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Depta L, Bryce-Rogers HP, Dekker NJ, Bønke AW, Camporese N, Qian M, Xu Y, Covey DF, Laraia L. Endogenous and fluorescent sterols reveal the molecular basis for ligand selectivity of human sterol transporters. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.22.604041. [PMID: 39091845 PMCID: PMC11291047 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.22.604041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Sterol transport proteins (STPs) play a pivotal role in cholesterol homeostasis and therefore are essential for healthy human physiology. Despite recent advances in dissecting functions of STPs in the human cell, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding their specific biological functions and a lack of suitable selective probes for their study. Here, we profile fluorescent steroid-based probes across ten STPs, uncovering substantial differences in their selectivity, aiding the retrospective and prospective interpretation of biological results generated with those probes. These results guided the establishment of an STP screening panel combining diverse biophysical assays, enabling the evaluation of 41 steroid-based natural products and derivatives. Combining this with a thorough structural analysis revealed the molecular basis for STP specific selectivity profiles, leading to the uncovering of several new potent and selective Aster-B inhibitors, and supporting the role of this protein in steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Depta
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hogan P. Bryce-Rogers
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nienke J. Dekker
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Wiehl Bønke
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nicolo’ Camporese
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mingxing Qian
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yuanjian Xu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Luca Laraia
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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2
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Brown RDR, Mahawar U, Wattenberg BW, Spiegel S. ORMDL mislocalization by impaired autophagy in Niemann-Pick type C disease leads to increased de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100556. [PMID: 38719150 PMCID: PMC11170278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease is a rare neurodegenerative cholesterol and sphingolipid storage disorder primarily due to mutations in the cholesterol-trafficking protein NPC1. In addition to catabolic-derived sphingolipids, NPC1 dysfunction also leads to an increase in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, yet little is known about the cellular mechanism involved. Although deletion of NPC1 or inhibition of the NPC1 sterol binding domain enhanced de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, surprisingly levels of the ORMDLs, the regulatory subunits of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), the rate-limiting step in sphingolipid biosynthesis, were also greatly increased. Nevertheless, less ORMDL was bound in the SPT-ORMDL complex despite elevated ceramide levels. Instead, ORMDL colocalized with p62, the selective autophagy receptor, and accumulated in stalled autophagosomes due to defective autophagy in NPC1 disease cells. Restoration of autophagic flux with N-acetyl-L-leucine in NPC1 deleted cells decreased ORMDL accumulation in autophagosomes and reduced de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis and their accumulation. This study revealed a previously unknown link between de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, ORMDL, and autophagic defects present in NCP1 disease. In addition, we provide further evidence and mechanistic insight for the beneficial role of N-acetyl-L-leucine treatment for NPC1 disease which is presently awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D R Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Usha Mahawar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Binks W Wattenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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3
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Yasamineh S, Mehrabani FJ, Derafsh E, Danihiel Cosimi R, Forood AMK, Soltani S, Hadi M, Gholizadeh O. Potential Use of the Cholesterol Transfer Inhibitor U18666A as a Potent Research Tool for the Study of Cholesterol Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3503-3527. [PMID: 37995080 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03798-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential component of mammalian cell membranes and a precursor for crucial signaling molecules. The brain contains the highest level of cholesterol in the body, and abnormal cholesterol metabolism links to many neurodegenerative disorders. The results indicate that faulty cholesterol metabolism is a common feature among people living with neurodegenerative conditions. The researchers suggest that restoring cholesterol levels may become a beneficial new strategy in treating certain neurodegenerative conditions. Several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, and Parkinson's disease (PD), have been connected to abnormalities in brain cholesterol metabolism. Consequently, using a lipid research tool is vital to study further and understand the effect of lipids in neurodegenerative disorders such as NPC, AD, PD, and Huntington's disease (HD). U18666A, also known as 