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Müller C, Zidek LM, Eichwald S, Kortman G, Koster MH, Calkhoven CF. Enhanced C/EBPβ function promotes hypertrophic versus hyperplastic fat tissue growth and prevents steatosis in response to high-fat diet feeding. eLife 2022; 11:62625. [PMID: 35451956 PMCID: PMC9071262 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obesity is correlated with severe metabolic and cardiovascular diseases as well as with an increased risk for developing cancers. Obesity is usually characterized by fat accumulation in enlarged – hypertrophic – adipocytes that are a source of inflammatory mediators, which promote the development and progression of metabolic disorders. Yet, in certain healthy obese individuals, fat is stored in metabolically more favorable hyperplastic fat tissue that contains an increased number of smaller adipocytes that are less inflamed. In a previous study, we demonstrated that loss of the inhibitory protein-isoform C/EBPβ-LIP and the resulting augmented function of the transactivating isoform C/EBPβ-LAP promotes fat metabolism under normal feeding conditions and expands health- and lifespan in mice. Here, we show that in mice on a high-fat diet, LIP-deficiency results in adipocyte hyperplasia associated with reduced inflammation and metabolic improvements. Furthermore, fat storage in subcutaneous depots is significantly enhanced specifically in LIP-deficient male mice. Our data identify C/EBPβ as a regulator of adipocyte fate in response to increased fat intake, which has major implications for metabolic health and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Müller
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Laura M Zidek
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sabrina Eichwald
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Gertrud Kortman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H Koster
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis F Calkhoven
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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2
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C/EBPβ isoform-specific regulation of migration and invasion in triple-negative breast cancer cells. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35042889 PMCID: PMC8766495 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00372-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor C/EBPβ is a master regulator of mammary gland development and tissue remodelling during lactation. The CEBPB-mRNA is translated into three distinct protein isoforms named C/EBPβ-LAP1, -LAP2 and -LIP that are functionally different. The smaller isoform LIP lacks the N-terminal transactivation domains and is considered to act as an inhibitor of the transactivating LAP1/2 isoforms by competitive binding for the same DNA recognition sequences. Aberrantly high expression of LIP is associated with mammary epithelial proliferation and is found in grade III, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor-negative human breast cancer. Here, we show that reverting the high LIP/LAP ratios in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines into low LIP/LAP ratios by overexpression of LAP reduces migration and matrix invasion of these TNBC cells. In addition, in untransformed MCF10A human mammary epithelial cells overexpression of LIP stimulates migration. Knockout of CEBPB in TNBC cells where LIP expression prevails, resulted in strongly reduced migration that was accompanied by a downregulation of genes involved in cell migration, extracellular matrix production and cytoskeletal remodelling, many of which are epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker genes. Together, this study suggests that the LIP/LAP ratio is involved in regulating breast cancer cell migration and invasion. This study together with studies from others shows that understanding the functions the C/EBPβ-isoforms in breast cancer development may reveal new avenues of treatment.
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3
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Bitto A, Tatom N, Krivak T, Grotz P, Kaeberlein M. Evidence that C/EBP-β LAP Increases Fat Metabolism and Protects Against Diet-Induced Obesity in Response to mTOR Inhibition. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2021; 2:738512. [PMID: 35822052 PMCID: PMC9261321 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.738512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging and obesity are common risk factors for numerous chronic pathologies, and the compounding effects of old age and increased adiposity pose a serious threat to public health. Starting from the assumption that aging and obesity may have shared underpinnings, we investigated the antiobesogenic potential of a successful longevity intervention, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. We find that rapamycin prevents diet-induced obesity in mice and increases the activity of C/EBP-β LAP, a transcription factor that regulates the metabolic shift to lipid catabolism observed in response to calorie restriction. Independent activation of C/EBP-β LAP with the antiretroviral drug adefovir dipivoxil recapitulates the anti-obesogenic effects of rapamycin without reducing signaling through mTORC1 and increases markers of fat catabolism in the liver. Our findings support a model that C/EBP-β LAP acts downstream of mTORC1 signaling to regulate fat metabolism and identifies a novel drug that may be exploited to treat obesity and decrease the incidence of age-related disease.
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4
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Lee MB, Bitto A, Kaeberlein M. Proceedings from the annual University of Washington Geroscience Symposium, October 23, 2020. GeroScience 2021; 43:1585-1589. [PMID: 33791939 PMCID: PMC8012076 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00346-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The University of Washington Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Biology of Aging in conjunction with the Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute held its annual geroscience symposium virtually on October 23, 2020. The symposium was divided into three sessions: (I) organ aging and growth signaling, (II) neurodegeneration and metabolism, and (III) innovative approaches in geroscience and aging research. Nine speakers affiliated with the University of Washington and three invited guest speakers, predominantly trainee, and junior faculty presented their research. Here, we summarize research presented during the symposium. A geroscience special issue, of which this is a part, collects submissions from symposium presenters as well as trainees supported by the Biological Mechanisms of Healthy Aging training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell B Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA
| | - Alessandro Bitto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA
| | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA.
