator PGC-1 alpha and/or an increase in the nuclear corepressor RIP140. In rats, clenbuterol was provided in the drinking water (30 mg/l). In 3 wk, this increased body (8%) and muscle weights (12–17%). In red (R) and white (W) muscles, clenbuterol induced reductions in mitochondrial content (citrate synthase: R, 27%; W, 52%; cytochrome- c oxidase: R, 24%; W, 34%), proteins involved in fatty acid transport (fatty acid translocase/CD36: R, 36%; W, 35%) and oxidation [β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (β-HAD): R, 33%; W, 62%], glucose transport (GLUT4: R, 8%; W, 13%), lactate transport monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1: R, 61%; W, 37%), and pyruvate oxidation (PDHE1α, R, 18%; W, 12%). Concurrently, only red muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity (25%) and MCT4 (31%) were increased. Palmitate oxidation was reduced in subsarcolemmal (SS) (R, 30%; W, 52%) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria (R, 17%; W, 44%) along with reductions in β-HAD activity (SS: R, 17%; W, 51%; IMF: R, 20%; W, 57%). Pyruvate oxidation was only reduced in SS mitochondria (R, 20%; W, 28%), but this was not attributable solely to PDHE1α, which was reduced in both SS (R, 21%; W, 20%) and IMF mitochondria (R, 15%; W, 43%). These extensive metabolic changes induced by clenbuterol were associated with reductions in PGC-1α (R, 37%; W, 32%) and increases in RIP140 (R, 23%; W, 21%). This is the first evidence that clenbuterol appears to exert its metabolic effects via simultaneous and reciprocal changes in the nuclear receptor coactivator PGC-1α and the nuclear corepressor RIP140.

Effects of acute and chronic exercise on sarcolemmal MCT1 and MCT4 contents in human skeletal muscles: current status

Two lactate/proton cotransporter isoforms (monocarboxylate transporters, MCT1 and MCT4) are present in the plasma (sarcolemmal) membranes of skeletal muscle. Both isoforms are symports and are involved in both muscle pH and lactate regulation. Accordingly, sarcolemmal MCT isoform expression may play an important role in exercise performance. Acute exercise alters human MCT content, within the first 24 h from the onset of exercise. The regulation of MCT protein expression is complex after acute exercise, since there is not a simple concordance between changes in mRNA abundance and protein levels. In general, exercise produces greater increases in MCT1 than in MCT4 content. Chronic exercise also affects MCT1 and MCT4 content, regardless of the initial fitness of subjects. On the basis of cross-sectional studies, intensity would appear to be the most important factor regulating exercise-induced changes in MCT content. Regulation of skeletal muscle MCT1 and MCT4 content by a variety of stimuli inducing an elevation of lactate level (exercise, hypoxia, nutrition, metabolic perturbations) has been demonstrated. Dissociation between the regulation of MCT content and lactate transport activity has been reported in a number of studies, and changes in MCT content are more common in response to contractile activity, whereas changes in lactate transport capacity typically occur in response to changes in metabolic pathways. Muscle MCT expression is involved in, but is not the sole determinant of, muscle H(+) and lactate anion exchange during physical activity.

Effect of training and detraining on monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 in Thoroughbred horses

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of training and detraining on the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 levels in the gluteus medius muscle of Thoroughbred horses. Twelve Thoroughbred horses were used for the analysis. For 18 weeks, all the horses underwent high-intensity training (HIT), with running at 90-110% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max ) for 3 min, 5 days week(-1). Thereafter, the horses either underwent detraining for 6 weeks by either 3 min of moderate-intensity training (MIT) at 70% VO2 max, 5 days week(-1) (HIT-MIT group) or stall rest (HIT-SR group). The horses underwent an incremental exercise test, VO2 max was measured and resting muscle samples were obtained from the middle gluteus muscle at 0, 18 and 24 weeks. The content of MCT1 and MCT4 proteins increased after 18 weeks of HIT. At the end of this period, an increase was noted in the citrate synthase activity, while phosphofructokinase activity remained unchanged. After 6 weeks of detraining, all these indexes returned to the pretraining levels in the HIT-SR group. However, in the HIT-MIT group, the increase in the MCT1 protein content and citrate synthase activity was maintained after 6 weeks of MIT, while the MCT4 protein content decreased to the pretraining value. These results suggest that the content of MCT1 and MCT4 proteins increases after HIT in Thoroughbred horses. In addition, the increase in the MCT1 protein content and oxidative capacity induced by HIT can be maintained by MIT of 70% VO2 max, but the increase in the MCT4 protein content cannot be maintained by MIT.

