Modulation of hormone-sensitive lipase and protein kinase A-mediated lipolysis by perilipin A in an adenoviral reconstituted system

Molecular mechanisms of perilipin protein function in lipid droplet metabolism

Perilipins are abundant lipid droplet (LD) proteins present in all metazoans and also in Amoebozoa and fungi. Humans express five perilipins, which share a similar domain organization: an amino-terminal PAT domain and an 11-mer repeat region, which can fold into amphipathic helices that interact with LDs, followed by a structured carboxy-terminal domain. Variations of this organization that arose during vertebrate evolution allow for functional specialization between perilipins in relation to the metabolic needs of different tissues. We discuss how different features of perilipins influence their interaction with LDs and their cellular targeting. PLIN1 and PLIN5 play a direct role in lipolysis by regulating the recruitment of lipases to LDs and LD interaction with mitochondria. Other perilipins, particularly PLIN2, appear to protect LDs from lipolysis, but the molecular mechanism is not clear. PLIN4 stands out with its long repetitive region, whereas PLIN3 is most widely expressed and is used as a nascent LD marker. Finally, we discuss the genetic variability in perilipins in connection with metabolic disease, prominent for PLIN1 and PLIN4, underlying the importance of understanding the molecular function of perilipins.

2-Bromopalmitate depletes lipid droplets to inhibit viral replication

The global impact of emerging viral infections emphasizes the urgent need for effective broad-spectrum antivirals. The cellular organelle, lipid droplet (LD), is utilized by many types of viruses for replication, but its reduction does not affect cell survival. Therefore, LD is a potential target for developing broad-spectrum antivirals. In this study, we found that 2-bromopalmitate (2 BP), a previously defined palmitoylation inhibitor, depletes LD across all studied cell lines and exerts remarkable antiviral effects on different coronaviruses. We comprehensively utilized 2 BP, alongside other palmitoylation inhibitors such as cerulenin and 2-fluoro palmitic acid (2-FPA), as well as the enhancer palmostatin B and evaluated their impact on LD and the replication of human coronaviruses (hCoV-229E, hCoV-Oc43) and murine hepatitis virus (MHV-A59) at non-cytotoxic concentrations. While cerulenin and 2-FPA exhibited moderate inhibition of viral replication, 2 BP exhibited a much stronger suppressive effect on MHV-A59 replication, although they share similar inhibitory effects on palmitoylation. As expected, palmostatin B significantly enhanced viral replication, it failed to rescue the inhibitory effects of 2 BP, whereas it effectively counteracted the effects of cerulenin and 2-FPA. This suggests that the mechanism that 2 BP used to inhibit viral replication is beyond palmitoylation inhibition. Further investigations unveil that 2 BP uniquely depletes LDs, a phenomenon not exhibited by 2-FPA and cerulenin. Importantly, the depletion of LDs was closely associated with the inhibition of viral replication because the addition of oleic acid to 2 BP significantly rescued LD depletion and its inhibitory effects on MHV-A59. Our findings indicate that the inhibitory effects of 2 BP on viral replication primarily stem from LD disruption rather than palmitoylation inhibition. Intriguingly, fatty acid (FA) assays demonstrated that 2 BP reduces the FA level in mitochondria while concurrently increasing FA levels in the cytoplasm. These results highlight the crucial role of LDs in viral replication and uncover a novel biological activity of 2 BP. These insights contribute to the development of broad-spectrum antiviral strategies.

IMPORTANCE

In our study, we conducted a comparative investigation into the antiviral effects of palmitoylation inhibitors including 2-bromopalmitate (2-BP), 2-fluoro palmitic acid (2-FPA), and cerulenin. Surprisingly, we discovered that 2-BP has superior inhibitory effects on viral replication compared to 2-FPA and cerulenin. However, their inhibitory effects on palmitoylation were the same. Intrigued by this finding, we delved deeper into the underlying mechanism of 2-BP's potent antiviral activity, and we unveiled a novel biological activity of 2-BP: depletion of lipid droplets (LDs). Importantly, we also highlighted the crucial role of LDs in viral replication. Our insights shed new light on the antiviral mechanism of LD depletion paving the way for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral strategies by targeting LDs.

Lipid Droplets: Formation, Degradation, and Their Role in Cellular Responses to Flavivirus Infections

Lipid droplets (LDs) are cellular organelles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), serving as lipid storage sites crucial for maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis. Recent attention has been drawn to their roles in viral replication and their interactions with viruses. However, the precise biological functions of LDs in viral replication and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. To elucidate the interaction between LDs and viruses, it is imperative to comprehend the biogenesis of LDs and their dynamic interactions with other organelles. In this review, we explore the intricate pathways involved in LD biogenies within the cytoplasm, encompassing the uptake of fatty acid from nutrients facilitated by CD36-mediated membranous protein (FABP/FATP)-FA complexes, and FA synthesis via glycolysis in the cytoplasm and the TCL cycle in mitochondria. While LD biogenesis primarily occurs in the ER, matured LDs are intricately linked to multiple organelles. Viral infections can lead to diverse consequences in terms of LD status within cells post-infection, potentially involving the breakdown of LDs through the activation of lipophagy. However, the exact mechanisms underlying LD destruction or accumulation by viruses remain elusive. The significance of LDs in viral replication renders them effective targets for developing broad-spectrum antivirals. Moreover, considering that reducing neutral lipids in LDs is a strategy for anti-obesity treatment, LD depletion may not pose harm to cells. This presents LDs as promising antiviral targets for developing therapeutics that are minimally or non-toxic to the host.

Perilipin 1: a systematic review on its functions on lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis in mice and humans

The function of perilipin 1 in human metabolism was recently highlighted by the description of PLIN1 variants associated with various pathologies. These include severe familial partial lipodystrophy and early onset acute coronary syndrome. Additionally, certain variants have been reported to have a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases. The role of this protein remains controversial in mice and variant interpretation in humans is still conflicting. This literature review has two primary objectives (i) to clarify the function of the PLIN1 gene in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis by examining functional studies performed in cells (adipocytes) and mice and (ii) to understand the impact of PLIN1 variants identified in humans based on the variant's location within the protein and the type of variant (missense or frameshift). To achieve these objectives, we conducted an extensive analysis of the relevant literature on perilipin 1, its function in cellular models and mice, and the consequences of its mutations in humans. We also utilized bioinformatics tools and consulted the Human Genetics Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge Portal to enhance the pathogenicity assessment of PLIN1 missense variants.

ApoL6 associates with lipid droplets and disrupts Perilipin1-HSL interaction to inhibit lipolysis

Adipose tissue stores triacylglycerol (TAG) in lipid droplets (LD) and release fatty acids upon lipolysis during energy shortage. We identify ApoL6 as a LD-associated protein mainly found in adipose tissue, specifically in adipocytes. ApoL6 expression is low during fasting but induced upon feeding. ApoL6 knockdown results in smaller LD with lower TAG content in adipocytes, while ApoL6 overexpression causes larger LD with higher TAG content. We show that the ApoL6 affects adipocytes through inhibition of lipolysis. While ApoL6, Perilipin 1 (Plin1), and HSL can form a complex on LD, C-terminal ApoL6 directly interacts with N-terminal Plin1 to prevent Plin1 binding to HSL, to inhibit lipolysis. Thus, ApoL6 ablation decreases white adipose tissue mass, protecting mice from diet-induced obesity, while ApoL6 overexpression in adipose brings obesity and insulin resistance, making ApoL6 a potential future target against obesity and diabetes.

