Identification of the mitochondrial branched chain aminotransferase as a branched chain alpha-keto acid transport protein

Mechanistic stoichiometric relationship between the rates of neurotransmission and neuronal glucose oxidation: Reevaluation of and alternatives to the pseudo-malate-aspartate shuttle model

The ~1:1 stoichiometry between the rates of neuronal glucose oxidation (CMRglc-ox-N) and glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-glutamine (Gln) neurotransmitter (NT) cycling between neurons and astrocytes (VNTcycle) has been firmly established. However, the mechanistic basis for this relationship is not fully understood, and this knowledge is critical for the interpretation of metabolic and brain imaging studies in normal and diseased brain. The pseudo-malate-aspartate shuttle (pseudo-MAS) model established the requirement for glycolytic metabolism in cultured glutamatergic neurons to produce NADH that is shuttled into mitochondria to support conversion of extracellular Gln (i.e., astrocyte-derived Gln in vivo) into vesicular neurotransmitter Glu. The evaluation of this model revealed that it could explain half of the 1:1 stoichiometry and it has limitations. Modifications of the pseudo-MAS model were, therefore, devised to address major knowledge gaps, that is, submitochondrial glutaminase location, identities of mitochondrial carriers for Gln and other model components, alternative mechanisms to transaminate α-ketoglutarate to form Glu and shuttle glutamine-derived ammonia while maintaining mass balance. All modified models had a similar 0.5 to 1.0 predicted mechanistic stoichiometry between VNTcycle and the rate of glucose oxidation. Based on studies of brain β-hydroxybutyrate oxidation, about half of CMRglc-ox-N may be linked to glutamatergic neurotransmission and localized in pre-synaptic structures that use pseudo-MAS type mechanisms for Glu-Gln cycling. In contrast, neuronal compartments that do not participate in transmitter cycling may use the MAS to sustain glucose oxidation. The evaluation of subcellular compartmentation of neuronal glucose metabolism in vivo is a critically important topic for future studies to understand glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission.

Effect of supplementation of valine to chicken extender on sperm cryoresistance and post-thaw fertilization capacity

Recent reports showed a positive correlation between frozen-thawed rooster sperm DNA integrity and the concentrations of valine in seminal plasma. The present study evaluated the effect of supplementing valine to semen extender for freezing sperm of 2 endangered local Spanish chicken breeds with different sperm cryoresistance: Red Villafranquina (VF) showing low sperm DNA integrity after cryopreservation and Quail Castellana that shows higher DNA integrity. One pool of semen per breed was obtained twice a week for 10 wk (n = 40, 20 per breed). Each pool was divided into 2 fractions. One of these fractions was frozen in presence of valine as additive in the extender (concentration 10 mmol), whereas the other was used as control. The evaluation of the samples before and after freezing-thawing included motility (CASA-Mot system), viability (propidium iodide and SYBR-14), DNA integrity (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling), and fertility rate (percentage of eggs with blastoderm development after artificial insemination). Supplementation of valine increased several motility variables of fresh semen. In VF breed, valine increased percentage of progressive motile sperm (P = 0.025), curvilinear velocity (P = 0.033), straight-line velocity (P = 0.040), and average path velocity (P = 0.033), whereas progressive motile sperm (P = 0.019), curvilinear velocity (P = 0.006), straight-line velocity (P = 0.003) and average path velocity (P = 0.004) were improved in the Quail Castellana breed. Valine addition increased the DNA integrity of cryopreserved semen (decreased post-thaw DNA fragmentation) in both breeds, with a significant effect (P = 0.002) in VF (36.3% VF-control vs 31%VF-valine). As expected, Quail Castellana cryopreserved sperm control showed higher fertility rate (34.4% ± 12.1) than VF cryopreserved sperm control (16.1% + 6.2). Supplementing valine to the freezing extender doubled (P = 0.026) the fertility rate of VF (32.6% ± 12.2) compared with the control (16.1% + 6.2). In conclusion, supplementation of valine to chicken freezing extenders shows a positive effect on DNA fragmentation and fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed sperm, with a better response in a breed considered as the lowest freezer in our conservatory.