Expression of monocarboxylate transporters 1, 2, and 4 in human tumours and their association with CD147 and CD44

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are important cellular pH regulators in cancer cells; however, the value of MCT expression in cancer is still poorly understood. In the present study, we analysed MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4 protein expression in breast, colon, lung, and ovary neoplasms, as well as CD147 and CD44. MCT expression frequency was high and heterogeneous among the different tumours. Comparing with normal tissues, there was an increase in MCT1 and MCT4 expressions in breast carcinoma and a decrease in MCT4 plasma membrane expression in lung cancer. There were associations between CD147 and MCT1 expressions in ovarian cancer as well as between CD147 and MCT4 in both breast and lung cancers. CD44 was only associated with MCT1 plasma membrane expression in lung cancer. An important number of MCT1 positive cases are negative for both chaperones, suggesting that MCT plasma membrane expression in tumours may depend on a yet nonidentified regulatory protein.

Membrane Fatty Acid Transporters as Regulators of Lipid Metabolism: Implications for Metabolic Disease

Long-chain fatty acids and lipids serve a wide variety of functions in mammalian homeostasis, particularly in the formation and dynamic properties of biological membranes and as fuels for energy production in tissues such as heart and skeletal muscle. On the other hand, long-chain fatty acid metabolites may exert toxic effects on cellular functions and cause cell injury. Therefore, fatty acid uptake into the cell and intracellular handling need to be carefully controlled. In the last few years, our knowledge of the regulation of cellular fatty acid uptake has dramatically increased. Notably, fatty acid uptake was found to occur by a mechanism that resembles that of cellular glucose uptake. Thus, following an acute stimulus, particularly insulin or muscle contraction, specific fatty acid transporters translocate from intracellular stores to the plasma membrane to facilitate fatty acid uptake, just as these same stimuli recruit glucose transporters to increase glucose uptake. This regulatory mechanism is important to clear lipids from the circulation postprandially and to rapidly facilitate substrate provision when the metabolic demands of heart and muscle are increased by contractile activity. Studies in both humans and animal models have implicated fatty acid transporters in the pathogenesis of diseases such as the progression of obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. As a result, membrane fatty acid transporters are now being regarded as a promising therapeutic target to redirect lipid fluxes in the body in an organ-specific fashion.

Lactate distribution in culture medium of human myometrial biopsies incubated under different conditions

It is generally believed that a relationship exists between muscle fatigue and intracellular accumulation of lactate. This reasoning is relevant to obstetrical issues. Myocytes in uterus work together during labor, and the contractions need to be strong and synchronized for a child to be delivered. At labor dystocia, the progress of labor becomes slow or arrested after a normal beginning. It has been described that, during labor dystocia, when the force of the contractions is low, the uterus is under hypoxia, and anaerobic conditions with high levels of lactate in amniotic fluid dominate. The purpose of this study was to examine whether myometrial cells are involved in the production of lactate in amniotic fluid and whether there are differences in production and distribution of lactate in cells incubated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. We also wanted to elucidate the involvement of specific membrane-bound lactate carriers. Women undergoing elective caesarean section were included. Myometrial biopsies from uteri were collected and subjected to either immunohistochemistry to identify lactate carriers or in vitro experiments to analyze production of lactate. The presence of lactate carriers named monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 was verified. Myometrial cells produced lactate extracellularly, and the lactate carriers operated differently under anaerobic and aerobic conditions; while being mainly unidirectional under anaerobic conditions, they became bidirectional under aerobic conditions. Human myometrial cells produced and delivered lactate to the extracellular medium under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The delivery was mediated by lactate carriers.