The Checkpoints of Intestinal Fat Absorption in Obesity

In this chapter, intestinal lipid transport, which plays a central role in fat homeostasis and the development of obesity in addition to the mechanisms of fatty acids and monoacylglycerol absorption in the intestinal lumen and reassembly of these within the enterocyte was described. A part of the resynthesized triglycerides (triacylglycerols; TAG) is repackaged in the intestine to form the hydrophobic core of chylomicrons (CMs). These are delivered as metabolic fuels, essential fatty acids, and other lipid-soluble nutrients, from enterocytes to the peripheral tissues following detachment from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Moreover, the attitudes of multiple receptor functions in dietary lipid uptake, synthesis, and transport are highlighted. Additionally, intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), which increase the cytosolic flux of fatty acids via intermembrane transfer in enterocytes, and the functions of checkpoints for receptor-mediated fatty acid signaling are debated. The importance of the balance between storage and secretion of dietary fat by enterocytes in determining the physiological fate of dietary fat, including regulation of blood lipid concentrations and energy balance, is mentioned. Consequently, promising checkpoints regarding how intestinal fat processing affects lipid homeostatic mechanisms and lipid stores in the body and the prevention of obesity-lipotoxicity due to excessive intestinal lipid absorption are evaluated. In this context, dietary TAG digestion, pharmacological inhibition of TAG hydrolysis, the regulation of long-chain fatty acid uptake traffic into adipocytes, intracellular TAG resynthesis, the enlargement of cytoplasmic lipid droplets in enterocytes and constitutional alteration of their proteome, CD36-mediated conversion of diet-derived fatty acid into cellular lipid messengers and their functions are discussed.

Regulation of lipolysis by 14-3-3 proteins on human adipocyte lipid droplets

Adipocyte lipid droplets (LDs) play a crucial role in systemic lipid metabolism by storing and releasing lipids to meet the organism's energy needs. Hormonal signals such as catecholamines and insulin act on adipocyte LDs, and impaired responsiveness to these signals can lead to uncontrolled lipolysis, lipotoxicity, and metabolic disease. To investigate the mechanisms that control LD function in human adipocytes, we applied proximity labeling mediated by enhanced ascorbate peroxidase (APEX2) to identify the interactome of PLIN1 in adipocytes differentiated from human mesenchymal progenitor cells. We identified 70 proteins that interact specifically with PLIN1, including PNPLA2 and LIPE, which are the primary effectors of regulated triglyceride hydrolysis, and 4 members of the 14-3-3 protein family (YWHAB, YWHAE, YWHAZ, and YWHAG), which are known to regulate diverse signaling pathways. Functional studies showed that YWHAB is required for maximum cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-stimulated lipolysis, as its CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout mitigates lipolysis through a mechanism independent of insulin signaling. These findings reveal a new regulatory mechanism operating in human adipocytes that can impact lipolysis and potentially systemic metabolism.

Coherent Raman scattering microscopy of lipid droplets in cells and tissues

Lipid droplets (LDs) play a key role as the hub for lipid metabolism to maintain cellular metabolic homeostasis. Understanding the functions and changes of LDs in different pathological conditions is crucial for identifying new markers for diagnosis and discovering new targets for treatment. In recent years, coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy has been popularized for the imaging and quantification of LDs in live cells. Compared to spontaneous Raman scattering microscopy, CRS microscopy offers a much higher imaging speed while maintaining similar chemical information. Due to the high lipid density, LDs usually have strong CRS signals and therefore are the most widely studied organelle in the CRS field. In this review, we discuss recent achievements using CRS to study the quantity, distribution, composition, and dynamics of LDs in various systems.

Lipid Droplet Protein PLIN1 Regulates Inflammatory Polarity in Human Macrophages and is Involved in Atherosclerotic Plaque Development by Promoting Stable Lipid Storage

AIM

Perilipins (PLINs), peripheral lipid droplet (LD) proteins, play important roles in lipid accumulation and maturation in adipocytes. The relationship between PLIN family proteins and macrophage polarization in atherosclerosis has not been elucidated.

METHODS

The experiments used tissues from human arteries of 65 patients who had undergone a carotid endarterectomy, and cultured macrophages generated from healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

RESULTS

Plaque immunohistochemistry demonstrated co-expression of PLIN1 and PLIN2 in both symptomatic (n=31) and asymptomatic patients (n=34). PLIN2 mRNA expression increased 3.38-fold in the symptomatic group compared with those from asymptomatic. PLIN1 was not expressed on small LDs at a shorter incubation but was on large LDs at longer incubation with oxidized LDL and VLDL, while PLIN2 was observed after 24 h and increased with a longer incubation in cultured M1 macrophage. In M2 macrophages, PLIN1 was seen as early as 24 h following incubation with VLDL, and LD size increased with longer incubation. PLIN1 overexpression increased the size of LDs in M1 macrophages, even after a short incubation, and reduced the RNA expression of TNFA, MMP2, ABCA1, and ABCG1 versus the M1 control. Conversely, silencing of PLIN1 in M2 macrophages had the opposite effects on LD size and RNA expression.

CONCLUSION

There was a relationship between macrophage polarity, cytosolic LD size, and PLIN1/PLIN2 expression levels. PLIN2 was mainly expressed in arterial plaques in symptomatic stroke patients, and associated with the inflammatory phenotype of human macrophages, while PLIN1 expression is closely associated with plaque stability and the anti-inflammatory phenotype.

Cinnamon extract improves abnormalities in glucose tolerance by decreasing Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family 1 expression in adipocytes

We previously demonstrated that cinnamon extract (CE) alleviates streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes in rats. The present study aimed to elucidate the detailed molecular target of cinnamon in cultured adipocytes and epididymal adipose tissue of type 2 diabetes model mice. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was employed to determine the molecular target of cinnamon in adipocytes. The function of Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family-1 (ACSL1), a molecular target of cinnamon that was identified in this study, was further investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using specific inhibitors. Type 2 diabetes model mice (KK-Ay/TaJcl) were used to investigate the effect of CE on glucose tolerance, ACSL1 expression, and related signal molecules in vivo. CE decreased ACSL1 mRNA and protein expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes but increased glucose uptake and AMPK signaling activation; moreover, a similar effect was observed with an ACSL1 inhibitor. CE improved glucose tolerance and downregulated ACSL1 in mice adipose tissue in vivo. ACSL1 was demonstrated as a molecular target of CE in type 2 diabetes both in a cell culture system and diabetic mouse model.