Role of the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids in the development of Alzheimer's disease and other metabolic disorders

Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia, imposing a growing economic burden upon society. The disease progression is associated with gradual deposition of amyloid plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles within the brain parenchyma, yet severe dementia is the culminating phase of the enduring pathology. Converging evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive decline is the outcome of an extremely complex and persistent pathophysiological process. The disease is characterized by distinctive abnormalities apparent at systemic, histological, macromolecular, and biochemical levels. Moreover, besides the well-defined and self-evident characteristic profuse neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites, and amyloid-beta deposits, the Alzheimer’s disease-associated pathology includes neuroinflammation, substantial neuronal loss, apoptosis, extensive DNA damage, considerable mitochondrial malfunction, compromised energy metabolism, and chronic oxidative stress. Likewise, distinctive metabolic dysfunction has been named a leading cause and a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease that is apparent decades prior to disease manifestation. State-of-the-art metabolomics studies demonstrate that altered branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) metabolism accompanies Alzheimer’s disease development. Lower plasma valine levels are correlated with accelerated cognitive decline, and, conversely, an increase in valine concentration is associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, a clear BCAAs-related metabolic signature has been identified in subjects with obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Also, arginine metabolism is dramatically altered in Alzheimer’s disease human brains and animal models. Accordingly, a potential role of the urea cycle in the Alzheimer’s disease development has been hypothesized, and preclinical studies utilizing intervention in the urea cycle and/or BCAAs metabolism have demonstrated clinical potential. Continual failures to offer a competent treatment strategy directed against amyloid-beta or Tau proteins-related lesions, which could face all challenges of the multifaceted Alzheimer’s disease pathology, led to the hypothesis that hyperphosphorylated Tau and deposited amyloid-beta proteins are just hallmarks or epiphenomena, but not the ultimate causes of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, approaches targeting amyloid-beta or Tau are not adequate to cure the disease. Accordingly, the modern scientific vision of Alzheimer’s disease etiology and pathogenesis must reach beyond the hallmarks, and look for alternative strategies and areas of research.

Glutamate formation via the leucine-to-glutamate pathway of rat pancreas

The leucine-to-glutamate (Leu→Glu) pathway, which metabolizes the carbon atoms of l-leucine to form l-glutamate, was studied by incubation of rat tissue segments with l-[U-(14)C]leucine and estimation of the [(14)C]glutamate formed. Metabolism of the leucine carbon chain occurs in most rat tissues, but maximal activity of the Leu→Glu pathway for glutamate formation is limited to the thoracic aorta and pancreas. In rat aorta, the Leu→Glu pathway functions to relax the underlying smooth muscle; its functions in the pancreas are unknown. This report characterizes the Leu→Glu pathway of rat pancreas and develops methods to examine its functions. Pancreatic segments effect net formation of glutamate on incubation with l-leucine, l-glutamine, or a mix of 18 other plasma amino acids at their concentrations in normal rat plasma. Glutamate formed from leucine remains mainly in the tissue, whereas that from glutamine enters the medium. The pancreatic Leu→Glu pathway uses the leucine carbons for net glutamate formation; the α-amino group is not used; the stoichiometry is as follows: 1 mol of leucine yields 2 mol of glutamate (2 leucine carbons per glutamate) plus 2 mol of CO2. Comparison of the Leu→Glu pathway in preparations of whole pancreatic segments, isolated acini, and islets of Langerhans localizes it in the acini; relatively high activity is found in cultures of the AR42J cell line and very little in the INS-1 832/13 cell line. Pancreatic tissue glutamate concentration is homeostatically regulated in the range of ∼1-3 μmol/g wet wt. l-Valine and leucine ethyl, benzyl, and tert-butyl esters inhibit the Leu→Glu pathway without decreasing tissue total glutamate.

Metabolic alterations in the hamster co-infected with Schistosoma japonicum and Necator americanus

Co-infection with hookworm and schistosomes is a common phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in parts of South America and southeast Asia. As a first step towards understanding the metabolic response of a hookworm-schistosome co-infection in humans, we investigated the metabolic consequences of co-infection in an animal model, using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolic profiling technique, combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Urine and serum samples were obtained from hamsters experimentally infected with 250 Necator americanus infective L(3) and 100 Schistosoma japonicum cercariae simultaneously. In the co-infection model, similar worm burdens were observed as reported for single infection models, whereas metabolic profiles of co-infection represented a combination of the altered metabolite profiles induced by single infections with these two parasites. Consistent differences in metabolic profiles between the co-infected and non-infected control hamsters were observed from 4 weeks p.i. onwards. The predominant metabolic alterations in co-infected hamsters consisted of depletion of amino acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates (e.g. citrate and succinate) and glucose. Moreover, alterations of a series of gut microbial-related metabolites, such as decreased levels of hippurate, 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid and trimethylamine-N-oxide, and increased concentrations of 4-cresol glucuronide and phenylacetylglycine were associated with co-infection. Our results provide a first step towards understanding the metabolic response of an animal host to multiple parasitic infections.