3-(2-(diethylamino) ethoxy) androst-5-en-17-one, is a pharmaceutical drug that suppresses cholesterol trafficking and is a well-known class-2 amphiphile. U18666A has performed many functions, allowing for essential discoveries in lipid studies and shedding light on the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, U18666A prevented the downregulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors that are induced by LDL and led to the buildup of cholesterol in lysosomes. Numerous studies show that U18666A impacts the function of cholesterol trafficking to control the metabolism and transport of amyloid precursor proteins (APPs). Treating cortical neurons with U18666A may provide a new in vitro model system for studying the underlying molecular process of NPC, AD, HD, and PD. In this article, we review the mechanism and function of U18666A as a vital tool for studying cholesterol mechanisms in neurological diseases related to abnormal cholesterol metabolism, such as AD, NPC, HD, and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ehsan Derafsh
- Windsor University School of Medicine, Cayon, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | | | | | - Siamak Soltani
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meead Hadi
- Department Of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Tehran Central Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Banerjee R, Hohe RC, Cao S, Jung BM, Horak AJ, Ramachandiran I, Massey WJ, Varadharajan V, Zajczenko NI, Burrows AC, Dutta S, Goudarzi M, Mahen K, Carter A, Helsley RN, Gordon SM, Morton RE, Strauch C, Willard B, Gogonea CB, Gogonea V, Pedrelli M, Parini P, Brown JM. The nonvesicular sterol transporter Aster-C plays a minor role in whole body cholesterol balance. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1371096. [PMID: 38694206 PMCID: PMC11061533 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1371096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Aster-C protein (encoded by the Gramd1c gene) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein that has been reported to transport cholesterol from the plasma membrane to the ER. Although there is a clear role for the closely-related Aster-B protein in cholesterol transport and downstream esterification in the adrenal gland, the specific role for Aster-C in cholesterol homeostasis is not well understood. Here, we have examined whole body cholesterol balance in mice globally lacking Aster-C under low or high dietary cholesterol conditions. Method Age-matched Gramd1c +/+ and Gramd1c -/- mice were fed either low (0.02%, wt/wt) or high (0.2%, wt/wt) dietarycholesterol and levels of sterol-derived metabolites were assessed in the feces, liver, and plasma. Results Compared to wild type controls (Gramd1c +/+) mice, mice lackingGramd1c (Gramd1c -/-) have no significant alterations in fecal, liver, or plasma cholesterol. Given the potential role for Aster C in modulating cholesterol metabolism in diverse tissues, we quantified levels of cholesterol metabolites such as bile acids, oxysterols, and steroid hormones. Compared to Gramd1c +/+ controls, Gramd1c -/- mice had modestly reduced levels of select bile acid species and elevated cortisol levels, only under low dietary cholesterol conditions. However, the vast majority of bile acids, oxysterols, and steroid hormones were unaltered in Gramd1c -/- mice. Bulk RNA sequencing in the liver showed that Gramd1c -/- mice did not exhibit alterations in sterol-sensitive genes, but instead showed altered expression of genes in major urinary protein and cytochrome P450 (CYP) families only under low dietary cholesterol conditions. Discussion Collectively, these data indicate nominal effects of Aster-C on whole body cholesterol transport and metabolism under divergent dietary cholesterol conditions. These results strongly suggest that Aster-C alone is not sufficient to control whole body cholesterol balance, but can modestly impact circulating cortisol and bile acid levels when dietary cholesterol is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee Banerjee
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Rachel C. Hohe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Shijie Cao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Bryan M. Jung
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Anthony J. Horak
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Iyappan Ramachandiran
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - William J. Massey
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Venkateshwari Varadharajan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Natalie I. Zajczenko
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Amy C. Burrows
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sumita Dutta
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Maryam Goudarzi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Kala Mahen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Abigail Carter
- Department of Physiology and the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Robert N. Helsley
- Department of Physiology and the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Scott M. Gordon
- Department of Physiology and the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Richard E. Morton
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Christopher Strauch
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Belinda Willard
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Valentin Gogonea
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Matteo Pedrelli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Paolo Parini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - J. Mark Brown