Transcript variants of long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 1 have distinct roles in sheep lipid metabolism

Mutton has recently been identified to be a consumer favorite, and intermuscular fat is the key factor in determining meat tenderness. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) is a vital subtype of the ACSL family that is involved in the synthesis of lipids from acyl-CoA and the oxidation of fatty acids. The amplification of the ACSL1 gene using rapid amplification of cDNA ends revealed that the alternative polyadenylation (APA) results in two transcripts of the ACSL1 gene. Exon 18 had premature termination, resulting in a shorter CDS region. In this study, the existence of two transcripts of varying lengths translated normally and designated ACSL1-a and ACSL1-b was confirmed. Overexpression of ACSL1-a can promote the synthesis of an intracellular diglyceride, while ACSL1-b can promote triglyceride synthesis. The transfection of ACSL1 shRNA knocks down both the transcripts, the triglyceride content was significantly reduced after differentiation and induction; and lipidome sequencing results exhibited a significant decrease in 14-22 carbon triglyceride metabolites. The results of the present study indicated that the ACSL1 gene played a crucial role in the synthesis of triglycerides. Furthermore, the two transcripts involved in various interactions in the triglyceride synthesis process may be the topic of interest for future research and provide a more theoretical basis for sheep breeding.

Lipid Droplet Formation Is Regulated by Ser/Thr Phosphatase PPM1D via Dephosphorylation of Perilipin 1

Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of white adipocytes induce obesity, leading to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and even cancer. Hypertrophy of white adipocytes is attributed to the excessive storage of the energy form of triglycerides in lipid droplets (LDs). LDs are fat storage organelles that maintain whole-body energy homeostasis. It is important to understand the mechanism of LD formation for the development of obesity therapy; however, the regulatory mechanisms of LD size and formation are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that the PPM family phosphatase PPM1D regulates LD formation. PPM1D specific inhibitor, SL-176 significantly decreased LD formation via two different pathways: dependent of and independent of adipocyte-differentiation processes. In the mature white adipocytes after differentiation, LD formation was found to be controlled by PPM1D via dephosphorylation of Ser511 of perilipin 1. We found that inhibition of PPM1D in mature white adipocytes significantly reduced the size of the LDs via dephosphorylation of Ser511 of perilipin 1 but did not change the lipolysis sensitivity and the total amount of lipid in cells. Collectively, the results of this study provide evidence that PPM1D plays an important role in LD formation in mature adipocytes.

Emerging Roles of Lipophagy in Cancer Metastasis

Simple Summary

Metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with malignant tumors worldwide. Mounting evidence suggests lipid droplet metabolism is involved in the process of metastasis. As a mechanism to selectively degrade lipid droplets, the current research on lipophagy and tumor metastasis is quite limited. This review summarizes the crosstalk among lipophagy, tumor lipid metabolism and cancer metastasis, which will provide a new reference for the development of effective targeted drugs.

Abstract

Obesity is a prominent risk factor for certain types of tumor progression. Adipocytes within tumor stroma contribute to reshaping tumor microenvironment (TME) and the metabolism and metastasis of tumors through the production of cytokines and adipokines. However, the crosstalk between adipocytes and tumor cells remains a major gap in this field. Known as a subtype of selective autophagy, lipophagy is thought to contribute to lipid metabolism by breaking down intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) and generating free fatty acids (FAs). The metastatic potential of cancer cells closely correlates with the lipid degradation mechanisms, which are required for energy generation, signal transduction, and biosynthesis of membranes. Here, we discuss the recent advance in the understanding of lipophagy with tumor lipid metabolism and review current studies on the roles of lipoghagy in the metastasis of certain human malignancies. Additionally, the novel candidate drugs targeting lipophagy are integrated for effective treatment strategies.

RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals the Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Puerarin on Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Heat-Stressed Beef Cattle

To investigate the effect of Puerarin on intramuscular fat deposition in heat-stressed beef cattle and its underlying mechanism. Thirty-two healthy Jinjiang bulls were randomly divided into four groups and dietary with 0 (Control), 200 (Pue200), 400 (Pue400), and 800 (Pue800) mg/kg Puerarin in the feed concentrate. The results showed that Puerarin treatment enhanced the concentration of crude fat, fatty acid (C14:1 and C17:1), and the activity of fatty acid synthase in Longissimus thoracis (LT), but decreased the levels of blood leptin (P < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing of mRNA technology (RNA-Seq) was used and the analysis showed that 492 genes were down-regulated and 341 genes were up-regulated in LT, and these genes were significantly enriched to the pathways related to lipid metabolism. These results indicated that dietary supplemental with Puerarin enhanced intramuscular fat deposition by regulating lipid metabolism of heat-stressed beef cattle.

The effect of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase on lipolysis in adipose tissue: an historical and comprehensive review

CONTEXT

Lipolysis is one of the most important pathways for energy management, its control in the adipose tissue (AT) is a potential therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. Adenosine Mono Phosphate-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) is a key regulatory enzyme in lipids metabolism and a potential target for diabetes and obesity treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to analyse the existing information on the relationship of AMPK and lipolysis in the AT.

METHODS

A thorough search of bibliography was performed in the databases Scopus and Web of Knowledge using the terms lipolysis, adipose tissue, and AMPK, the unrelated publications were excluded, and the documents were analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty-three works were found and classified in 3 categories: inhibitory effects, stimulatory effect, and diverse relationships; remarkably, the newest researches support an upregulating relationship of AMPK over lipolysis.

CONCLUSION

The most probable reality is that the relationship AMPK-lipolysis depends on the experimental conditions.

A Decade of Mighty Lipophagy: What We Know and What Facts We Need to Know?

Lipids are integral cellular components that act as substrates for energy provision, signaling molecules, and essential constituents of biological membranes along with a variety of other biological functions. Despite their significance, lipid accumulation may result in lipotoxicity, impair autophagy, and lysosomal function that may lead to certain diseases and metabolic syndromes like obesity and even cell death. Therefore, these lipids are continuously recycled and redistributed by the process of selective autophagy specifically termed as lipophagy. This selective form of autophagy employs lysosomes for the maintenance of cellular lipid homeostasis. In this review, we have reviewed the current literature about how lipid droplets (LDs) are recruited towards lysosomes, cross-talk between a variety of autophagy receptors present on LD surface and lysosomes, and lipid hydrolysis by lysosomal enzymes. In addition to it, we have tried to answer most of the possible questions related to lipophagy regulation at different levels. Moreover, in the last part of this review, we have discussed some of the pathological states due to the accumulation of these LDs and their possible treatments under the light of currently available findings.