Skeletal muscle monocarboxylate transporter content is not different between black and white runners

The superior performance of black African runners has been associated with lower plasma lactate concentrations at sub-maximal intensities compared to white runners. The aim was to investigate the monocarboxylate transporters 1 (MCT1) and MCT4 content in skeletal muscle of black and white runners. Although black runners exhibited lower plasma lactate concentrations after maximum exercise (8.8 +/- 2.0 vs. 12.3 +/- 2.7 mmol l(-1), P < 0.05) and a tendency to be lower at 16 km h(-1) (2.4 +/- 0.7 vs. 3.8 +/- 2.4 mmol l(-1), P = 0.07) than the white runners, there were no differences in MCT1 or MCT4 levels between the two groups. For black and white runners together, MCT4 content correlated significantly with 10 km personal best time (r = -0.74, P < 0.01) and peak treadmill speed (r = 0.88, P < 0.001), but MCT1 content did not. Although whole homogenate MCT content was not different between the groups, more research is required to explain the lower plasma lactate concentrations in black runners.

PGC-1alpha increases skeletal muscle lactate uptake by increasing the expression of MCT1 but not MCT2 or MCT4

We examined the relationship between PGC-1alpha protein; the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1, 2, and 4; and CD147 1) among six metabolically heterogeneous rat muscles, 2) in chronically stimulated red (RTA) and white tibialis (WTA) muscles (7 days), and 3) in RTA and WTA muscles transfected with PGC-1alpha-pcDNA plasmid in vivo. Among rat hindlimb muscles, there was a strong positive association between PGC-1alpha and MCT1 and CD147, and between MCT1 and CD147. A negative association was found between PGC-1alpha and MCT4, and CD147 and MCT4, while there was no relationship between PGC-1alpha or CD147 and MCT2. Transfecting PGC-1alpha-pcDNA plasmid into muscle increased PGC-1alpha protein (RTA +23%; WTA +25%) and induced the expression of MCT1 (RTA +16%; WTA +28%), but not MCT2 and MCT4. As a result of the PGC-1alpha-induced upregulation of MCT1 and its chaperone CD147 (+29%), there was a concomitant increase in the rate of lactate uptake (+20%). In chronically stimulated muscles, the following proteins were upregulated, PGC-1alpha in RTA (+26%) and WTA (+86%), MCT1 in RTA (+61%) and WTA (+180%), and CD147 in WTA (+106%). In contrast, MCT4 protein expression was not altered in either RTA or WTA muscles, while MCT2 protein expression was reduced in both RTA (-14%) and WTA (-10%). In these studies, whether comparing oxidative capacities among muscles or increasing their oxidative capacities by PGC-1alpha transfection and chronic muscle stimulation, there was a strong relationship between the expression of PGC-1alpha and MCT1, and PGC-1alpha and CD147 proteins. Thus, MCT1 and CD147 belong to the family of metabolic genes whose expression is regulated by PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscle.

Rosiglitazone increases fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) but not carnitine palmitoyltransferase I in rat muscle mitochondria

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) alter the expression of genes involved in regulating lipid metabolism. Rosiglitazone, a PPARgamma agonist, induces tissue-specific effects on lipid metabolism; however, its mode of action in skeletal muscle remains unclear. Since fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) was recently identified as a possible regulator of skeletal muscle fatty acid transport and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, we examined in this tissue the effects of rosiglitazone infusion (7 days, 1 mg day(-1)) on FAT/CD36 mRNA and protein, its plasmalemmal content and fatty acid transport. In addition, in isolated subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria we examined rates of fatty acid oxidation, FAT/CD36 and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPTI) protein, and CPTI and beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (beta-HAD) activities. Rosiglitazone did not alter FAT/CD36 mRNA or protein expression, FAT/CD36 plasmalemmal content, or the rate of fatty acid transport into muscle (P > 0.05). In contrast, rosiglitazone increased the rates of fatty acid oxidation in both SS (+21%) and IMF mitochondria (+36%). This was accompanied by concomitant increases in FAT/CD36 in subsarcolemmal (SS) (+43%) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria (+46%), while SS and IMF CPTI protein content, and CPTI submaximal and maximal activities (P > 0.05) were not altered. Similarly, citrate synthase (CS) and beta-HAD activities were also not altered by rosiglitazone in SS and IMF mitochondria (P > 0.05). These studies provide another example whereby changes in mitochondrial fatty oxidation are associated with concomitant changes in mitochondrial FAT/CD36 independent of any changes in CPTI. Moreover, these studies identify for the first time a mechanism by which rosiglitazone stimulates fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle, namely the chronic, subcellular relocation of FAT/CD36 to mitochondria.

