1
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LaPierre MP, Lawler K, Godbersen S, Farooqi IS, Stoffel M. MicroRNA-7 regulates melanocortin circuits involved in mammalian energy homeostasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5733. [PMID: 36175420 PMCID: PMC9522793 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33367-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate physiological responses by repressing the expression of gene networks. We found that global deletion of microRNA-7 (miR-7), the most enriched miRNA in the hypothalamus, causes obesity in mice. Targeted deletion of miR-7 in Single-minded homolog 1 (Sim1) neurons, a critical component of the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway, causes hyperphagia, obesity and increased linear growth, mirroring Sim1 and Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) haplo-insufficiency in mice and humans. We identified Snca (α-Synuclein) and Igsf8 (Immunoglobulin Superfamily Member 8) as miR-7 target genes that act in Sim1 neurons to regulate body weight and endocrine axes. In humans, MIR-7-1 is located in the last intron of HNRNPK, whose promoter drives the expression of both genes. Genetic variants at the HNRNPK locus that reduce its expression are associated with increased height and truncal fat mass. These findings demonstrate that miR-7 suppresses gene networks involved in the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway to regulate mammalian energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P LaPierre
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Lawler
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Svenja Godbersen
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - I Sadaf Farooqi
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Markus Stoffel
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
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2
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Kühnen P, Biebermann H, Wiegand S. Pharmacotherapy in Childhood Obesity. Horm Res Paediatr 2022; 95:177-192. [PMID: 34351307 DOI: 10.1159/000518432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing number of obese children and adolescence is a major problem in health-care systems. Currently, the gold standard for the treatment of these patients with obesity is a multicomponent lifestyle intervention. Unfortunately, this strategy is not leading to a substantial and long-lasting weight loss in the majority of patients. This is the reason why there is an urgent need to establish new treatment strategies for children and adolescents with obesity to reduce the risk for the development of any comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes mellitus type 2. SUMMARY In this review, we outline available pharmacological therapeutic options for children and compare the available study data with the outcome of conservative treatment approaches. KEY MESSAGES We discussed, in detail, how knowledge about underlying molecular mechanisms might support the identification of effective antiobesity drugs in the future and in which way this might modulate current treatment strategies to support children and adolescence with obesity to lose body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Center for Social-Pediatric Care/Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Zhao J, Gomes D, Jin L, Mathis SP, Li X, Rouchka EC, Bodduluri H, Conklin DJ, O'Toole TE. Polystyrene bead ingestion promotes adiposity and cardiometabolic disease in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 232:113239. [PMID: 35093814 PMCID: PMC8860873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Vast amounts of plastic materials are produced in the modern world and despite recycling efforts, large amounts are disposed in water systems and landfills. Under these storage conditions, physical weathering and photochemical processes break down these materials into smaller particles of the micro- and nano-scale. In addition, ecosystems can be contaminated with plastic particles which are manufactured in these size ranges for commercial purposes. Independent of source, microplastics are abundant in the environment and have found their way into water supplies and the food cycle where human exposure is inevitable. Nevertheless, the health consequences of microplastic ingestion, inhalation, or absorption are largely unknown. In this study we sought to determine if ingestion of microplastics promoted pre-clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). To do this, we supplied mice with normal drinking water or that supplemented with polystyrene beads of two different sizes (0.5 µm and 5 µm) and two different doses (0.1 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml) each for 12 weeks and measured several indices of metabolism and glucose homeostasis. As early as 3 weeks of consumption, we observed an accelerated weight gain with a corresponding increase in body fat for some exposure groups versus the control mice. Some exposure groups demonstrated increased levels of fasting plasma glucose. Those mice consuming the smaller sized beads (0.5 µm) at the higher dose (1 μg/ml), had increased levels of fasting plasma insulin and higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores as well. This was accompanied by changes in the gut microbiome consistent with an obese phenotype. Using samples of perivascular adipose tissue collected from the same group, we observed changes in gene expression consistent with increased adipogenesis. These results suggest that ingestion of polystyrene beads promotes a cardiometabolic disease phenotype and thus may be an unrecognized risk factor for CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhao
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Daniel Gomes
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Lexiao Jin
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Steven P Mathis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center and Center for Microbiomics, Inflammation and Pathogenicity, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Eric C Rouchka
- Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Haribabu Bodduluri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center and Center for Microbiomics, Inflammation and Pathogenicity, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Daniel J Conklin
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Timothy E O'Toole