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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5
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He N, Depta L, Sievers S, Laraia L. Fluorescent probes and degraders of the sterol transport protein Aster-A. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 103:117673. [PMID: 38518734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Our understanding of sterol transport proteins (STPs) has increased exponentially in the last decades with advances in the cellular and structural biology of these important proteins. However, small molecule probes have only recently been developed for a few selected STPs. Here we describe the synthesis and evaluation of potential proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) based on inhibitors of the STP Aster-A. Based on the reported Aster-A inhibitor autogramin-2, ten PROTACs were synthesized. Pomalidomide-based PROTACs functioned as fluorescent probes due to the intrinsic fluorescent properties of the aminophthalimide core, which in some cases was significantly enhanced upon Aster-A binding. Most PROTACs maintained excellent binary affinity to Aster-A, and one compound, NGF3, showed promising Aster-A degradation in cells. The tools developed here lay the foundation for optimizing Aster-A fluorescent probes and degraders and studying its activity and function in vitro and in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianzhe He
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Laura Depta
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sonja Sievers
- Max Planck Institute of molecular physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Luca Laraia
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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6
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Gao Y, Kennelly JP, Xiao X, Whang E, Ferrari A, Bedard AH, Mack JJ, Nguyen AH, Weston T, Uchiyama LF, Lee MS, Young SG, Bensinger SJ, Tontonoz P. T cell cholesterol transport is a metabolic checkpoint that links intestinal immune responses to dietary lipid absorption. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.584164. [PMID: 38559079 PMCID: PMC10979874 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The intrinsic pathways that control membrane organization in immune cells and the impact of such pathways on cellular function are not well defined. Here we report that the non-vesicular cholesterol transporter Aster-A links plasma membrane (PM) cholesterol availability in T cells to immune signaling and systemic metabolism. Aster-A is recruited to the PM during T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, where it facilitates the removal of newly generated "accessible" membrane cholesterol. Loss of Aster-A leads to excess PM cholesterol accumulation, resulting in enhanced TCR nano-clustering and signaling, and Th17 cytokine production. Finally, we show that the mucosal Th17 response is restrained by PM cholesterol remodeling. Ablation of Aster-A in T cells leads to enhanced IL-22 production, reduced intestinal fatty acid absorption, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. These findings delineate a multi-tiered regulatory scheme linking immune cell lipid flux to nutrient absorption and systemic physiology.
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7
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Sun S, Zhao G, Jia M, Jiang Q, Li S, Wang H, Li W, Wang Y, Bian X, Zhao YG, Huang X, Yang G, Cai H, Pastor-Pareja JC, Ge L, Zhang C, Hu J. Stay in touch with the endoplasmic reticulum. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:230-257. [PMID: 38212460 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2443-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which is composed of a continuous network of tubules and sheets, forms the most widely distributed membrane system in eukaryotic cells. As a result, it engages a variety of organelles by establishing membrane contact sites (MCSs). These contacts regulate organelle positioning and remodeling, including fusion and fission, facilitate precise lipid exchange, and couple vital signaling events. Here, we systematically review recent advances and converging themes on ER-involved organellar contact. The molecular basis, cellular influence, and potential physiological functions for ER/nuclear envelope contacts with mitochondria, Golgi, endosomes, lysosomes, lipid droplets, autophagosomes, and plasma membrane are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Sun
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Gan Zhao
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Mingkang Jia
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shulin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Laboratory of Computational Biology & Machine Intelligence, School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xin Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Yan G Zhao
- Brain Research Center, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Xun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Ge Yang
- Laboratory of Computational Biology & Machine Intelligence, School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Huaqing Cai
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Jose C Pastor-Pareja
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Institute of Neurosciences, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientfflcas-Universidad Miguel Hernandez, San Juan de Alicante, 03550, Spain.