Animal models of maple syrup urine disease

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inherited aminoacidopathy resulting from dysfunction of the branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex. This disease is currently treated primarily by dietary restriction of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). However, dietary compliance is often challenging. Conversely, liver transplantation significantly improves outcomes, but donor organs are scarce and there are high costs and potential risks associated with this invasive procedure. Therefore, improved treatment options for MSUD are needed. Development of novel treatments could be facilitated by animal models that accurately mimic the human disease. Animal models provide a useful system in which to explore disease mechanisms and new preclinical therapies. Here we review MSUD and currently available animal models and their corresponding relevance to the human disorder. Using animal models to gain a more complete understanding of the pathophysiology behind the human disease may lead to new or improved therapies to treat or potentially cure the disorder.

Mitochondrial transport proteins of the brain

In this study, cellular distribution and activity of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transport as well as oxoglutarate transport across brain mitochondrial membranes were investigated. A goal was to establish cell-type-specific expression of key transporters and enzymes involved in neurotransmitter metabolism in order to estimate neurotransmitter and metabolite traffic between neurons and astrocytes. Two methods were used to isolate brain mitochondria. One method excludes synaptosomes and the organelles may therefore be enriched in astrocytic mitochondria. The other method isolates mitochondria derived from all regions of the brain. Immunological and enzymatic methods were used to measure enzymes and carriers in the different preparations, in addition to studying transport kinetics. Immunohistochemistry was also employed using brain slices to confirm cell type specificity of enzymes and carriers. The data suggest that the aspartate/glutamate carriers (AGC) are expressed predominantly in neurons, not astrocytes, and that one of two glutamate/hydroxyl carriers is expressed predominantly in astrocytes. The GABA carrier and the oxoglutarate carrier appear to be equally distributed in astrocytes and neurons. As expected, pyruvate carboxylase and branched-chain aminotransferase were predominantly astrocytic. Insofar as the aspartate/glutamate exchange carriers are required for the malate/aspartate shuttle and for reoxidation of cytosolic NADH, the data suggest a compartmentation of glucose metabolism in which astrocytes catalyze glycolytic conversion of glucose to lactate, whereas neurons are capable of oxidizing both lactate and glucose to CO(2) + H(2)O.

L-glutamine in vitro regulates rat aortic glutamate content and modulates nitric oxide formation and contractility responses

These studies test the hypothesis that l-glutamine at its physiological plasma concentration, approximately 0.5 mM, can increase tissue content and net synthesis of glutamate in rat aortic segments in vitro, thereby mediating relaxation of the underlying smooth muscle in the elastic reservoir region of the thoracic aorta. Aortic segments were incubated in an isotonic medium with and without 21 amino acids at their normal plasma concentrations. Of these amino acids only L-glutamine and L-leucine at their plasma concentrations increased glutamate synthesis and content. Tissue glutamate content resulting from increasing concentrations of each precursor reached an upper level of approximately 1.3-1.6 micromol/g wet wt. Regulation of the tissue glutamate content involves an interaction of the synthetic pathways in which L-glutamine inhibits the endothelial leucine-to-glutamate pathway. L-glutamine increases nitric oxide (NO) formation, and NO inhibits the controlling enzyme of the endothelial leucine-to-glutamate pathway, the branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. Treatment of precontracted aortic rings with 0.5 mM L-glutamine elicits smooth muscle relaxation, a response that requires endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and an intact endothelium. The results demonstrate that in vitro L-glutamine at its normal concentration in plasma can regulate rat aortic glutamate content and modulate NO formation and contractility responses of the thoracic aortic wall.