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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4
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Tanaka J, Ishikawa F, Jinno T, Miyakita M, Miyamori H, Sasaki T, Yokokawa T, Goto T, Inoue K, Matsumura S. Disruption of CRTC1 and CRTC2 in Sim1 cells strongly increases high-fat diet intake in female mice but has a modest impact on male mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262577. [PMID: 35020776 PMCID: PMC8754333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivators (CRTCs) regulate gene transcription in response to an increase in intracellular cAMP or Ca2+ levels. To date, three isoforms of CRTC have been identified in mammals. All CRTCs are widely expressed in various regions of the brain. Numerous studies have shown the importance of CREB and CRTC in energy homeostasis. In the brain, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) plays a critical role in energy metabolism, and CRTC1 and CRTC2 are highly expressed in PVH neuronal cells. The single-minded homolog 1 gene (Sim1) is densely expressed in PVH neurons and in some areas of the amygdala neurons. To determine the role of CRTCs in PVH on energy metabolism, we generated mice that lacked CRTC1 and CRTC2 in Sim1 cells using Sim-1 cre mice. We found that Sim1 cell-specific CRTC1 and CRTC2 double-knockout mice were sensitive to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Sim1 cell-specific CRTC1 and CRTC2 double knockout mice showed hyperphagia specifically for the HFD, but not for the normal chow diet, increased fat mass, and no change in energy expenditure. Interestingly, these phenotypes were stronger in female mice than in male mice, and a weak phenotype was observed in the normal chow diet. The lack of CRTC1 and CRTC2 in Sim1 cells changed the mRNA levels of some neuropeptides that regulate energy metabolism in female mice fed an HFD. Taken together, our findings suggest that CRTCs in Sim1 cells regulate gene expression and suppress excessive fat intake, especially in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tanaka
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fuka Ishikawa
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoki Jinno
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motoki Miyakita
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haruka Miyamori
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takumi Yokokawa
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Goto
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuo Inoue
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Matsumura
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail:
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5
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De Rosa MC, Glover HJ, Stratigopoulos G, LeDuc CA, Su Q, Shen Y, Sleeman MW, Chung WK, Leibel RL, Altarejos JY, Doege CA. Gene expression atlas of energy balance brain regions. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149137. [PMID: 34283813 PMCID: PMC8409984 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy balance is controlled by interconnected brain regions in the hypothalamus, brainstem, cortex, and limbic system. Gene expression signatures of these regions can help elucidate the pathophysiology underlying obesity. RNA sequencing was conducted on P56 C57BL/6NTac male mice and E14.5 C57BL/6NTac embryo punch biopsies in 16 obesity-relevant brain regions. The expression of 190 known obesity-associated genes (monogenic, rare, and low-frequency coding variants; GWAS; syndromic) was analyzed in each anatomical region. Genes associated with these genetic categories of obesity had localized expression patterns across brain regions. Known monogenic obesity causal genes were highly enriched in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and developing hypothalamus. The obesity-associated genes clustered into distinct “modules” of similar expression profile, and these were distinct from expression modules formed by similar analysis with genes known to be associated with other disease phenotypes (type 1 and type 2 diabetes, autism, breast cancer) in the same energy balance–relevant brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Caterina De Rosa
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics.,Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons.,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, and
| | - Hannah J Glover
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics.,Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons.,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, and
| | - George Stratigopoulos
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics.,Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons
| | - Charles A LeDuc
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics.,Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons.,New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qi Su
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Yufeng Shen
- Department of Systems Biology.,Department of Biomedical Informatics
| | - Mark W Sleeman
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics.,Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons.,Department of Medicine.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Institute of Human Nutrition
| | - Rudolph L Leibel
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics.,Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons.,New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Institute of Human Nutrition
| | | | - Claudia A Doege
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons.,Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, and.,New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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6