Perilipin 5 S155 phosphorylation by PKA is required for the control of hepatic lipid metabolism and glycemic control

Perilipin 5 (PLIN5) is a lipid-droplet-associated protein that coordinates intracellular lipolysis in highly oxidative tissues and is thought to regulate lipid metabolism in response to phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA). We sought to identify PKA phosphorylation sites in PLIN5 and assess their functional relevance in cultured cells and the livers of mice. We detected phosphorylation on S155 and identified S155 as a functionally important site for lipid metabolism. Expression of phosphorylation-defective PLIN5 S155A in Plin5 null cells resulted in decreased rates of lipolysis and triglyceride-derived fatty acid oxidation. FLIM-FRET analysis of protein-protein interactions showed that PLIN5 S155 phosphorylation regulates PLIN5 interaction with adipose triglyceride lipase at the lipid droplet, but not with α-β hydrolase domain-containing 5. Re-expression of PLIN5 S155A in the liver of Plin5 liver-specific null mice reduced lipolysis compared with wild-type PLIN5 re-expression, but was not associated with other changes in hepatic lipid metabolism. Furthermore, glycemic control was impaired in mice with expression of PLIN5 S155A compared with mice expressing PLIN5. Together, these studies demonstrate that PLIN5 S155 is required for PKA-mediated lipolysis and builds on the body of evidence demonstrating a critical role for PLIN5 in coordinating lipid and glucose metabolism.

Lipodistrophy: a paradigm for understanding the consequences of "overloading" adipose tissue

Lipodystrophies have been recognized since at least the nineteenth century and, despite their rarity, tended to attract considerable medical attention because of the severity and somewhat paradoxical nature of the associated metabolic disease that so closely mimics that of obesity. Within the last 20 yr most of the monogenic subtypes have been characterized, facilitating family genetic screening and earlier disease detection as well as providing important insights into adipocyte biology and the systemic consequences of impaired adipocyte function. Even more recently, compelling genetic studies have suggested that subtle partial lipodystrophy is likely to be a major factor in prevalent insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), justifying the longstanding interest in these disorders. This progress has also underpinned novel approaches to treatment that, in at least some patients, can be of considerable therapeutic benefit.

Adipocyte lipolysis: from molecular mechanisms of regulation to disease and therapeutics

Fatty acids (FAs) are stored safely in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) in lipid droplet (LD) organelles by professional storage cells called adipocytes. These lipids are mobilized during adipocyte lipolysis, the fundamental process of hydrolyzing TAG to FAs for internal or systemic energy use. Our understanding of adipocyte lipolysis has greatly increased over the past 50 years from a basic enzymatic process to a dynamic regulatory one, involving the assembly and disassembly of protein complexes on the surface of LDs. These dynamic interactions are regulated by hormonal signals such as catecholamines and insulin which have opposing effects on lipolysis. Upon stimulation, patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 2 (PNPLA2)/adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the rate limiting enzyme for TAG hydrolysis, is activated by the interaction with its co-activator, alpha/beta hydrolase domain-containing protein 5 (ABHD5), which is normally bound to perilipin 1 (PLIN1). Recently identified negative regulators of lipolysis include G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2) and PNPLA3 which interact with PNPLA2 and ABHD5, respectively. This review focuses on the dynamic protein-protein interactions involved in lipolysis and discusses some of the emerging concepts in the control of lipolysis that include allosteric regulation and protein turnover. Furthermore, recent research demonstrates that many of the proteins involved in adipocyte lipolysis are multifunctional enzymes and that lipolysis can mediate homeostatic metabolic signals at both the cellular and whole-body level to promote inter-organ communication. Finally, adipocyte lipolysis is involved in various diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, and targeting adipocyte lipolysis is of therapeutic interest.

Proteome and Phosphoproteome Analysis of Brown Adipocytes Reveals That RICTOR Loss Dampens Global Insulin/AKT Signaling

Stimulating brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity represents a promising therapy for overcoming metabolic diseases. mTORC2 is important for regulating BAT metabolism, but its downstream targets have not been fully characterized. In this study, we apply proteomics and phosphoproteomics to investigate the downstream effectors of mTORC2 in brown adipocytes. We compare wild-type controls to isogenic cells with an induced knockout of the mTORC2 subunit RICTOR (Rictor-iKO) by stimulating each with insulin for a 30-min time course. In Rictor-iKO cells, we identify decreases to the abundance of glycolytic and de novo lipogenesis enzymes, and increases to mitochondrial proteins as well as a set of proteins known to increase upon interferon stimulation. We also observe significant differences to basal phosphorylation because of chronic RICTOR loss including decreased phosphorylation of the lipid droplet protein perilipin-1 in Rictor-iKO cells, suggesting that RICTOR could be involved with regulating basal lipolysis or droplet dynamics. Finally, we observe mild dampening of acute insulin signaling response in Rictor-iKO cells, and a subset of AKT substrates exhibiting statistically significant dependence on RICTOR.

Effect of Divergent Selection for Intramuscular Fat Content on Muscle Lipid Metabolism in Chickens

Simple Summary

Intramuscular fat is an important factor affecting meat quality and consumer acceptance. Appropriate increases in the intramuscular fat content contribute to the improvement of meat quality, and genetic selection is an effective method to increase the intramuscular fat content in chickens. In this study, chicken lines divergently selected for their intramuscular fat content were used to investigate the mechanisms behind differential intramuscular fat deposition. These results found in this study may contribute to the improvement of meat quality in chickens.

Abstract

Intramuscular fat (IMF)—an important factor affecting meat quality—can be appropriately increased by genetic selection. Chicken lines divergently selected for IMF content were used in this study to investigate the mechanisms behind differential IMF deposition. Sixty 15th generation chickens were genotyped using the IASCHICK 55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. After quality control, 59 chickens and 36,893 SNPs were available for subsequent analysis. Population structure assessment indicated that the lines were genetically differentiated. Based on the top 1% paired fixation index values, three pathways were significantly (p < 0.05) enriched, and nine genes were considered candidate genes for differential IMF deposition. Differences between the lines in the expressions of representative genes involved in the above pathways were detected in 16th generation chickens. This study suggests that genetic selection for increased IMF in the pectoralis major muscle may enhance fatty acid synthesis, transport, and esterification, and reduce triglyceride hydrolysis. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation pathway may have contributed to the differences in IMF deposition between the lines. These results contribute to the understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind IMF deposition, and the improvement of chicken meat quality.

Childhood Obesity Risk in Relationship to Perilipin 1 (PLIN1) Gene Regulation by Circulating microRNAs

Childhood obesity is a growing public health burden in many countries. The lipid perilipin 1 (PLIN1) gene is involved in regulation of lipolysis, and thus represents a viable candidate mechanism for obesity genetics research in children. In addition, the regulation of candidate gene expression by circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) offers a new research venue for diagnostic innovation. We report new findings on associations among circulating miRNAs, regulation of the PLIN1 gene, and susceptibility to childhood obesity. In a sample of 135 unrelated subjects, 35 children with obesity (between ages 3 and 13) and 100 healthy controls (between ages 4 and 16), we examined the expression levels of four candidate miRNAs (hsa-miR-4777-3p, hsa-miR-642b-3p, hsa-miR-3671-1, and hsa-miR-551b-2) targeting the PLIN1 as measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction in whole blood samples. We found that the full genetic model, including the four candidate miRNAs and the PLIN1 gene, explained a statistically significant 12.7% of the variance in childhood obesity risk (p = 0.0034). The four miRNAs together explained 10.1% of the risk (p = 0.008). The percentage of variation in childhood obesity risk explained by hsa-miR-642b-3p and age was 19%. In accordance with biological polarity of the observed association, for example, hsa-miR-642b-3p was upregulated, while the PLIN1 expression decreased in obese participants compared to healthy controls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical association study of these candidate miRNAs targeting the PLIN1 in childhood obesity. These data offer new molecular leads for future clinical biomarker and diagnostic discovery for childhood obesity.