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5
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Emerging Role of C/EBPβ and Epigenetic DNA Methylation in Ageing. Trends Genet 2020; 36:71-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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6
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Bakula D, Ablasser A, Aguzzi A, Antebi A, Barzilai N, Bittner MI, Jensen MB, Calkhoven CF, Chen D, Grey ADNJD, Feige JN, Georgievskaya A, Gladyshev VN, Golato T, Gudkov AV, Hoppe T, Kaeberlein M, Katajisto P, Kennedy BK, Lal U, Martin-Villalba A, Moskalev AA, Ozerov I, Petr MA, Reason, Rubinsztein DC, Tyshkovskiy A, Vanhaelen Q, Zhavoronkov A, Scheibye-Knudsen M. Latest advances in aging research and drug discovery. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:9971-9981. [PMID: 31770722 PMCID: PMC6914421 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An increasing aging population poses a significant challenge to societies worldwide. A better understanding of the molecular, cellular, organ, tissue, physiological, psychological, and even sociological changes that occur with aging is needed in order to treat age-associated diseases. The field of aging research is rapidly expanding with multiple advances transpiring in many previously disconnected areas. Several major pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer companies made aging research a priority and are building internal expertise, integrating aging research into traditional business models and exploring new go-to-market strategies. Many of these efforts are spearheaded by the latest advances in artificial intelligence, namely deep learning, including generative and reinforcement learning. To facilitate these trends, the Center for Healthy Aging at the University of Copenhagen and Insilico Medicine are building a community of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in these areas and launched the annual conference series titled “Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD)” held in the capital of the pharmaceutical industry, Basel, Switzerland (www.agingpharma.org). This ARDD collection contains summaries from the 6th annual meeting that explored aging mechanisms and new interventions in age-associated diseases. The 7th annual ARDD exhibition will transpire 2nd-4th of September, 2020, in Basel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bakula
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Ablasser
- Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adam Antebi
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nir Barzilai
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | | | - Cornelis F Calkhoven
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Danica Chen
- Program in Metabolic Biology, Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Jerome N Feige
- Nestlé Research, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Andrei V Gudkov
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Genome Protection, Inc., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for Genetics and CECAD Research Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Pekka Katajisto
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Brian K Kennedy
- Departments of Biochemistry and Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore.,Centre for Healthy Ageing, National University Healthy System, Singapore.,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Unmesh Lal
- Frost and Sullivan, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Alexey A Moskalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of RAS, Syktyvkar, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Ivan Ozerov
- Pharmaceutical Artificial Intelligence Department, Insilico Medicine, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Michael A Petr
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Reason
- Repair Biotechnologies, Inc., Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander Tyshkovskiy
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Quentin Vanhaelen
- Pharmaceutical Artificial Intelligence Department, Insilico Medicine, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Pharmaceutical Artificial Intelligence Department, Insilico Medicine, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Morten Scheibye-Knudsen
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Ackermann T, Hartleben G, Müller C, Mastrobuoni G, Groth M, Sterken BA, Zaini MA, Youssef SA, Zuidhof HR, Krauss SR, Kortman G, de Haan G, de Bruin A, Wang ZQ, Platzer M, Kempa S, Calkhoven CF. C/EBPβ-LIP induces cancer-type metabolic reprogramming by regulating the let-7/LIN28B circuit in mice. Commun Biol 2019; 2:208. [PMID: 31240246 PMCID: PMC6572810 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors LAP1, LAP2 and LIP are derived from the Cebpb-mRNA through the use of alternative start codons. High LIP expression has been associated with human cancer and increased cancer incidence in mice. However, how LIP contributes to cellular transformation is poorly understood. Here we present that LIP induces aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration reminiscent of cancer metabolism. We show that LIP-induced metabolic programming is dependent on the RNA-binding protein LIN28B, a translational regulator of glycolytic and mitochondrial enzymes with known oncogenic function. LIP activates LIN28B through repression of the let-7 microRNA family that targets the Lin28b-mRNA. Transgenic mice overexpressing LIP have reduced levels of let-7 and increased LIN28B expression, which is associated with metabolic reprogramming as shown in primary bone marrow cells, and with hyperplasia in the skin. This study establishes LIP as an inducer of cancer-type metabolic reprogramming and as a regulator of the let-7/LIN28B regulatory circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Ackermann
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Götz Hartleben
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Müller
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marco Groth
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Britt A. Sterken
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mohamad A. Zaini
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sameh A. Youssef
- Dutch Molecular Pathology Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, NL-3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hidde R. Zuidhof
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara R. Krauss
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gertrud Kortman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerald de Haan
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Dutch Molecular Pathology Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, NL-3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Platzer
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Kempa
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelis F. Calkhoven
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
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8