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Li S, Cai TT, Li H. Inference for high-dimensional linear mixed-effects models: A quasi-likelihood approach. J Am Stat Assoc 2021; 117:1835-1846. [PMID: 36793369 PMCID: PMC9928173 DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2021.1888740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Linear mixed-effects models are widely used in analyzing clustered or repeated measures data. We propose a quasi-likelihood approach for estimation and inference of the unknown parameters in linear mixed-effects models with high-dimensional fixed effects. The proposed method is applicable to general settings where the dimension of the random effects and the cluster sizes are possibly large. Regarding the fixed effects, we provide rate optimal estimators and valid inference procedures that do not rely on the structural information of the variance components. We also study the estimation of variance components with high-dimensional fixed effects in general settings. The algorithms are easy to implement and computationally fast. The proposed methods are assessed in various simulation settings and are applied to a real study regarding the associations between body mass index and genetic polymorphic markers in a heterogeneous stock mice population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - T Tony Cai
- Department of Statistics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Hongzhe Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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7
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Erdenee S, Akhatayeva Z, Pan C, Cai Y, Xu H, Chen H, Lan X. An insertion/deletion within the CREB1 gene identified using the RNA-sequencing is associated with sheep body morphometric traits. Gene 2021; 775:145444. [PMID: 33484760 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study, the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) gene, which is likely involved in the regulation of fat metabolism in sheep adipose tissue, was identified using RNA sequencing. CREB1 is a transcription factor that participates in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival as well as energy metabolism. Therefore, based on preliminary studies, this study aimed to reveal the correlation between the insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism of the CREB1 gene and sheep growth traits. One insertion variation of the ovine CREB1 gene, C3-ins-26 bp, was investigated in 1847 Chinese and Mongolian sheep breeds. The minor allele frequencies in the CREB1 gene varied from 0.021 to 0.938. Further, statistical analyses indicated that the C3-ins-26 bp indel in the CREB1 gene was significantly related to various body measurements (body length, height, and index; chest width, depth, and width index; cannon circumference index; and height at the hip cross) in a Tan sheep population (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings may provide important insights into marker-assisted selection of sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarantsetseg Erdenee
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhanerke Akhatayeva
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yong Cai
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Science Experimental Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Hongwei Xu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Science Experimental Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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8
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Yang Y, Xu Y. The central melanocortin system and human obesity. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 12:785-797. [PMID: 32976556 PMCID: PMC7816681 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and the associated comorbidities highlight the importance of understanding the regulation of energy homeostasis. The central melanocortin system plays a critical role in controlling body weight balance. Melanocortin neurons sense and integrate the neuronal and hormonal signals, and then send regulatory projections, releasing anorexigenic or orexigenic melanocortin neuropeptides, to downstream neurons to regulate the food intake and energy expenditure. This review summarizes the latest progress in our understanding of the role of the melanocortin pathway in energy homeostasis. We also review the advances in the identification of human genetic variants that cause obesity via mechanisms that affect the central melanocortin system, which have provided rational targets for treatment of genetically susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yang
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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9
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Cross-disorder genetic analyses implicate dopaminergic signaling as a biological link between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and obesity measures. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1188-1195. [PMID: 31896117 PMCID: PMC7234984 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0592-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and obesity are frequently comorbid, genetically correlated, and share brain substrates. The biological mechanisms driving this association are unclear, but candidate systems, like dopaminergic neurotransmission and circadian rhythm, have been suggested. Our aim was to identify the biological mechanisms underpinning the genetic link between ADHD and obesity measures and investigate associations of overlapping genes with brain volumes. We tested the association of dopaminergic and circadian rhythm gene sets with ADHD, body mass index (BMI), and obesity (using GWAS data of N = 53,293, N = 681,275, and N = 98,697, respectively). We then conducted genome-wide ADHD-BMI and ADHD-obesity gene-based meta-analyses, followed by pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, we tested the association of ADHD-BMI overlapping genes with brain volumes (primary GWAS data N = 10,720-10,928; replication data N = 9428). The dopaminergic gene set was associated with both ADHD (P = 5.81 × 10-3) and BMI (P = 1.63 × 10-5); the circadian rhythm was associated with BMI (P = 1.28 × 10-3). The genome-wide approach also implicated the dopaminergic system, as the Dopamine-DARPP32 Feedback in cAMP Signaling pathway was enriched in both ADHD-BMI and ADHD-obesity results. The ADHD-BMI overlapping genes were associated with putamen volume (P = 7.7 × 10-3; replication data P = 3.9 × 10-2)-a brain region with volumetric reductions in ADHD and BMI and linked to inhibitory control. Our findings suggest that dopaminergic neurotransmission, partially through DARPP-32-dependent signaling and involving the putamen, is a key player underlying the genetic overlap between ADHD and obesity measures. Uncovering shared etiological factors underlying the frequently observed ADHD-obesity comorbidity may have important implications in terms of prevention and/or efficient treatment of these conditions.