Modest PGC-1alpha overexpression in muscle in vivo is sufficient to increase insulin sensitivity and palmitate oxidation in subsarcolemmal, not intermyofibrillar, mitochondria

PGC-1alpha overexpression in skeletal muscle, in vivo, has yielded disappointing and unexpected effects, including disrupted cellular integrity and insulin resistance. These unanticipated results may stem from an excessive PGC-1alpha overexpression in transgenic animals. Therefore, we examined the effects of a modest PGC-1alpha overexpression in a single rat muscle, in vivo, on fuel-handling proteins and insulin sensitivity. We also examined whether modest PGC-1alpha overexpression selectively targeted subsarcolemmal (SS) mitochondrial proteins and fatty acid oxidation, because SS mitochondria are metabolically more plastic than intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria. Among metabolically heterogeneous rat hindlimb muscles, PGC-1alpha was highly correlated with their oxidative fiber content and with substrate transport proteins (GLUT4, FABPpm, and FAT/CD36) and mitochondrial proteins (COXIV and mTFA) but not with insulin-signaling proteins (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, IRS-1, and Akt2), nor with 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase, alpha2 subunit, and HSL. Transfection of PGC-1alpha into the red (RTA) and white tibialis anterior (WTA) compartments of the tibialis anterior muscle increased PGC-1alpha protein by 23-25%. This also induced the up-regulation of transport proteins (FAT/CD36, 35-195%; GLUT4, 20-32%) and 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase, alpha2 subunit (37-48%), but not other proteins (FABPpm, IRS-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt2, and HSL). SS and IMF mitochondrial proteins were also up-regulated, including COXIV (15-75%), FAT/CD36 (17-30%), and mTFA (15-85%). PGC-1alpha overexpression also increased palmitate oxidation in SS (RTA, +116%; WTA, +40%) but not in IMF mitochondria, and increased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT2 (28-43%) and rates of glucose transport (RTA, +20%; WTA, +38%). Thus, in skeletal muscle in vivo, a modest PGC-1alpha overexpression up-regulated selected plasmalemmal and mitochondrial fuel-handling proteins, increased SS (not IMF) mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and improved insulin sensitivity.

Alternative promoter usage and alternative splicing contribute to mRNA heterogeneity of mouse monocarboxylate transporter 2

Expression patterns of monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) display mRNA diversity in a tissue-specific fashion. We cloned and characterized multiple mct2 5'-cDNA ends from the mouse and determined the structural organization of the mct2 gene. We found that transcription of this gene was initiated from five independent genomic regions that spanned >80 kb on chromosome 10, resulting in five unique exon 1 variants (exons 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e) that were then spliced to the common exon 2. Alternative splicing of four internal exons (exons AS1, AS2, AS3, and exon 3) greatly increased the complexity of mRNA diversity. While exon 1c was relatively commonly used for transcription initiation in various tissues, other exon 1 variants were used in a tissue-specific fashion, especially exons 1b and 1d that were used exclusively for testis-specific expression. Sequence analysis of 5'-flanking regions upstream of exons 1a, 1b, and 1c revealed the presence of numerous potential binding sites for ubiquitous transcription factors in all three regions and for transcription factors implicated in testis-specific or hypoxia-induced gene expression in the 1b region. Transient transfection assays demonstrated that each of the three regions contained a functional promoter and that the in vitro, cell type-specific activities of these promoters were consistent with the tissue-specific expression pattern of the mct2 gene in vivo. These results indicate that tissue-specific expression of the mct2 gene is controlled by multiple alternative promoters and that both alternative promoter usage and alternative splicing contribute to the remarkable mRNA diversity of the gene.