Hibernation induces widespread transcriptional remodeling in metabolic tissues of the grizzly bear

Revealing the mechanisms underlying the reversible physiology of hibernation could have applications to both human and animal health as hibernation is often associated with disease-like states. The present study uses RNA-sequencing to reveal the tissue and seasonal transcriptional changes occurring in grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis). Comparing hibernation to other seasons, bear adipose has a greater number of differentially expressed genes than liver and skeletal muscle. During hyperphagia, adipose has more than 900 differentially expressed genes compared to active season. Hibernation is characterized by reduced expression of genes associated with insulin signaling, muscle protein degradation, and urea production, and increased expression within muscle protein anabolic pathways. Across all three tissues we find a subset of shared differentially expressed genes, some of which are uncharacterized, that together may reflect a common regulatory mechanism. The identified gene families could be useful for developing novel therapeutics to treat human and animal diseases.

Manduca sexta Perilipin 1B: A new PLIN1 isoform linked to fat storage prior to pupation

Perilipins (PLINs) are proteins that associate with lipid droplets (LDs) and play roles in the control of triglycerides (TG) metabolism. Two types of PLINs - 1 and 2- occur in insects. Following previous work on MsPLIN1A (a 42 kDa protein formerly called MsLsd1), here we report a new PLIN1 isoform, MsPLIN1B. MsPLIN1B cDNA was cloned and the 1835bp cDNA contains an ORF encoding a 47.9 kDa protein whose expression was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Alternative transcripts A and B, which differ in the alternative use of exon 1, were the most abundant PLIN1 transcripts in the fat body. These transcripts encode nearly identical proteins except that the B isoform contains 59 additional residues in its amino terminus. No conserved domain was identified in the extra region of MsPLIN1B. The novel PLIN1 isoform is found in lepidopteran species. In Manduca, PLIN1B was expressed only in the 5th instar larva and its levels correlated with fat storage. Furthermore, PLIN1B levels increased with the fat content of the diet in insects of the same age confirming a direct relationship between PLIN1B and TG storage irrespective of development. The nutritional status impacted PLIN1B levels, which decreased in starvation and increased with subsequent re-feeding. Altogether data support a link between PLIN1B and TG storage in caterpillars prior to pupation. The combined findings suggest distinct roles for PLIN1A, PLIN1B and PLIN2. MsPLIN1A abundance correlates with mobilization of TG stores, MsPLIN2 with the synthesis of new LDs and MsPLIN1B abundance correlates with high levels of TG storage and large LD sizes at the end of the last feeding period.

LSD-2 dysfunction induces dFoxO-dependent cell death in the wing of Drosophila melanogaster

Lipid storage droplet-2 (LSD-2) of Drosophila melanogaster is a member of the lipid storage droplet membrane surface-binding protein family. LSD-2 is detected in many specific tissues: germline precursor cells, fat body, and is associated with lipid metabolism, lipid storage, and regulation of lipid droplet transport. However, the roles of this gene in development remain unclear. To investigate these functions, we performed tissue-specific knockdown of Lsd-2 in Drosophila using the combination of GAL4/UAS system and RNAi. Here we report that the knockdown of Lsd-2 in the wing led to abnormal wing phenotype and cell death in the wing pouch of 3^rd-instar larvae, suggesting an essential role of Lsd-2 in development of the Drosophila wing. This function of Lsd-2 is dependent on the transcription factor dFoxO, as dFoxO depletion suppresses cell death and the abnormal wing pattern formation induced by Lsd-2-knockdown. Furthermore, Lsd-2-knockdown up-regulated the expression of the dFoxO transcription target reaper, which constitutes a pro-apoptosis gene. This study provides the first evidence that Lsd-2-knockdown causes cell death mediated by dfoxO.

OPA1-anchored PKA phosphorylates perilipin 1 on S522 and S497 in adipocytes differentiated from human adipose stem cells

Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) is the A-kinase anchoring protein targeting the pool of protein kinase A (PKA) responsible for perilipin 1 phosphorylation, a gatekeeper for lipolysis. However, the involvement of OPA1-bound PKA in the downstream regulation of lipolysis is unknown. Here we show up-regulation and relocation of OPA1 from mitochondria to lipid droplets during adipocytic differentiation of human adipose stem cells. We employed various biochemical and immunological approaches to demonstrate that OPA1-bound PKA phosphorylates perilipin 1 at S522 and S497 on lipolytic stimulation. We show that the first 30 amino acids of OPA1 are essential for its lipid droplet localization as is OMA1-dependent processing. Finally, our results indicate that presence of OPA1 is necessary for lipolytic phosphorylation of downstream targets. Our results show for the first time, to our knowledge, how OPA1 mediates adrenergic control of lipolysis in human adipocytes by regulating phosphorylation of perilipin 1.

Overexpression of perilipin1 protects against atheroma progression in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Perilipin1 (PLIN1), a lipid droplet-associated protein, plays an important role in the regulation of lipolysis and lipid storage in adipocytes. PLIN1 has recently been reported to be expressed in macrophages within atheroma plaques, suggesting PLIN1 may play a role in the accumulation of lipids at the arterial wall and in the development of atherosclerosis. To clarify the role of PLIN1 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, we assessed the progression of atherosclerosis in PLIN1 transgenic mice (Plin1Tg).

METHODS

Plin1Tg were crossed with apolipoprotein E knockout mice (ApoeKO). C57BL/6J mice, ApoeKO and Plin1Tg/ApoeKO received a normal chow diet for 20 weeks. Body weight, gonadal fat mass and plasma lipid concentrations were measured. Aortas were collected for quantification of atheroma lesions and histological analysis by Oil Red O staining.

RESULTS

Body weight, gonadal adipose mass and plasma triglyceride concentrations were not significantly different among the three groups. In contrast, the atherosclerotic lesion area was significantly increased in ApoeKO (14.2 ± 3.2%; p < .01) compared with C57BL/6J mice (3.3 ± 1.2%) and Plin1Tg/ApoeKO (5.6 ± 1.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpressed PLIN1 in macrophages had a protected role against atheroma progression in ApoeKO in the absence of changes in gonadal fat mass or plasma lipid levels, presumably due to modification of the stability and/or inflammatory profile of macrophages.