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Liu Z, Li C, Kang N, Malhi H, Shah VH, Maiers JL. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) cross-talk with the unfolded protein response is critical for hepatic stellate cell activation. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3137-3151. [PMID: 30610118 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) potently activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which promotes production and secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and hepatic fibrogenesis. Increased ECM synthesis and secretion in response to TGFβ is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). TGFβ and UPR signaling pathways are tightly intertwined during HSC activation, but the regulatory mechanism that connects these two pathways is poorly understood. Here, we found that TGFβ treatment of immortalized HSCs (i.e. LX-2 cells) induces phosphorylation of the UPR sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) in a SMAD2/3-procollagen I-dependent manner. We further show that IRE1α mediates HSC activation downstream of TGFβ and that its role depends on activation of a signaling cascade involving apoptosis signaling kinase 1 (ASK1) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). ASK1-JNK signaling promoted phosphorylation of the UPR-associated transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), which is crucial for TGFβ- or IRE1α-mediated LX-2 activation. Pharmacological inhibition of C/EBPβ expression with the antiviral drug adefovir dipivoxil attenuated TGFβ-mediated activation of LX-2 or primary rat HSCs in vitro and hepatic fibrogenesis in vivo Finally, we identified a critical relationship between C/EBPβ and the transcriptional regulator p300 during HSC activation. p300 knockdown disrupted TGFβ- or UPR-induced HSC activation, and pharmacological inhibition of the C/EBPβ-p300 complex decreased TGFβ-induced HSC activation. These results indicate that TGFβ-induced IRE1α signaling is critical for HSC activation through a C/EBPβ-p300-dependent mechanism and suggest C/EBPβ as a druggable target for managing fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikui Liu
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 and
| | - Chao Li
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 and
| | - Ningling Kang
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912
| | - Harmeet Malhi
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 and
| | - Vijay H Shah
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 and
| | - Jessica L Maiers
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 and
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9
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Müller C, Zidek LM, Ackermann T, de Jong T, Liu P, Kliche V, Zaini MA, Kortman G, Harkema L, Verbeek DS, Tuckermann JP, von Maltzahn J, de Bruin A, Guryev V, Wang ZQ, Calkhoven CF. Reduced expression of C/EBPβ-LIP extends health and lifespan in mice. eLife 2018; 7:34985. [PMID: 29708496 PMCID: PMC5986274 DOI: 10.7554/elife.34985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is associated with physical decline and the development of age-related diseases such as metabolic disorders and cancer. Few conditions are known that attenuate the adverse effects of ageing, including calorie restriction (CR) and reduced signalling through the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Synthesis of the metabolic transcription factor C/EBPβ-LIP is stimulated by mTORC1, which critically depends on a short upstream open reading frame (uORF) in the Cebpb-mRNA. Here, we describe that reduced C/EBPβ-LIP expression due to genetic ablation of the uORF delays the development of age-associated phenotypes in mice. Moreover, female C/EBPβΔuORF mice display an extended lifespan. Since LIP levels increase upon aging in wild type mice, our data reveal an important role for C/EBPβ in the aging process and suggest that restriction of LIP expression sustains health and fitness. Thus, therapeutic strategies targeting C/EBPβ-LIP may offer new possibilities to treat age-related diseases and to prolong healthspan. The risks of major diseases including type II diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s are linked to the biological process of ageing. By finding ways to slow ageing, we can help more people to live longer healthier lives while avoiding these illnesses. Placing some animals on a diet that contains only two-thirds as many calories as they would normally eat can improve their fitness during old age and delay the onset of many age-related problems. It is unrealistic to expect people to control their diet to this extent, yet there may be other ways to bring about the same effects. Calorie restriction affects the activity of many different genes; for example, it causes a gene that produces a protein known as Liver-enriched Inhibitory Protein (LIP for short) to shut down. LIP controls the activity of many genes involved in metabolism, so it could be a key target for drugs to control ageing. Müller, Zidek et al. used mice that are unable to produce LIP to study this protein’s effect on ageing. The life expectancy of female mice lacking LIP increased by up to 20%. These mice were leaner, fitter, more resistant to cancer, had stronger immune systems and controlled their blood sugar levels better than normal mice. Male mice that lacked LIP did not live longer but did experience some ageing-related benefits. Genetic analysis also showed that gene activity particularly of metabolic genes is more robust in old female LIP-deficient mice and thus more similar to young control mice than old control mice. The results presented by Müller, Zidek et al. suggest that targeting the activity of the LIP gene could help to slow the ageing process. It is not yet clear whether shutting off LIP has similar beneficial effects in humans. Further research is also needed to investigate why female mice gain more benefits from a lack of LIP than males do.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Müller
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura M Zidek
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Ackermann
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Tristan de Jong
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peng Liu
- Institute for Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Verena Kliche
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mohamad Amr Zaini
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Gertrud Kortman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Harkema
- Dutch Molecular Pathology Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dineke S Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan P Tuckermann
- Institute for Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Alain de Bruin
- Dutch Molecular Pathology Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Cornelis F Calkhoven
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
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