Negligible direct lactate oxidation in subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria obtained from red and white rat skeletal muscle

We examined the controversial notion of whether lactate is directly oxidized by subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria obtained from red and white rat skeletal muscle. Respiratory control ratios were normal in SS and IMF mitochondria. At all concentrations (0.18-10 mm), and in all mitochondria, pyruvate oxidation greatly exceeded lactate oxidation, by 31- to 186-fold. Pyruvate and lactate oxidation were inhibited by alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, while lactate oxidation was inhibited by oxamate. Excess pyruvate (10 mm) inhibited the oxidation of palmitate (1.8 mm) as well as lactate (1.8 mm). In contrast, excess lactate (10 mm) failed to inhibit the oxidation of either palmitate (1.8 mm) or pyruvate (1.8 mm). The cell-permeant adenosine analogue, AICAR, increased pyruvate oxidation; in contrast, lactate oxidation was not altered. The monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and 4 were present on SS mitochondria, but not on IMF mitochondria, whereas, MCT2, a high-affinity pyruvate transporter, was present in both SS and IMF mitochondria. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity associated with SS and IMF mitochondria was 200- to 240-fold lower than in whole muscle. Addition of LDH increased the rate of lactate oxidation, but not pyruvate oxidation, in a dose-dependent manner, such that lactate oxidation approached the rates of pyruvate oxidation. Collectively, these studies indicate that direct mitochondrial oxidation of lactate (i.e. an intracellular lactate shuttle) does not occur within the matrix in either IMF or SS mitochondria obtained from red or white rat skeletal muscle, because of the very limited quantity of LDH within mitochondria.

Expression, cellular localization, and functional role of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants

This is the first study to determine the precise cellular localization of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), along with its co-existence with its chaperone, CD147 in the ruminant gastrointestinal tract. Quantitative Western blot analysis demonstrated that the abundance of MCT4 protein was in the order of forestomach > large intestine > abomasum >or= small intestine. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence confocal laser microscopy showed that MCT4 in the forestomach was confined to the cell membranes of strata corneum and granulosum, while diffuse cytoplasmic staining for MCT4 was visualized in strata spinosum and basale. In the epithelium cells lining the abomasum, MCT4 immunoreactive positivities were predominantly localized on the basolateral membranes. In the small intestine, MCT4 was localized at the brush borders and the basolateral membranes of the epithelial cells lining the villi, however it was mostly found on the apical membranes of the crypt cells. In the large intestine, the immunoreactivity for MCT4 differed between the surface epithelium and the crypts; in the surface epithelium, MCT4 was mainly localized at the apical membranes, whereas in the crypts it was predominantly expressed on the basolateral membranes of the lining epithelial cells. MCT4 was remarkably co-existed with CD147 along the bovine gastrointestinal tract. Our results suggest that MCT4 can play an important role in the transport of SCFA. The study also explored the potential functional collaboration between MCT1 and MCT4 and provided new insights into the mechanisms that mediate the transport of SCFA and other monocarboxylates in the different segments of the ruminant gastrointestinal tract.

Testosterone increases lactate transport, monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 in rat skeletal muscle

We have examined the effects of administration of testosterone for 7 days on monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 mRNAs and proteins in seven metabolically heterogeneous rat hindlimb muscles and in the heart. In addition, we also examined the effects of testosterone treatment on plasmalemmal MCT1 and MCT4, and lactate transport into giant sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from red and white hindlimb muscles and the heart. Testosterone did not alter MCT1 or MCT4 mRNA, except in the plantaris muscle. Testosterone increased MCT1 (20%-77%, P < 0.05) and MCT4 protein (29%-110%, P< 0.05) in five out of seven muscles examined. In contrast, in the heart MCT1 protein was not increased (P> 0.05), and MCT 4 mRNA and protein were not detected. There was no correlation between the testosterone-induced increments in MCT1 and MCT4 proteins. Muscle fibre composition was not associated with testosterone-induced increments in MCT1 protein. In contrast, there was a strong positive relationship between the testosterone-induced increments in MCT4 protein and the fast-twitch fibre composition of rat muscles. Lactate transport into giant sarcolemmal vesicles was increased in red (23%, P< 0.05) and white muscles (21%, P< 0.05), and in the heart (58%, P< 0.05) of testosterone-treated animals (P< 0.05). However, plasmalemmal MCT1 protein (red, +40%, P< 0.05; white, +39%, P< 0.05) and plasmalemmal MCT4 protein (red, +25%, P< 0.05; white, +48%, P< 0.05) were increased only in skeletal muscle. In the heart, plasmalemmal MCT1 protein was reduced (-20%, P< 0.05). In conclusion, these studies have shown that testosterone induces an increase in both MCT1 and MCT4 proteins and their plasmalemmal content in skeletal muscle. However, the testosterone-induced effect was tissue-specific, as MCT1 protein expression was not altered in the heart. In the heart, the testosterone-induced increase in lactate transport cannot be explained by changes in plasmalemmal MCT1 content, but in skeletal muscle the increase in the rate of lactate transport was associated with increases in plasmalemmal MCT1 and MCT4.