Global strategies to integrate the proteome and metabolome

A fundamental goal of proteomics is to assign physiological functions to all proteins encoded by eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes. Of the many activities performed by proteins, the chemical transformations catalyzed by enzymes form the basis for most, if not all, metabolic and signaling pathways. Elucidation of these pathways and their integration into larger cellular networks require new strategies to rapidly and systematically identify physiological substrates of enzymes. Here, we review emerging technologies that aim to assign endogenous biochemical functions to enzymes by profiling the metabolome.

ENU mutagenesis identifies mice with mitochondrial branched-chain aminotransferase deficiency resembling human maple syrup urine disease

Tandem mass spectrometry was applied to detect derangements in the pathways of amino acid and fatty acid metabolism in N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-treated (ENU-treated) mice. We identified mice with marked elevation of blood branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), ketoaciduria, and clinical features resembling human maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a severe genetic metabolic disorder caused by the deficiency of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKD) complex. However, the BCKD genes and enzyme activity were normal. Sequencing of branched-chain aminotransferase genes (Bcat) showed no mutation in the cytoplasmic isoform (Bcat-1) but revealed a homozygous splice site mutation in the mitochondrial isoform (Bcat-2). The mutation caused a deletion of exon 2, a marked decrease in Bcat-2 mRNA, and a deficiency in both BCAT-2 protein and its enzyme activity. Affected mice responded to a BCAA-restricted diet with amelioration of the clinical symptoms and normalization of the amino acid pattern. We conclude that BCAT-2 deficiency in the mouse can cause a disease that mimics human MSUD. These mice provide an important animal model for study of BCAA metabolism and its toxicity. Metabolomics-guided screening, coupled with ENU mutagenesis, is a powerful approach in uncovering novel enzyme deficiencies and recognizing important pathways of genetic metabolic disorders.

Branched-chain amino acid catabolism: unique segregation of pathway enzymes in organ systems and peripheral nerves

We have examined the localization of the first two enzymes in the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolic pathway: the branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT) isozymes (mitochondrial BCATm and cytosolic BCATc) and the branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKD) enzyme complex. Antibodies specific for BCATm or BCATc were used to immunolocalize the respective isozymes in cryosections of rat tissues. BCATm was expressed in secretory epithelia throughout the digestive tract, with the most intense expression in the stomach. BCATm was also strongly expressed in secretory cells of the exocrine pancreas, uterus, and testis, as well as in the transporting epithelium of convoluted tubules in kidney. In muscle, BCATm was located in myofibrils. Liver, as predicted, was not immunoreactive for BCATm. Unexpectedly, BCATc was localized in elements of the autonomic innervation of the digestive tract, as well as in axons in the sciatic nerve. The distributions of BCATc and BCATm did not overlap. BCATm-expressing cells also expressed the second enzyme of the BCAA catabolic pathway, BCKD. In selected monkey and human tissues examined by immunoblot and/or immunohistochemistry, BCATm and BCATc were distributed in patterns very similar to those found in the rat. The results show that BCATm is in a position to regulate BCAA availability as protein precursors and anabolic signals in secretory portions of the digestive and other organ systems. The unique expression of BCATc in neurons of the peripheral nervous system, without coexpression of BCKD, raises new questions about the physiological function of this BCAT isozyme.

Parenteral nutrition results in impaired lactose digestion and hexose absorption when enteral feeding is initiated in infant pigs

BACKGROUND

Preterm infants often receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN) before enteral feeding. Although TPN has been linked to mucosal atrophy, its effects on intestinal digestion, absorption, and metabolism are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to determine the effects of TPN on rates of intestinal nutrient absorption and metabolism in infant pigs after initiation of enteral feeding.

DESIGN

Piglets were surgically implanted with catheters in the carotid artery, jugular vein, portal vein, and duodenum; an ultrasonic blood flow probe was inserted in the portal vein. Piglets were given TPN (TPN group) or enterally fed formula (enteral group) for 6 d. On day 7, both groups were enterally fed a milk-based formula, and the net portal absorption and metabolism of enteral [(2)H]glucose and [(13)C]leucine were measured.

RESULTS

After enteral feeding began, portal blood flow increased by 27% and 41% above the basal rate in the enteral and TPN groups, respectively; oxygen consumption remained lower in the TPN group. During enteral feeding, the net portal absorption of glucose was lower in the TPN group and that of galactose was not significantly different between the groups; lactate release was higher in the TPN group. Portal absorption accounted for only approximately 37% of galactose intake in both groups. The TPN group had lower net portal absorption of arginine, lysine, threonine, and glycine. The portal absorption of dietary leucine was not significantly different between the groups; the arterial utilization and oxidation of leucine were significantly lower in the TPN group.