Pycnogenol® Induces Browning of White Adipose Tissue through the PKA Signaling Pathway in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) have received considerable recognition because of their potential protective effect against obesity. Pycnogenol (PYC), extracted from French maritime pine bark, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can improve lipid profiles. However, the effect of PYC on obesity has never been explored. In this study, we investigated the effects of PYC on obesity and WAT browning in apolipoprotein E- (ApoE-) deficient mice. The results showed that PYC treatment clearly reversed body weight and the mass of eWAT gain resulting from a high-cholesterol and high-fat diet (HCD), but no difference in food intake. The morphology results showed that the size of the adipocytes in the PYC-treated mice was obviously smaller than that in the HCD-fed mice. Next, we found that PYC upregulated the expression of genes related to lipolysis (ATGL and HSL), while it decreased the mRNA level of PLIN1. PYC significantly increased the expression of UCP1 and other genes related to beige adipogenesis. Additionally, PYC increased the expression of proteins related to the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. The findings suggested that PYC decreased obesity by promoting lipolysis and WAT browning. Thus, PYC may be a novel therapeutic target for obesity.

Visualization of lipid directed dynamics of perilipin 1 in human primary adipocytes

Perilipin 1 is a lipid droplet coating protein known to regulate lipid metabolism in adipocytes by serving as a physical barrier as well as a recruitment site for lipases to the lipid droplet. Phosphorylation of perilipin 1 by protein kinase A rapidly initiates lipolysis, but the detailed mechanism on how perilipin 1 controls lipolysis is unknown. Here, we identify specific lipid binding properties of perilipin 1 that regulate the dynamics of lipolysis in human primary adipocytes. Cellular imaging combined with biochemical and biophysical analyses demonstrate that perilipin 1 specifically binds to cholesteryl esters, and that their dynamic properties direct segregation of perilipin 1 into topologically distinct micro domains on the lipid droplet. Together, our data points to a simple unifying mechanism that lipid assembly and segregation control lipolysis in human primary adipocytes.

Apolipoprotein A5 regulates intracellular triglyceride metabolism in adipocytes

It has previously been demonstrated that apolipoprotein A5 (apoA5) can be internalized by human adipocytes and significantly decreases intracellular triglyceride content. In the present study, endocytosis of apoA5 by adipocytes under different conditions, and the underlying mechanism by which apoA5 regulates cellular triglyceride storage, was investigated. The results revealed that the apoA5 protein was detected in human subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissues. In addition, the uptake of apoA5 was attenuated in human obese adipose tissues and in cultured adipocytes with hypertrophy or insulin resistance. Low-density lipoprotein receptor protein 1 (LRP1) knockdown in adipocytes resulted in a decrease in internalized apoA5 content, suggesting that LRP1 serves a role in apoA5 uptake. Treatment of adipocytes with apoA5 decreased the expression of the lipid droplet-associated proteins such as cidec and perilipin. ApoA5-treated adipocytes demonstrated an increase in lipolysis activity and expression of uncoupling protein 1, which is the molecular effector of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. These results suggested that decreased triglyceride accumulation in adipocytes induced by apoA5 may be associated with enhanced lipolysis and energy expenditure, which may result from reduced expression of cidec and perilipin. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a novel role of apoA5 in regulating the intracellular triglyceride metabolism of adipocytes. The results of the present study suggested that apoA5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and its related disorders.

Epigenetic Regulation of PLIN 1 in Obese Women and its Relation to Lipolysis

Increased adipocyte lipolysis links obesity to insulin resistance. The lipid droplet coating-protein Perilipin participates in regulation of lipolysis and is implicated in obesity. In the present study we investigate epigenetic regulation of the PLIN1 gene by correlating PLIN1 CpG methylation to gene expression and lipolysis, and functionally evaluating PLIN1 promoter methylation. PLIN1 CpG methylation in adipocytes and gene expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) was quantified in two cohorts by array. Basal lipolysis in WAT explants and adipocytes was quantified by measuring glycerol release. CpG-methylation of the PLIN1 promoter in adipocytes from obese women was higher as compared to never-obese women. PLIN1 promoter methylation was inversely correlated with PLIN1 mRNA expression and the lipolytic activity. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) differentiated in vitro into adipocytes and harboring methylated PLIN1 promoter displayed decreased reporter gene activity as compared to hMSCs harboring unmethylated promoter. Treatment of hMSCs differentiated in vitro into adipocytes with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor increased levels of PLIN1 mRNA and protein. In conclusion, the PLIN1 gene is epigenetically regulated and promoter methylation is inversely correlated with basal lipolysis in women suggesting that epigenetic regulation of PLIN1 is important for increased adipocyte lipolysis in insulin resistance states.

Critical roles for α/β hydrolase domain 5 (ABHD5)/comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) at the lipid droplet interface and beyond

Mutations in the gene encoding comparative gene identification 58 (CGI-58), also known as α β hydrolase domain-containing 5 (ABHD5), cause neutral lipid storage disorder with ichthyosis (NLSDI). This inborn error in metabolism is characterized by ectopic accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAG) within cytoplasmic lipid droplets in multiple cell types. Studies over the past decade have clearly demonstrated that CGI-58 is a potent regulator of TAG hydrolysis in the disease-relevant cell types. However, despite the reproducible genetic link between CGI-58 mutations and TAG storage, the molecular mechanisms by which CGI-58 regulates TAG hydrolysis are still incompletely understood. It is clear that CGI-58 can regulate TAG hydrolysis by activating the major TAG hydrolase adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), yet CGI-58 can also regulate lipid metabolism via mechanisms that do not involve ATGL. This review highlights recent progress made in defining the physiologic and biochemical function of CGI-58, and its broader role in energy homeostasis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent Advances in Lipid Droplet Biology edited by Rosalind Coleman and Matthijs Hesselink.

The perilipin family of lipid droplet proteins: Gatekeepers of intracellular lipolysis

Lipid droplets in chordates are decorated by two or more members of the perilipin family of lipid droplet surface proteins. The perilipins sequester lipids by protecting lipid droplets from lipase action. Their relative expression and protective nature is adapted to the balance of lipid storage and utilization in specific cells. Most cells of the body have tiny lipid droplets with perilipins 2 and 3 at the surfaces, whereas specialized fat-storing cells with larger lipid droplets also express perilipins 1, 4, and/or 5. Perilipins 1, 2, and 5 modulate lipolysis by controlling the access of lipases and co-factors of lipases to substrate lipids stored within lipid droplets. Although perilipin 2 is relatively permissive to lipolysis, perilipins 1 and 5 have distinct control mechanisms that are altered by phosphorylation. Here we evaluate recent progress toward understanding functions of the perilipins with a focus on their role in regulating lipolysis and autophagy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent Advances in Lipid Droplet Biology edited by Rosalind Coleman and Matthijs Hesselink.