Distribution of monocarboxylate transporters MCT1-MCT8 in rat tissues and human skeletal muscle

In the past decade, a family of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) have been identified that can potentially transport lactate, pyruvate, ketone bodies, and branched-chain ketoacids. Currently, 14 such MCTs are known. However, many orphan transporters exist that have transport capacities that remain to be determined. In addition, the tissue distribution of many of these MCTs is not well defined. Such a cataloging can, at times, begin to suggest the metabolic role of a particular MCT. Recently, a number of antibodies against selected MCTs (MCT1, -2, -4, and -5 to -8) have become commercially available. Therefore, we examined the protein expression of these MCTs in a large number of rat tissues (heart, skeletal muscle, skin, brain, testes, vas deferens, adipose tissue, liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas), as well as in human skeletal muscle. Unexpectedly, many tissues coexpressed 4-5 MCTs. In particular, in rat skeletal muscle MCT1, MCT2, MCT4, MCT5, and MCT6 were observed. In human muscle, these same MCTs were present. We also observed a pronounced MCT7 signal in human muscle, whereas a very faint signal occurred for MCT8. In rat heart, which is an important metabolic sink for lactate, we confirmed that MCT1 and -2 were expressed. In addition, MCT6 and -8 were also prominently expressed in this tissue, although it is known that MCT8 does not transport aromatic amino acids or lactate. This catalog of MCTs in skeletal muscle and other tissues has revealed an unexpected complexity of coexpression, which makes it difficult to associate changes in monocarboxylate transport with the expression of a particular MCT. The differences in transport kinetics for lactate and pyruvate are only known for MCT1, -2 and -4. Transport kinetics remain to be established for many other MCTs. In conclusion, this study suggests that in skeletal muscle, as well as other tissues, lactate and pyruvate transport rates may not only involve MCT1 and -4, as other monocarboxylate transporters are also expressed in rat (MCT2, -5, -6) and human skeletal muscle (MCT2, -5, -6, -7).

Inverse relationship between PGC-1alpha protein expression and triacylglycerol accumulation in rodent skeletal muscle

PGC-1alpha is a key regulator of tissue metabolism, including skeletal muscle. Because it has been shown that PGC-1alpha alters the capacity for lipid metabolism, it is possible that PGC-1alpha expression is regulated by the intramuscular lipid milieu. Therefore, we have examined the relationship between PGC-1alpha protein expression and the intramuscular fatty acid accumulation in hindlimb muscles of animals in which the capacity for fatty acid accumulation in muscle is increased (Zucker obese rat) or reduced [FAT/CD36 null (KO) mice]. Rates of palmitate incorporation into triacylglycerols were determined in perfused red (RG) and white gastrocnemius (WG) muscles of lean and obese Zucker rats and in perfused RG and WG muscles of FAT/CD36 KO and wild-type (WT) mice. In obese Zucker rats, the rate of palmitate incorporation into triacylglycerol depots in RG and WG muscles were 28 and 24% greater than in lean rats (P < 0.05). In FAT/CD36 KO mice, the rates of palmitate incorporation into triacylglycerol depots were lower in RG (-50%) and WG muscle (-24%) compared with the respective muscles in WT mice (P < 0.05). In the obese animals, PGC-1alpha protein content was reduced in both RG (-13%) and WG muscles (-15%) (P < 0.05). In FAT/CD36 KO mice, PGC-1alpha protein content was upregulated in both RG (+32%, P < 0.05) and WG muscles (+50%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, from studies in these two animal models, it appears that PGC-1alpha protein expression is inversely related to components of intramuscular lipid metabolism, because 1) PGC-1alpha protein expression is downregulated when triacylglycerol synthesis rates, an index of intramuscular lipid metabolism, are increased, and 2) PGC-1alpha protein expression is upregulated when triacylglycerol synthesis rates are reduced. Therefore, we speculate that the intramuscular lipid sensing may be involved in regulating the protein expression of PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscle.