CONCLUSION

Short-term TPN results in decreased lactose digestion and hexose absorption and increased intestinal utilization of key essential amino acids when enteral feeding is initiated in piglets.

The role of mitochondrial transport in energy metabolism

Since mitochondria are closed spaces in the cell, metabolite traffic across the mitochondrial membrane is needed to accomplish energy metabolism. The mitochondrial carriers play this function by uniport, symport and antiport processes. We give here a survey of about 50 transport processes catalysed by more than 30 carriers with a survey of the methods used to investigate metabolite transport in isolated mammalian mitochondria. The role of mitochondria in metabolic pathways including ammoniogenesis, amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial shuttles etc. is also reported in more detail, mainly in the light of the existence of new transport processes.

Aortic leucine-to-glutamate pathway: metabolic route and regulation of contractile responses

Rat aortic endothelium is differentiated regionally for three signal pathways capable of regulating the cGMP content of the underlying smooth muscle. Formation of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine and of glutamate from L-leucine increase cGMP; however, formation of prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) decreases cGMP. All three have peak activity in the windkessel area just distal to the aortic arch and decrease peripherally. We report evidence that the biochemical route of the leucine-to-glutamate (Leu-->Glu) pathway is via metabolism of leucine to acetyl CoA, that the controlling reaction of the pathway is mediated by the branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCDC), and that glutamate formation via the Leu-->Glu pathway is a major source of aortic segment free glutamate in vitro. Interruption of the pathway by treatment of precontracted rat aortic rings in vitro with each of three classes of inhibitors (leucine analogs, competitors for the BCDC reaction, or inhibitors of L-glutamate transport) enhances contractile responses. The enhancement requires an intact endothelium and is not owing to reductions in NO formation. The results support the hypothesis that the Leu-->Glu pathway functions in the regulation of aortic contractility and compliance.

An isoform of branched-chain aminotransferase is a novel co-repressor for thyroid hormone nuclear receptors

The functions of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are regulated by a host of co-regulatory proteins. Tissue-specific expression of these co-regulators leads to distinct expression patterns and regulation of thyroid hormone (T3) target genes in tissues. Previously we have found that human colon carcinoma RKO cells exhibit strong T3-independent transcriptional activity. We therefore searched for co-regulatory proteins in RKO cells using a yeast two-hybrid system with the intact TRbeta1 as bait. One of the three positive clones, designated as P3, was identified to be an isoform of human mitochondria branched-chain aminotransferase (BCATm). P3 was a spliced variant of BCATm with an internal 12-amino acid deletion near the carboxyl-terminal region and was abundantly expressed in RKO cells. The expressed protein localized both to the mitochondria and the nucleus of transfected CV1 cells. P3 physically interacted with TRbeta1 in a T3-independent manner that led to the inhibition in binding of TRbeta1 to thyroid hormone-responsive element. P3 not only enhanced the repressor activity of the unliganded TR but also repressed the ligand-dependent activation of TR. This repression was reversed by treatment of cells with trichostatin A, suggesting that in addition to the inhibition of DNA binding, the repression activity of P3 on TR may also be mediated by histone deacetylase activity. Thus, unlike the currently known co-repressors, P3 is a novel ligand-independent co-repressor for TR.

Molecular cloning and characterization of placental tissue protein 18 (PP18a)/human mitochondrial branched-chain aminotransferase (BCATm) and its novel alternatively spliced PP18b variant

Five different insert-length cDNAs encoding for soluble placental tissue protein 18 (PP18) variants were isolated by screening a human placental cDNA library using monospecific anti-PP18 serum. Sequence analysis of the longest clone showed that the insert contains an open reading frame encoding for a 392 residue-long protein with a 27 amino acid mitochondrial targeting sequence. The mature protein-designated PP18a-is 41.264 kDa consisting of 365 residues and is identical to the previously isolated and characterized PP18 antigen described in 1985. We also found a new, alternatively spliced cDNA encoding for a 300 residue-long, 33.776 kDa protein, which was designated PP18b. Alignment search of the protein databank showed that PP18a is almost entirely identical to the human mitochondrial branched-chain aminotransferase, while PP18b is its newly discovered splicing variant. We detected the two PP18 variants in normal adult and fetal human tissues besides the mitochondrial (only PP18a) and cytosolic (only PP18b) fractions of term placenta with chemiluminescence Western blot analysis. The 41 kDa PP18a variant was expressed ubiquitously, while the 33 kDa PP18b variant was found in smaller amounts in nearly all tissues. Trace amounts of the variants were present in the sera of non-pregnant healthy controls, as well as in pregnant women, but there was no real change in serum levels during pregnancy. In conclusion, PP18 variants are not specific for the placenta. Aminotransferase activity of placental origin PP18 antigens was verified by structural analysis and by a coupled branched-chain aminotransferase/glutamate dehydrogenase assay.