| | - Liang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Chuanmao Zhang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Junjie Hu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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8
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Xiao X, Kennelly JP, Feng AC, Cheng L, Romartinez-Alonso B, Bedard A, Gao Y, Cui L, Young SG, Schwabe JW, Tontonoz P. Aster-B-dependent estradiol synthesis protects female mice from diet-induced obesity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173002. [PMID: 38175723 PMCID: PMC10866650 DOI: 10.1172/jci173002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aster proteins mediate the nonvesicular transport of cholesterol from the plasma membrane (PM) to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, the importance of nonvesicular sterol movement for physiology and pathophysiology in various tissues is incompletely understood. Here we show that loss of Aster-B leads to diet-induced obesity in female but not in male mice, and that this sex difference is abolished by ovariectomy. We further demonstrate that Aster-B deficiency impairs nonvesicular cholesterol transport from the PM to the ER in ovaries in vivo, leading to hypogonadism and reduced estradiol synthesis. Female Aster-B-deficient mice exhibit reduced locomotor activity and energy expenditure, consistent with established effects of estrogens on systemic metabolism. Administration of exogenous estradiol ameliorates the diet-induced obesity phenotype of Aster-B-deficient female mice. These findings highlight the key role of Aster-B-dependent nonvesicular cholesterol transport in regulating estradiol production and protecting females from obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Biological Chemistry
| | - John P. Kennelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Biological Chemistry
| | - An-Chieh Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lijing Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Beatriz Romartinez-Alonso
- Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Bedard
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Biological Chemistry
| | - Yajing Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Biological Chemistry
| | - Liujuan Cui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Biological Chemistry
| | - Stephen G. Young
- Department of Medicine and Human Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John W.R. Schwabe
- Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Biological Chemistry
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9
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Ferrari A, Whang E, Xiao X, Kennelly JP, Romartinez-Alonso B, Mack JJ, Weston T, Chen K, Kim Y, Tol MJ, Bideyan L, Nguyen A, Gao Y, Cui L, Bedard AH, Sandhu J, Lee SD, Fairall L, Williams KJ, Song W, Munguia P, Russell RA, Martin MG, Jung ME, Jiang H, Schwabe JW, Young SG, Tontonoz P. Aster-dependent nonvesicular transport facilitates dietary cholesterol uptake. Science 2023; 382:eadf0966. [PMID: 37943936 PMCID: PMC11073449 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf0966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal absorption is an important contributor to systemic cholesterol homeostasis. Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 (NPC1L1) assists in the initial step of dietary cholesterol uptake, but how cholesterol moves downstream of NPC1L1 is unknown. We show that Aster-B and Aster-C are critical for nonvesicular cholesterol movement in enterocytes. Loss of NPC1L1 diminishes accessible plasma membrane (PM) cholesterol and abolishes Aster recruitment to the intestinal brush border. Enterocytes lacking Asters accumulate PM cholesterol and show endoplasmic reticulum cholesterol depletion. Aster-deficient mice have impaired cholesterol absorption and are protected against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Finally, the Aster pathway can be targeted with a small-molecule inhibitor to manipulate cholesterol uptake. These findings identify the Aster pathway as a physiologically important and pharmacologically tractable node in dietary lipid absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ferrari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emily Whang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xu Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - John P. Kennelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Julia J. Mack
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Thomas Weston
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
| | - Youngjae Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Marcus J. Tol
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lara Bideyan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alexander Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yajing Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Liujuan Cui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alexander H. Bedard
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jaspreet Sandhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephen D. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Louise Fairall
- Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Kevin J. Williams
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Lipidomics Core, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wenxin Song
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Priscilla Munguia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Robert A. Russell
- National Deuteration Facility, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, Australia
| | - Martin G. Martin
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael E. Jung
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haibo Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
| | - John W.R. Schwabe
- Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Stephen G. Young