Endurance training increases lactate transport in male Zucker fa/fa rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training (10 weeks) on previously reported alterations of lactate exchange in obese Zucker fa/fa rats. We used sarcolemmal vesicles to measure lactate transport capacity in control sedentary rats, Zucker (fa/fa), and endurance trained Zucker (fa/fa) rats. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and 4 content was measured in sarcolemmal vesicles and skeletal muscle. Training increased citrate synthase activity in soleus and in red tibialis anterior, and improved insulin sensitivity measured by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Endurance training increased lactate influx in sarcolemmal vesicles at 1 mM of external lactate concentration and increased MCT1 expression on sarcolemmal vesicles. Furthermore, muscular lactate level was significantly decreased after training in red tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. This study shows that endurance training improves impairment of lactate transport capacity that is found in insulin resistance state like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Immunohistochemical analysis of MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 expression in rat plantaris muscle

We addressed the need for histological assessment of myocellular domains occupied by monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4). From the perspective of lactate shuttle hypotheses we posited that MCT1 would be highly expressed in oxidative fibres, whereas MCT4 would be found in highly glycolytic fibres. Furthermore, we hypothesized that MCT1 would be detected at interfibrillar as well as at subsarcolemmal and sarcolemmal cell domains, whereas MCT2 and MCT4 abundances would be most prominent at the sarcolemma. To test these hypotheses, we examined cellular locations of MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 transporter proteins in different fibre types (slow oxidative, SO; fast oxidative glycolytic, FOG; fast glycolytic, FG) in rat plantaris muscles by the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) as well as other methods. The plantaris was used as it is a mixed fibre skeletal muscle. MCTs, glucose transporter (GLUT4) protein, and mitochondrial constituent cytochrome oxidase (COX) abundances were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting using affinity-purified antibodies. The staining method was specific and stable, which allowed for semiquantitative assessment of MCT expression. As well, confocal laser scanning microscopy assessed MCT isoform localizations. Findings of the present study were: (1) MCT1 is located at the sarcolemma and throughout the cell interior in SO and FOG fibres where the mitochondrial reticulum was present; (2) in contrast, MCT4 was highly expressed in the sarcolemmal domain of FG and FOG fibres but poorly expressed in SO fibres; and (3) confocal laser-scanning microscopy demonstrated that MCT1 and COX are co-localised at both interfibrillar and subsarcolemmal cell domains, whereas MCT2 is only faintly detected at the sarcolemma of oxidative fibres. MCTs and associated proteins are positioned to facilitate the function of the lactate shuttles.

Monocarboxylate transporters, blood lactate removal after supramaximal exercise, and fatigue indexes in humans

The present study investigated whether muscular monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and 4 contents are related to the blood lactate removal after supramaximal exercise, fatigue indexes measured during different supramaximal exercises, and muscle oxidative parameters in 15 humans with different training status. Lactate recovery curves were obtained after a 1-min all-out exercise. A biexponential time function was then used to determine the velocity constant of the slow phase (gamma(2)), which denoted the blood lactate removal ability. Fatigue indexes were calculated during 1-min all-out (FI(AO)) and repeated 10-s (FI(Sprint)) cycling sprints. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle. MCT1 and MCT4 contents were quantified by Western blots, and maximal muscle oxidative capacity (V(max)) was evaluated with pyruvate + malate and glutamate + malate as substrates. The results showed that the blood lactate removal ability (i.e., gamma(2)) after a 1-min all-out test was significantly related to MCT1 content (r = 0.70, P < 0.01) but not to MCT4 (r = 0.50, P > 0.05). However, greater MCT1 and MCT4 contents were negatively related with a reduction of blood lactate concentration at the end of 1-min all-out exercise (r = -0.56, and r = -0.61, P < 0.05, respectively). Among skeletal muscle oxidative indexes, we only found a relationship between MCT1 and glutamate + malate V(max) (r = 0.63, P < 0.05). Furthermore, MCT1 content, but not MCT4, was inversely related to FI(AO) (r = -0.54, P < 0.05) and FI(Sprint) (r = -0.58, P < 0.05). We concluded that skeletal muscle MCT1 expression was associated with the velocity constant of net blood lactate removal after a 1-min all-out test and with the fatigue indexes. It is proposed that MCT1 expression may be important for blood lactate removal after supramaximal exercise based on the existence of lactate shuttles and, in turn, in favor of a better tolerance to muscle fatigue.