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10
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Gillyard T, Fowler K, Williams SY, Cone RD. Obesity-associated mutant melanocortin-4 receptors with normal Gα s coupling frequently exhibit other discoverable pharmacological and biochemical defects. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12795. [PMID: 31529534 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) are the most common cause of early syndromic obesity known. Most of these mutations result in a loss of protein expression, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone binding, receptor trafficking or coupling to the stimulatory G-protein, Gαs . However, approximately 26% of the obesity-associated mutations characterised to date exhibit none of these pharmacological defects. In the present study, we investigated seven of these apparently normal mutant MC4R in more detail and found that the majority (five of the seven) exhibit marked defects including defective binding of another endogenous melanocortin ligand, defective glycosylation, and defective recruitment of β-arrestin. These data provide support for two hypotheses: (i) that the majority of these rare, obesity-associated mutations are likely defective and causative of obesity and (ii) that β-arrestin recruitment is a valuable marker of normal MC4R function. Recent work has demonstrated a statistical correlation between the efficacy of β-arrestin recruitment to the MC4R and body mass index; however, the data reported here demonstrate both decreased and increased β-arrestin signalling in obesity-associated MC4R mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taneisha Gillyard
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katelyn Fowler
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Baldini G, Phelan KD. The melanocortin pathway and control of appetite-progress and therapeutic implications. J Endocrinol 2019; 241:R1-R33. [PMID: 30812013 PMCID: PMC6500576 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The initial discovery that ob/ob mice become obese because of a recessive mutation of the leptin gene has been crucial to discover the melanocortin pathway to control appetite. In the melanocortin pathway, the fed state is signaled by abundance of circulating hormones such as leptin and insulin, which bind to receptors expressed at the surface of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to promote processing of POMC to the mature hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The α-MSH released by POMC neurons then signals to decrease energy intake by binding to melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) expressed by MC4R neurons to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Conversely, in the 'starved state' activity of agouti-related neuropeptide (AgRP) and of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-expressing neurons is increased by decreased levels of circulating leptin and insulin and by the orexigenic hormone ghrelin to promote food intake. This initial understanding of the melanocortin pathway has recently been implemented by the description of the complex neuronal circuit that controls the activity of POMC, AgRP/NPY and MC4R neurons and downstream signaling by these neurons. This review summarizes the progress done on the melanocortin pathway and describes how obesity alters this pathway to disrupt energy homeostasis. We also describe progress on how leptin and insulin receptors signal in POMC neurons, how MC4R signals and how altered expression and traffic of MC4R change the acute signaling and desensitization properties of the receptor. We also describe how the discovery of the melanocortin pathway has led to the use of melanocortin agonists to treat obesity derived from genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Baldini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kevin D. Phelan
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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12
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Kühnen P, Krude H, Biebermann H. Melanocortin-4 Receptor Signalling: Importance for Weight Regulation and Obesity Treatment. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:136-148. [PMID: 30642682 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) - embedded in the leptin-melanocortin pathway - is activated by proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived neuropeptides such as α- and β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and plays an important role in hypothalamic body-weight regulation. Accordingly, MC4R is a potential drug target to combat obesity. Previous attempts to develop MC4R agonists failed due to ineffectiveness or severe adverse events. Recently, a new generation of MC4R ligands was developed. Specifically, setmelanotide was found to be effective by inducing biased signalling of the MC4R and thereby reducing feelings of hunger and leading to substantial weight loss in patients with POMC or leptin receptor deficiency. This new potential pharmacological treatment option could be beneficial for further groups of obese patients with defects in the leptin-melanocortin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Heiko Krude
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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13