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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10
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Koh DHZ, Naito T, Na M, Yeap YJ, Rozario P, Zhong FL, Lim KL, Saheki Y. Visualization of accessible cholesterol using a GRAM domain-based biosensor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6773. [PMID: 37880244 PMCID: PMC10600248 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is important for membrane integrity and cell signaling, and dysregulation of the distribution of cellular cholesterol is associated with numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. While regulated transport of a specific pool of cholesterol, known as "accessible cholesterol", contributes to the maintenance of cellular cholesterol distribution and homeostasis, tools to monitor accessible cholesterol in live cells remain limited. Here, we engineer a highly sensitive accessible cholesterol biosensor by taking advantage of the cholesterol-sensing element (the GRAM domain) of an evolutionarily conserved lipid transfer protein, GRAMD1b. Using this cholesterol biosensor, which we call GRAM-W, we successfully visualize in real time the distribution of accessible cholesterol in many different cell types, including human keratinocytes and iPSC-derived neurons, and show differential dependencies on cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake for maintaining levels of accessible cholesterol. Furthermore, we combine GRAM-W with a dimerization-dependent fluorescent protein (ddFP) and establish a strategy for the ultrasensitive detection of accessible plasma membrane cholesterol. These tools will allow us to obtain important insights into the molecular mechanisms by which the distribution of cellular cholesterol is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Hong Zheng Koh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Tomoki Naito
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Minyoung Na
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Yee Jie Yeap
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Pritisha Rozario
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Franklin L Zhong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Kah-Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Yasunori Saheki
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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11
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Ferrari A, Whang E, Xiao X, Kennelly JP, Romartinez-Alonso B, Mack JJ, Weston T, Chen K, Kim Y, Tol MJ, Bideyan L, Nguyen A, Gao Y, Cui L, Bedard AH, Sandhu J, Lee SD, Fairall L, Williams KJ, Song W, Munguia P, Russell RA, Martin MG, Jung ME, Jiang H, Schwabe JWR, Young SG, Tontonoz P. Aster-dependent non-vesicular transport facilitates dietary cholesterol uptake. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.548168. [PMID: 37503112 PMCID: PMC10369906 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal cholesterol absorption is an important contributor to systemic cholesterol homeostasis. Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 (NPC1L1), the target of the drug ezetimibe (EZ), assists in the initial step of dietary cholesterol uptake. However, how cholesterol moves downstream of NPC1L1 is unknown. Here we show that Aster-B and Aster-C are critical for non-vesicular cholesterol movement in enterocytes, bridging NPC1L1 at the plasma membrane (PM) and ACAT2 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Loss of NPC1L1 diminishes accessible PM cholesterol in enterocytes and abolishes Aster recruitment to the intestinal brush border. Enterocytes lacking Asters accumulate cholesterol at the PM and display evidence of ER cholesterol depletion, including decreased cholesterol ester stores and activation of the SREBP-2 transcriptional pathway. Aster-deficient mice have impaired cholesterol absorption and are protected against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Finally, we show that the Aster pathway can be targeted with a small molecule inhibitor to manipulate dietary cholesterol uptake. These findings identify the Aster pathway as a physiologically important and pharmacologically tractable node in dietary lipid absorption. One-Sentence Summary Identification of a targetable pathway for regulation of dietary cholesterol absorption.
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12
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Pfrieger FW. The Niemann-Pick type diseases – A synopsis of inborn errors in sphingolipid and cholesterol metabolism. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 90:101225. [PMID: 37003582 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Disturbances of lipid homeostasis in cells provoke human diseases. The elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and the development of efficient therapies represent formidable challenges for biomedical research. Exemplary cases are two rare, autosomal recessive, and ultimately fatal lysosomal diseases historically named "Niemann-Pick" honoring the physicians, whose pioneering observations led to their discovery. Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) and Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPCD) are caused by specific variants of the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1) or NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 (NPC2) genes that perturb homeostasis of two key membrane components, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, respectively. Patients with severe forms of these diseases present visceral and neurologic symptoms and succumb to premature death. This synopsis traces the tortuous discovery of the Niemann-Pick diseases, highlights important advances with respect to genetic culprits and cellular mechanisms, and exposes efforts to improve diagnosis and to explore new therapeutic approaches.