Lipid Droplets in Health and Disease

Lipids are essential building blocks synthesized by complex molecular pathways and deposited as lipid droplets (LDs) in cells. LDs are evolutionary conserved organelles found in almost all organisms, from bacteria to mammals. They are composed of a hydrophobic neutral lipid core surrounding by a phospholipid monolayer membrane with various decorating proteins. Degradation of LDs provide metabolic energy for divergent cellular processes such as membrane synthesis and molecular signaling. Lipolysis and autophagy are two main catabolic pathways of LDs, which regulate lipid metabolism and, thereby, closely engaged in many pathological conditons. In this review, we first provide an overview of the current knowledge on the structural properties and the biogenesis of LDs. We further focus on the recent findings of their catabolic mechanism by lipolysis and autophagy as well as their connection ragarding the regulation and function. Moreover, we discuss the relevance of LDs and their catabolism-dependent pathophysiological conditions.

Mild mitochondrial uncoupling induces HSL/ATGL-independent lipolysis relying on a form of autophagy in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Obesity is characterized by an excessive triacylglycerol accumulation in white adipocytes. Various mechanisms allowing the tight regulation of triacylglycerol storage and mobilization by lipid droplet-associated proteins as well as lipolytic enzymes have been identified. Increasing energy expenditure by inducing a mild uncoupling of mitochondria in adipocytes might represent a putative interesting anti-obesity strategy as it reduces the adipose tissue triacylglycerol content (limiting alterations caused by cell hypertrophy) by stimulating lipolysis through yet unknown mechanisms, limiting the adverse effects of adipocyte hypertrophy. Herein, the molecular mechanisms involved in lipolysis induced by a mild uncoupling of mitochondria in white 3T3-L1 adipocytes were characterized. Mitochondrial uncoupling-induced lipolysis was found to be independent from canonical pathways that involve lipolytic enzymes such as HSL and ATGL. Finally, enhanced lipolysis in response to mitochondrial uncoupling relies on a form of autophagy as lipid droplets are captured by endolysosomal vesicles. This new mechanism of triacylglycerol breakdown in adipocytes exposed to mild uncoupling provides new insights on the biology of adipocytes dealing with mitochondria forced to dissipate energy.

Effects of High-Fat Feeding on Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression in Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats

In the present report, we examined the responses of diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats fed either a standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) from weaning to 20 weeks of age. This comparison included gene expression profiling of skeletal muscle using Affymetrix gene array chips. The expression profiling is interpreted within the context of a wide array of physiological measurements. Genes whose expressions are different between the 2 strains regardless of diet, as well as genes that differ between strains only with HFD, were identified. In addition, genes that were regulated by diet in 1 or both strains were identified. The results suggest that both strains respond to HFD by an increased capacity to oxidize lipid fuels in the musculature but that this adaptation occurs more rapidly in WKY rats. The results also demonstrated an impaired cytokine signalling and heightened inflammatory status in the GK rats.

Clues on the function of Manduca sexta perilipin 2 inferred from developmental and nutrition-dependent changes in its expression

Cellular triglycerides (TG) are stored in cytosolic lipid droplets (LDs). Perilipins (PLIN) are a group of LD-proteins that play important roles in the assembly and transport of LDs and in TG metabolism. Two members of the PLIN family are found in insects (PLIN1 & 2 or Lsd1 & 2). We have cloned and expressed Manduca sexta PLIN2 (MsPLIN2), and studied developmental and nutritional changes in the expression of PLIN2. Nutritional changes induced fast alterations in PLIN2 mRNA and protein levels in fat body and midgut of the feeding larvae. The relationship observed between PLIN2 expression and TG synthesis in both larval fat body and midgut suggests that PLIN2 is needed when tissues are accumulating TG. However, when the fat body was storing TG at maximal capacity, MsPLIN2 levels declined. This unexpected finding suggests the occurrence of alternative mechanism/s to shield TG from the action of lipases in M. sexta LDs. In addition, it implies that the cellular level of lipid storage could be modulating MsPLIN2 expression and/or degradation. The study also confirmed that MsPLIN2 was most abundant in the adult fat body, which is characterized by a high rate of TG hydrolysis and lipid mobilization. Whether MsPLIN2 is directly involved in lipolysis and/or the secretion of lipids in the fat body of adult of M. sexta is unknown at this time. Nonetheless, the coexistence of high PLIN2 and lipolysis levels suggests a complex role for MsPLIN2. Altogether, we found that MsPLIN2 is needed when the synthesis of glycerides, DG and TG, is active even if the insect is accumulating or consuming TG.

Amber Light (590 nm) Induces the Breakdown of Lipid Droplets through Autophagy-Related Lysosomal Degradation in Differentiated Adipocytes

Lipolysis in the adipocytes provides free fatty acids for other tissues in response to the energy demand. With the rapid increase in obesity-related diseases, finding novel stimuli or mechanisms that regulate lipid metabolism becomes important. We examined the effects of visible light (410, 457, 505, 530, 590, and 660 nm) irradiation on lipolysis regulation in adipocytes differentiated from human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Interestingly, 590 nm (amber) light irradiation significantly reduced the concentration of lipid droplets (LDs). We further investigated the lipolytic signaling pathways that are involved in 590 nm light irradiation-induced breakdown of LDs. Immunoblot analysis revealed that 590 nm light irradiation-induced phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) was insufficient to promote reduction of LDs. We observed that 590 nm light irradiation decreased the expression of perilipin 1. We found that 590 nm light irradiation, but not 505 nm, induced conversion of LC3 I to LC3 II, a representative autophagic marker. We further demonstrated that the lysosomal inhibitors leupeptin/NH4Cl inhibited 590 nm light irradiation-induced reduction of LDs in differentiated adipocytes. Our data suggest that 590 nm light irradiation-induced LD breakdown is partially mediated by autophagy-related lysosomal degradation, and can be applied in clinical settings to reduce obesity.

Tetrandrine induces lipid accumulation through blockade of autophagy in a hepatic stellate cell line

Macroautophagy, or autophagy, is a cellular response in which unnecessary cytoplasmic components, including lipids and organelles, are self-degraded. Recent studies closely related autophagy to activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a process critical in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. During HSC activation, cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) are degraded as autophagic cargo, and then cells express fibrogenic genes. Thus, inhibition of autophagy in HSCs is a potential therapeutic approach for attenuating liver fibrosis. We found that tetrandrine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Stephania tetrandra, induced lipid accumulation, a phenotype associated with quiescent HSCs, through blockade of autophagy in the rat-derived HSC line HSC-T6. Tetrandrine inhibited autophagic flux without affecting lysosomal function. A phenotypic comparison using siRNA knockdown suggested that tetrandrine may target regulators, involved in fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes (e.g., syntaxin 17). Moreover, perilipin 1, an LD-coated protein, co-localized specifically with LC3, a marker protein for autophagosomes, in tetrandrine-treated HSC-T6 cells. This suggests a potential role for perilipin 1 in autophagy-mediated LD degradation in HSCs. Our results identified tetrandrine as a potential tool for prevention and treatment of HSC activation.