Use of sulfhydryl reagents to investigate branched chain alpha-keto acid transport in mitochondria

The goal of this paper was to determine the contribution of the mitochondrial branched chain aminotransferase (BCATm) to branched chain alpha-keto acid transport within rat heart mitochondria. Isolated heart mitochondria were treated with sulfhydryl reagents of varying permeability, and the data suggest that essential cysteine residues in BCATm are accessible from the cytosolic face of the inner membrane. Treatment with 15 nmol/mg N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) inhibited initial rates of alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC) uptake in reconstituted mitochondrial detergent extracts by 70% and in the intact organelle by 50%. KIC protected against inhibition suggesting that NEM labeled a cysteine residue that is inaccessible when substrate is bound to the enzyme. Additionally, the apparent mitochondrial equilibrium KIC concentration was decreased 50-60% after NEM labeling, and this difference could not be attributed to effects of NEM on matrix pH or KIC oxidation. In fact, NEM was a better inhibitor of KIC oxidation than rotenone. Measuring matrix aspartate and glutamate levels revealed that the effects of NEM on the steady-state KIC concentration resulted from inhibition of BCATm catalyzed transamination of KIC with matrix glutamate to form leucine. Furthermore, circular dichroism spectra of recombinant human BCATm with liposomes showed that the commercial lipids used in the reconstituted transport assay contain BCAT amino acid substrates. Thus BCATm is distinct from the branched chain alpha-keto acid carrier but may interact with the inner mitochondrial membrane, and it is necessary to inhibit or remove transaminase activity in both intact and reconstituted systems prior to quantifying transport of alpha-keto acids which are transaminase substrates.

Metabolic and K(ATP) channel-independent actions of keto acid initiators of insulin secretion

Insulin-releasing effects of 2-ketobutyric acid (KB), 2-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC), 2-keto-3-methylvaleric acid (KMV), and 3-phenylpyruvic acid (PP) were examined by using clonal beta cells. Whereas KIC, KMV, and PP dose-dependently initiated insulin secretion and potentiated the effects of 4.2-16.7 mM glucose, equimolar KB was without effect. Transport inhibition by using 10 mM valine, isoleucine, 2-cyano-3 hydroxycinnamate or 2-cyano-4 hydroxycinnamate, or metabolic inhibition by 15 mM mannoheptulose, 5 mM sodium azide, 5 mM sodium cyanide, or removal of HCO3 reduced the secretory effects of KIC, KMV, and PP. Whereas K+ depletion reduced keto acid-induced insulin output, depolarizing concentrations of L-leucine and L-arginine potentiated the keto acid-induced effects. Under depolarizing conditions (25 mM KCI and 16.7 mM glucose), 10 mM KIC, KMV, or PP induced insulin secretion, suggesting K(ATP) channel-independent actions. Furthermore, the K(ATP) channel opener diazoxide reduced, but did not abolish, the keto acid-induced effects. However, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blockade with verapamil or removal of extracellular Ca2+ abolished keto acid-induced insulin release. Collectively, these results indicate that KIC, KMV, and PP initiate insulin secretion at least partially independently of K(ATP) channel activity, through both mitochondrial metabolism and regulation of Ca2+ influx.