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13
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Kennelly JP, Tontonoz P. Cholesterol Transport to the Endoplasmic Reticulum. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041263. [PMID: 35940908 PMCID: PMC9899650 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Most cholesterol in mammalian cells is stored in the plasma membrane (PM). Cholesterol transport from the PM to low-sterol regulatory regions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) controls cholesterol synthesis and uptake, and thereby influences the rates of cholesterol flux between tissues of complex organisms. Cholesterol transfer to the ER is also required for steroidogenesis, oxysterol and bile acid synthesis, and cholesterol esterification. The ER-resident Aster proteins (Aster-A, -B, and -C) form contacts with the PM to move cholesterol to the ER in mammals. Mice lacking Aster-B have low adrenal cholesteryl ester stores and impaired steroidogenesis because of a defect in cholesterol transport from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to the ER. This work reviews the molecular characteristics of Asters, their role in HDL- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol movement, and how cholesterol transferred to the ER is utilized by cells. The roles of other lipid transporters and of membrane lipid organization in maintaining aspects of cholesterol homeostasis are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Kennelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biological Chemistry, Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biological Chemistry, Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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14
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Qiu Z, Lin Z, Hu A, Liu Y, Zeng W, Zhao X, Shi X, Luo J, Song B. GRAMD1/ASTER-mediated cholesterol transport promotes Smoothened cholesterylation at the endoplasmic reticulum. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111513. [PMID: 36524353 PMCID: PMC9890235 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in embryonic development. Hh binding to Patched1 (PTCH1) derepresses Smoothened (SMO), thereby activating the downstream signal transduction. Covalent SMO modification by cholesterol in its cysteine-rich domain (CRD) is essential for SMO function. SMO cholesterylation is a calcium-accelerated autoprocessing reaction, and STIM1-ORAI1-mediated store-operated calcium entry promotes cholesterylation and activation of endosome-localized SMO. However, it is unknown whether the Hh-PTCH1 interplay regulates the activity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized SMO. Here, we found that PTCH1 inhibited the COPII-dependent export of SMO from the ER, whereas Hh promoted this process. The RRxWxR amino acid motif in the cytosolic tail of SMO was essential for COPII recognition, ciliary localization, and signal transduction activity. Hh and PTCH1 regulated cholesterol modification of the ER-localized SMO, and SMO cholesterylation accelerated its exit from ER. The GRAMD1/ASTER sterol transport proteins facilitated cholesterol transfer to ER from PM, resulting in increased SMO cholesterylation and enhanced Hh signaling. Collectively, we reveal a regulatory role of GRAMD-mediated cholesterol transport in ER-resident SMO maturation and Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi‐Ping Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zi‐Cun Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ao Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuan‐Bin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Wan‐Er Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xiaolu Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xiong‐Jie Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jie Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Bao‐Liang Song
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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15
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Xiao X, Kennelly JP, Ferrari A, Clifford BL, Whang E, Gao Y, Qian K, Sandhu J, Jarrett KE, Brearley-Sholto MC, Nguyen A, Nagari RT, Lee MS, Zhang S, Weston TA, Young SG, Bensinger SJ, Villanueva CJ, de Aguiar Vallim TQ, Tontonoz P. Hepatic nonvesicular cholesterol transport is critical for systemic lipid homeostasis. Nat Metab 2023; 5:165-181. [PMID: 36646756 PMCID: PMC9995220 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00722-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In cell models, changes in the 'accessible' pool of plasma membrane (PM) cholesterol are linked with the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum sterol synthesis and metabolism by the Aster family of nonvesicular transporters; however, the relevance of such nonvesicular transport mechanisms for lipid homeostasis in vivo has not been defined. Here we reveal two physiological contexts that generate accessible PM cholesterol and engage the Aster pathway in the liver: fasting and reverse cholesterol transport. During fasting, adipose-tissue-derived fatty acids activate hepatocyte sphingomyelinase to liberate sequestered PM cholesterol. Aster-dependent cholesterol transport during fasting facilitates cholesteryl ester formation, cholesterol movement into bile and very low-density lipoprotein production. During reverse cholesterol transport, high-density lipoprotein delivers excess cholesterol to the hepatocyte PM through scavenger receptor class B member 1. Loss of hepatic Asters impairs cholesterol movement into feces, raises plasma cholesterol levels and causes cholesterol accumulation in peripheral tissues. These results reveal fundamental mechanisms by which Aster cholesterol flux contributes to hepatic and systemic lipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John Paul Kennelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alessandra Ferrari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bethan L Clifford
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Whang
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yajing Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Qian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaspreet Sandhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey E Jarrett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Alexander Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rohith T Nagari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Min Sub Lee