Adipose tissue depot specific differences of PLIN protein content in endurance trained rats

Adipose tissue is classified as either white (WAT) or brown (BAT) and differs not only by anatomical location but also in function. WAT is the main source of stored energy and releases fatty acids in times of energy demand, whereas BAT plays a role in regulating non-shivering thermogenesis and oxidizes fatty acids released from the lipid droplet. The PLIN family of proteins has recently emerged as being integral in the regulation of fatty acid storage and release in adipose tissue. Previous work has demonstrated that PLIN protein content varies among adipose tissue depots, however an examination of endurance training-induced depot specific changes in PLIN protein expression has yet to be done. Male Sprague-dawley rats (n = 10) underwent 8-weeks of progressive treadmill training (18-25 m/min for 30-60 min at 10% incline) or remained sedentary as control. Following training, under isoflurane induced anesthesia epidydmal (eWAT), inguinal subcutaneous (iWAT) and intrascapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) was excised, and plasma was collected. Endurance training resulted in an increase in BAT PLIN5 and iWAT PLIN3 content, while there was no difference in PLIN protein content in endurance trained eWAT. Interestingly, endurance training resulted in a robust increase in ATGL and CGI-58 in eWAT alone. Together these results suggest the potential of a depot specific function of PLIN3 and PLIN5 in adipose tissue in response to endurance training.

Conserved Amphipathic Helices Mediate Lipid Droplet Targeting of Perilipins 1-3

Perilipins (PLINs) play a key role in energy storage by orchestrating the activity of lipases on the surface of lipid droplets. Failure of this activity results in severe metabolic disease in humans. Unlike all other lipid droplet-associated proteins, PLINs localize almost exclusively to the phospholipid monolayer surrounding the droplet. To understand how they sense and associate with the unique topology of the droplet surface, we studied the localization of human PLINs inSaccharomyces cerevisiae,demonstrating that the targeting mechanism is highly conserved and that 11-mer repeat regions are sufficient for droplet targeting. Mutations designed to disrupt folding of this region into amphipathic helices (AHs) significantly decreased lipid droplet targetingin vivoandin vitro Finally, we demonstrated a substantial increase in the helicity of this region in the presence of detergent micelles, which was prevented by an AH-disrupting missense mutation. We conclude that highly conserved 11-mer repeat regions of PLINs target lipid droplets by folding into AHs on the droplet surface, thus enabling PLINs to regulate the interface between the hydrophobic lipid core and its surrounding hydrophilic environment.

Autophagy in the CNS and Periphery Coordinate Lipophagy and Lipolysis in the Brown Adipose Tissue and Liver

The integrative physiology of inter-organ communication in lipophagy regulation is not well understood. Lipophagy and the cytosolic lipases ATGL and HSL contribute to lipid droplet (LD) mobilization; however, whether autophagy proteins engage with lipases to promote lipid utilization remains unknown. Here, we show that cold induces autophagy in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons and activates lipophagy in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver in mice. Targeted activation of autophagy in POMC neurons via intra-hypothalamic rapamycin is sufficient to trigger lipid utilization in room temperature-housed mice. Conversely, inhibiting autophagy in POMC neurons or in peripheral tissues or denervating BAT blocks lipid utilization. Unexpectedly, the autophagosome marker LC3 is mechanistically coupled to ATGL-mediated lipolysis. ATGL exhibits LC3-interacting region (LIR) motifs, and mutating a single LIR motif on ATGL displaces ATGL from LD and disrupts lipolysis. Thus, cold-induced activation of central autophagy activates lipophagy and cytosolic lipases in a complementary manner to mediate lipolysis in peripheral tissues.

Interaction between differential gene expression profile and phenotype in bovine blastocysts originating from oocytes exposed to elevated non-esterified fatty acid concentrations

Maternal metabolic disorders linked to lipolysis are major risk factors for reproductive failure. A notable feature of such disorders is increased non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in the blood, which are reflected in the ovarian follicular fluid. Elevated NEFA concentrations impact on the maturing oocyte and even alter subsequent embryo physiology. The aetiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, bovine in vitro maturing cumulus-oocyte complexes were exposed (24 h) to three different maturation treatments containing: (1) physiological (72 µM) NEFA concentrations (=control); (2) elevated (75 µM) stearic acid (SA) concentrations (=HIGH SA); and (3) elevated (425 µM) NEFA concentrations (=HIGH COMBI). Zygotes were fertilised and cultured following standard procedures. Transcriptomic analyses in resulting Day 7.5 blastocysts revealed that the major pathways affected are related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in HIGH COMBI embryos and to lipid metabolism and cell death in HIGH SA embryos. Furthermore, lower glutathione content and a reduced number of lipid droplets per cell were observed in HIGH SA-exposed oocytes and resulting morulae, respectively, compared with their HIGH COMBI-exposed counterparts. Vitrified embryos originating from HIGH SA-exposed oocytes tended to exhibit lower survival rates compared with controls. These data suggest possible mechanisms explaining why females across species suffering lipolytic disorders experience difficulties in conceiving.

Role of LRP1 and ERK and cAMP Signaling Pathways in Lactoferrin-Induced Lipolysis in Mature Rat Adipocytes

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein present in milk. A clinical study showed that enteric-coated bovine LF tablets decrease visceral fat accumulation. Furthermore, animal studies revealed that ingested LF is partially delivered to mesenteric fat, and in vitro studies showed that LF promotes lipolysis in mature adipocytes. The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanism underlying the induction of lipolysis in mature adipocytes that is induced by LF. To address this question, we used proteomics techniques to analyze protein expression profiles. Mature adipocytes from primary cultures of rat mesenteric fat were collected at various times after exposure to LF. Proteomic analysis revealed that the expression levels of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of lipolysis, were upregulated and that HSL was activated by protein kinase A within 15 min after the cells were treated with LF. We previously reported that LF increases the intracellular concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), suggesting that LF activates the cAMP signaling pathway. In this study, we show that the expression level and the activity of the components of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway were upregulated. Moreover, LF increased the activity of the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), which acts downstream in the cAMP and ERK signaling pathways and regulates the expression levels of adenylyl cyclase and HSL. Moreover, silencing of the putative LF receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) attenuated lipolysis in LF-treated adipocytes. These results suggest that LF promoted lipolysis in mature adipocytes by regulating the expression levels of proteins involved in lipolysis through controlling the activity of cAMP/ERK signaling pathways via LRP1.

Lipid droplet mobilization: The different ways to loosen the purse strings

Cytosolic lipid droplets are dynamic lipid-storage organelles that play a crucial role as reservoirs of metabolic energy and membrane precursors. These organelles are present in virtually all cell types, from unicellular to pluricellular organisms. Despite similar structural organization, lipid droplets are heterogeneous in morphology, distribution and composition. The protein repertoire associated to lipid droplet controls the organelle dynamics. Distinct structural lipid droplet proteins are associated to specific lipolytic pathways. The role of these structural lipid droplet-associated proteins in the control of lipid droplet degradation and lipid store mobilization is discussed. The control of the strictly-regulated lipolysis in lipid-storing tissues is compared between mammals and plants. Differences in the cellular regulation of lipolysis between lipid-storing tissues and other cell types are also discussed.