Glucose and non-glucidic nutrients exert permissive effects on 2-keto acid regulation of pancreatic beta-cell function

Insulin-releasing effects of straight and branched chain 2-keto acids were assessed using clonal glucose-responsive beta-cells. Pyruvic acid (PA), 2-ketovaleric acid (KV), 2-ketoisovaleric acid (KIV) or 2-keto-3-methylvaleric acid (KMV) dose-dependently promoted the stimulatory effects of D-glucose, whereas 2-ketobutyric acid (KB) did not affect insulin release. The stimulatory 2-keto acids also promoted the stimulatory activity of D-glyceraldehyde, L-leucine or L-arginine. Responses to PA, KV, KIV or KMV were significantly reduced by transport inhibition with 2-cyano-3 hydroxycinnamate, glucokinase inhibition with mannoheptulose or metabolic inhibition with sodium azide or sodium cyanide. Membrane hyperpolarisation with K+ depletion or diazoxide reduced insulin output, but failed to abolish secretory responses to KV, KIV and KMV. Secretory effects of these 2-keto acids also persisted in beta-cells depolarised with high KCl and glucose. Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blockade, with verapamil, or depletion of extracellular Ca2+ abolished the secretory activity of 2-keto acids. Collectively, these results indicate that glucose and metabolisable nutrients exert permissive effects on 2-keto acid-induced insulin release. In addition, KV, KIV and KMV can regulate beta-cell function at least partially independently of K+-ATP channel activity, both through their mitochondrial metabolism and regulation of Ca2+ influx.

Regulation of branched-chain amino acid metabolism in the lactating rat

There is evidence that during lactation, uptake of the essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) by mammary glands exceeds their output in milk protein. In this study, we have measured the potential of lactating rats to catabolize BCAA. The activity, relative protein and specific mRNA levels of the first two enzymes in the BCAA catabolic pathway, branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT) and branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKD), were measured in mammary gland, liver and skeletal muscle obtained from rat dams at peak lactation (12 d), from rat dams 24 h after weaning at peak lactation and from age-matched virgin controls. Western analysis showed that the mitochondrial BCATm isoenzyme was found in mammary gland. Comparison of lactating and control rats revealed that tissue BCATm activity, protein and mRNA were at least 10-fold higher in mammary tissue during lactation. Values were 1.3- to 1. 9-fold higher after 24 h of weaning. In mammary gland of lactating rats, the BCKD complex was fully active. In virgin controls and weaning dams, only about 20% of the complex was in the active state. Hypertrophy of the liver and mammary gland during lactation resulted in a 73% increase in total oxidative capacity in lactating rats. The results are consistent with increased expression of the BCATm gene in the mammary gland during lactation, whereas oxidation appears to be regulated primarily by changes in activity state (phosphorylation state) of BCKD.

Cellular distribution of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase isoenzymes among rat brain glial cells in culture

The first step in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), reversible transamination, is catalyzed by one of the two isoforms of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT). The mitochondrial isoenzyme (BCATm) is widely distributed among tissues, whereas the cytosolic isoenzyme (BCATc) is restricted to only a few organs. Remarkably, BCATc is the prominent isoenzyme found in brain. The physiological significance of the subcellular compartmentation of BCAT is still not understood. To contribute to the elucidation of the cellular distribution of the two isoenzymes in brain, we used cultured rat glial cells in an immunocytochemical study to determine the pattern of BCAT isoenzyme expression by glial cells. Antiserum against BCATm generated a punctate staining pattern of astroglial cells, confirming the mitochondrial location of this isoenzyme. In contrast, the cytosol of galactocerebroside-expressing oligodendroglial cells and O2A progenitor cells displayed intense staining only for BCATc. In addition, subpopulations of astroglial cells exhibited BCATc immunoreactivity. The presence of BCATm in astrocytes is consistent with the known ability of these cells to oxidize BCAA. Furthermore, our results on BCATc provide support for the hypothesis that BCATs are also involved in nitrogen transfer from astrocytes to neurons.

Cloning of the rat and human mitochondrial branched chain aminotransferases (BCATm)

The rat and human mitochondrial branched chain aminotransferase (BCAT(m)) cDNAs have been isolated and shown to encode mature proteins of 41.2 and 41.3 kDa with presequences of 27 amino acids. When rat BCAT(m) is overexpressed in COS-1 cells, the protein exhibits BCAT activity and correct processing of the mitochondrial targeting sequence. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from a panel of rodent-human somatic cell hybrids revealed that the human BCAT(m) gene resides on chromosome 19 and the human cytosolic enzyme (BCAT(c)) gene on chromosome 12. Finally, the nomenclature BCAT1 for the cytosolic gene and BCAT2 for the mitochondrial BCAT gene is proposed.