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sicheng Zhang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Weston
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen G Young
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven J Bensinger
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claudio J Villanueva
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Q de Aguiar Vallim
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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16
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Bandara S, von Lintig J. Aster la vista: Unraveling the biochemical basis of carotenoid homeostasis in the human retina. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200133. [PMID: 36127289 PMCID: PMC10044510 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoids play pivotal roles in vision as light filters and precursor of chromophore. Many vertebrates also display the colorful pigments as ornaments in bare skin parts and feathers. Proteins involved in the transport and metabolism of these lipids have been identified including class B scavenger receptors and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. Recent research implicates members of the Aster protein family, also known as GRAM domain-containing (GRAMD), in carotenoid metabolism. These multi-domain proteins facilitate the intracellular movement of carotenoids from their site of cellular uptake by scavenger receptors to the site of their metabolic processing by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. We provide a model how the coordinated interplay of these proteins and their differential expression establishes carotenoid distribution patterns and function in tissues, with particular emphasis on the human retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepalika Bandara
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Johannes von Lintig
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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17
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Depta L, Whitmarsh-Everiss T, Laraia L. Structure, function and small molecule modulation of intracellular sterol transport proteins. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 68:116856. [PMID: 35716590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular sterol transport proteins (STPs) are crucial for maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis by regulating local sterol pools. Despite structural similarities in their sterol binding domains, STPs have different substrate specificities, intracellular localisation and biological functions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the determination of STP structures and how this regulates their lipid specificities. Furthermore, we cover the important discoveries relating to the intracellular localisation of STPs, and the organelles between which lipid transport is carried out, giving rise to specific functions in health and disease. Finally, serendipitous and targeted efforts to identify small molecule modulators of STPs, as well as their ability to act as tool compounds and potential therapeutics, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Depta
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Whitmarsh-Everiss
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Luca Laraia
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark.
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18
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Whitmarsh-Everiss T, Olsen AH, Laraia L. Identification of Inhibitors of Cholesterol Transport Proteins Through the Synthesis of a Diverse, Sterol-Inspired Compound Collection. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:26755-26761. [PMID: 34626154 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol transport proteins regulate a vast array of cellular processes including lipid metabolism, vesicular and non-vesicular trafficking, organelle contact sites, and autophagy. Despite their undoubted importance, the identification of selective modulators of this class of proteins has been challenging due to the structural similarities in the cholesterol-binding site. Herein we report a general strategy for the identification of selective inhibitors of cholesterol transport proteins via the synthesis of a diverse sterol-inspired compound collection. Fusion of a primary sterol fragment to an array of secondary privileged scaffolds led to the identification of potent and selective inhibitors of the cholesterol transport protein Aster-C, which displayed a surprising preference for the unnatural-sterol AB-ring stereochemistry and new inhibitors of Aster-A. We propose that this strategy can and should be applied to any therapeutically relevant sterol-binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Whitmarsh-Everiss
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Asger Hegelund Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Luca Laraia
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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19
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Whitmarsh‐Everiss T, Olsen AH, Laraia L. Identification of Inhibitors of Cholesterol Transport Proteins Through the Synthesis of a Diverse, Sterol‐Inspired Compound Collection. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Whitmarsh‐Everiss
- Department of Chemistry Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 2800 Kongens Lyngby Denmark
| | - Asger Hegelund Olsen
- Department of Chemistry Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 2800 Kongens Lyngby Denmark
| | - Luca Laraia
- Department of Chemistry Technical University of Denmark Kemitorvet 207 2800 Kongens Lyngby Denmark
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20