Mitochondrial and cytosolic branched-chain amino acid transaminases from yeast, homologs of the myc oncogene-regulated Eca39 protein

We have isolated a high copy suppressor of a temperature-sensitive mutation in ATM1, which codes for an ABC transporter of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria. The suppressor, termed BAT1, encodes a protein of 393 amino acid residues with an NH2-terminal extension that directs Bat1p to the mitochondrial matrix. A highly homologous protein, Bat2p, of 376 amino acid residues was found in the cytosol. Both Bat proteins show striking similarity to the mammalian protein Eca39, which is one of the few known targets of the myc oncogene. Deletion of a single BAT gene did not impair growth of yeast cells. In contrast, deletion of both genes resulted in an auxotrophy for branched-chain amino acids (Ile, Leu, and Val) and in a severe growth reduction on glucose-containing media, even after supply of these amino acids. Mitochondria and cytosol isolated from bat1 and bat2 deletion mutants, respectively, contained largely reduced activities for the conversion of branched-chain 2-ketoacids to their corresponding amino acids. Thus, the Bat proteins represent the first known isoforms of yeast branched-chain amino acid transaminases. The severe growth defect of the double deletion mutant observed even in the presence of branched-chain amino acids suggests that the Bat proteins, in addition to the supply of these amino acids, perform another important function in the cell.

Two yeast homologs of ECA39, a target for c-Myc regulation, code for cytosolic and mitochondrial branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases

ECA39 was isolated as a target gene for c-Myc regulation in mice. We identified two homologs for the murine ECA39 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ECA39 and ECA40, as well as two human homologs. These genes show a significant homology to prokaryotic branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT) (EC). To understand the function of eukaryotic ECA39 and ECA40, we deleted either gene from the yeast genome. Activity of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase was measured in the wild-type and mutants with either leucine, isoleucine, or valine as substrates. The results demonstrate that in S. cerevisiae ECA39 and ECA40 code for mitochondrial and cytosolic branched-chain amino acid aminotransferases, respectively. ECA39 is highly expressed during log phase and is down-regulated during the stationary phase of growth, while ECA40 shows an inverse pattern of gene expression. In agreement with these results, while we previously showed that deletion of ECA39 affected the cell cycle in proliferating cells, we do not observe a growth phenotype in eca40Delta cells. We suggest that BCAT is a target for c-Myc activity and discuss the evolutionary conservation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic BCATs and their possible involvement in regulation of cell proliferation.

Cloning and expression of the mammalian cytosolic branched chain aminotransferase isoenzyme

The cDNA for the rat cytosolic branched chain aminotransferase (BCATc) has been cloned. The BCATc cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 410 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 46.0 kDa. By Northern blot analysis, BCATc message of approximately 2.7 kilobases was readily detected in rat brain, but was absent from liver, a rat hepatoma cell line, kidney, and skeletal muscle. When expressed in COS-1 cells, the enzyme is immunologically indistinguishable from the native enzyme found in rat brain cytosol. Comparison of the rat BCATc sequence with available data bases identified the Escherichia coli (and Salmonella typhimurium) branched chain aminotransferase (BCAT) and revealed a Haemophilus influenzae BCAT, a yeast BCAT, which is hypothesized to be a mitochondrial form of the enzyme, and the murine BCATc (protein ECA39). Calculated molecular masses for the complete proteins are 33.9 kDa, 37.9 kDa, 42.9 kDa, and 43.6 kDa, respectively. The rat BCATc sequence was 84% identical with murine BCATc, 45% identical with yeast, 33% identical with H. influenzae, 27% identical with the E. coli and S. typhimurium BCAT, and 22% identical with the evolutionary related D-amino acid aminotransferase (D-AAT) (Tanizawa, K., Asano, S., Masu, Y., Kuramitsu, S., Kagamiyama, H., Tanaka, H., and Soda, K. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 2450-2454). Amino acid sequence alignment of BCATc with D-AAT suggests that the folding pattern of the overlapping mammalian BCATc sequence is similar to that of D-AAT and indicates that orientation of the pyridoxal phosphate cofactor in the active site of the eukaryotic BCAT is the same as in D-AAT. Thus, BCAT are the only eukaryotic aminotransferases to abstract and replace the proton on the re face of the pyridoxal phosphate cofactor. Finally, requirements for recognition of substrate L-amino acid and alpha-carboxylate binding are discussed.