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Griffiths WJ, Wang Y. Sterols, Oxysterols, and Accessible Cholesterol: Signalling for Homeostasis, in Immunity and During Development. Front Physiol 2021; 12:723224. [PMID: 34690800 PMCID: PMC8531217 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.723224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article we discuss the concept of accessible plasma membrane cholesterol and its involvement as a signalling molecule. Changes in plasma membrane accessible cholesterol, although only being minor in the context of total cholesterol plasma membrane cholesterol and total cell cholesterol, are a key regulator of overall cellular cholesterol homeostasis by the SREBP pathway. Accessible cholesterol also provides the second messenger between patched 1 and smoothened in the hedgehog signalling pathway important during development, and its depletion may provide a mechanism of resistance to microbial pathogens including SARS-CoV-2. We revise the hypothesis that oxysterols are a signalling form of cholesterol, in this instance as a rapidly acting and paracrine version of accessible cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuqin Wang
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
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21
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Naito T, Saheki Y. GRAMD1-mediated accessible cholesterol sensing and transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158957. [PMID: 33932585 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol, an essential lipid for cell signaling and structural integrity of cellular membranes, is highly enriched in the plasma membrane (PM). However, the regulatory mechanisms that control its biosynthesis and uptake both reside in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Thus, the ER needs to constantly monitor the levels of PM cholesterol. This is in part mediated by regulated transport of a biochemically defined pool of cholesterol, termed "accessible" cholesterol, from the PM to the ER via evolutionarily conserved ER-anchored lipid transfer proteins, the GRAMD1s/Asters (GRAMD1a/1b/1c) (Lam/Ltc proteins in yeast). GRAMD1s possess cytosolically exposed GRAM domain and StART-like domain followed by a transmembrane ER anchor. They form homo- and hetero-meric complexes and move to the contacts formed between the ER and the PM by sensing a transient expansion of the accessible pool of cholesterol in the PM via the GRAM domain and facilitate its extraction and transport to the ER via the StART-like domain. The GRAMD1b GRAM domain possesses distinct, but synergistic sites, for recognizing accessible cholesterol and anionic lipids, including phosphatidylserine, within the PM. This property of the GRAM domain contributes to regulated tethering of the PM to ER membrane where GRAMD1s are anchored and fine-tunes StART-like domain-dependent accessible cholesterol transport. Thus, cells use GRAMD1s to sense the levels of cholesterol in the PM and regulate transport of accessible PM cholesterol to the ER in order to maintain cholesterol homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Naito
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 308232, Singapore
| | - Yasunori Saheki
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 308232, Singapore; Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan.
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22
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Ikonen E, Zhou X. Cholesterol transport between cellular membranes: A balancing act between interconnected lipid fluxes. Dev Cell 2021; 56:1430-1436. [PMID: 34004151 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol represents the most abundant single lipid in mammalian cells. How its asymmetric distribution between subcellular membranes is achieved and maintained attracts considerable interest. One of the challenges is that cholesterol rarely is transported alone, but rather is coupled with heterotypic transport and metabolism of other lipids, in particular phosphoinositides, phosphatidylserine, and sphingolipids. This perspective summarizes the major exo- and endocytic cholesterol transport routes and how lipid transfer proteins at membrane contacts and membrane transport intersect along these routes. It discusses the co-transport of cholesterol with other lipids in mammalian cells and reviews emerging evidence related to the physiological relevance of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Ikonen
- Department of Anatomy and Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
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Zheng Koh DH, Saheki Y. Regulation of Plasma Membrane Sterol Homeostasis by Nonvesicular Lipid Transport. CONTACT (THOUSAND OAKS (VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.)) 2021; 4:25152564211042451. [PMID: 37366378 PMCID: PMC10259818 DOI: 10.1177/25152564211042451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Sterol contributes to the structural integrity of cellular membranes and plays an important role in the regulation of cell signaling in eukaryotes. It is either produced in the endoplasmic reticulum or taken up from the extracellular environment. In most eukaryotic cells, however, the majority of sterol is enriched in the plasma membrane. Thus, the transport of sterol between the plasma membrane and other organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, is crucial for maintaining sterol homeostasis. While vesicular transport that relies on membrane budding and fusion reactions plays an important role in bulk sterol transport, this mode of transport is slow and non-selective. Growing evidence suggests a critical role of nonvesicular transport mediated by evolutionarily conserved families of lipid transfer proteins in more rapid and selective delivery of sterol. Some lipid transfer proteins act primarily at the sites of contacts formed between the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles or the plasma membrane without membrane fusion. In this review, we describe the similarities and differences of sterol biosynthesis and uptake in mammals and yeast and discuss the role of their lipid transfer proteins in maintaining plasma membrane sterol homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Hong Zheng Koh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Yasunori Saheki
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- Institute of Resource Development and
Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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