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Cheng M, Mei B, Zhou Q, Zhang M, Huang H, Han L, Huang Q. Computational analyses of obesity associated loci generated by genome-wide association studies. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199987. [PMID: 29966015 PMCID: PMC6028139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have discovered associations of numerous SNPs and genes with obesity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which these SNPs and genes affect the predisposition to obesity remain not fully understood. Aims of our study are to comprehensively characterize obesity GWAS SNPs and genes through computational approaches. METHODS For obesity GWAS identified SNPs, functional annotation, effects on miRNAs binding and impact on protein phosphorylation were performed via RegulomeDB and 3DSNP, miRNASNP, and the PhosSNP 1.0 database, respectively. For obesity associated genes, protein-protein interaction network construction, gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed by STRING, PANTHER and STRING, respectively. RESULTS A total of 445 SNPs are significantly associated with obesity related phenotypes at threshold P < 5×10-8. A number of SNPs were eQTLs for obesity associated genes, some SNPs located at binding sites of obesity related transcription factors. SNPs that might affect miRNAs binding and protein phosphorylation were identified. Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified the highly-interconnected "hub" genes. Obesity associated genes mainly involved in metabolic process and catalytic activity, and significantly enriched in 15 signal pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our results provided the targets for follow-up experimental testing and further shed new light on obesity pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrong Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bing Mei
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Manling Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Han Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lanchun Han
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingyang Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail:
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14
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Kim SE, Choo J, Yoon J, Chu JR, Bae YJ, Lee S, Park T, Sung MK. Genome-wide analysis identifies colonic genes differentially associated with serum leptin and insulin concentrations in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171664. [PMID: 28170448 PMCID: PMC5295695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity-induced chronic inflammation is known to increase the risk of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and colorectal cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that leptin and insulin are key molecules linking obesity with diseases of the lower intestine. Here, we identified serum phenotype-associated genes in the colon of diet-induced obese mice as early biomarkers of obesity-associated colonic diseases. C57BL/6J mice were fed with either normal diet (ND, 15% of fat calories) or high-fat diet (HFD, 45% of fat calories) for 8 weeks. Serum concentrations of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptin, and adiponectin were measured as obesity-related phenotypic markers. Genome-wide gene expression profiles of colon tissue were determined, followed by statistical analyses to detect differentially expressed and serum phenotype-associated genes. HFD-fed mice showed higher serum concentrations of leptin (P < 0.001) and insulin (P < 0.01) than those in the ND group, whereas serum IGF-1 and adiponectin concentrations did not differ between the two dietary groups. Among differentially expressed genes affected by HFD, 135, 128, 110, and 341 genes were associated with serum levels of leptin, insulin, IGF-1, and adiponectin, respectively. We identified 17 leptin-associated genes and 4 insulin-associated genes that inversely responded to HFD and ND. Among these, leptin-associated Peli3 (Pellino E3 ubiquitin protein ligase family member 3), Creb1 (cAMP responsive element binding protein 1), and Enpp2 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2, autotaxin) and insulin-associated Centg1 (AGAP2, ArfGAP with GTPase domain) are reported to play a role either in obesity or colonic diseases. mRNA expression of these genes was validated by RT-qPCR. Our data suggest Peli3, Creb1, Enpp2, and Centg1 as potential early biomarker candidates for obesity-induced pathophysiological changes in the colon. Future studies verifying the function of these candidates are needed for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of colon diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsil Choo
- Department of Life Systems, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Yoon
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ryang Chu
- Department of Life Systems, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Jung Bae
- Division of Food Science and Culinary Arts, Shinhan University, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyeoun Lee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesung Park
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Sung
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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15
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Exchange factors directly activated by cAMP mediate melanocortin 4 receptor-induced gene expression. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32776. [PMID: 27612207 PMCID: PMC5017209 DOI: 10.1038/srep32776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gs protein-coupled receptors regulate many vital body functions by activation of cAMP response elements (CRE) via cAMP-dependent kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation of the CRE binding protein (CREB). Melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) are prototypical Gs-coupled receptors that orchestrate the hypothalamic control of food-intake and metabolism. Remarkably, the significance of PKA for MC4R-induced CRE-dependent transcription in hypothalamic cells has not been rigorously interrogated yet. In two hypothalamic cell lines, we observed that blocking PKA activity had only weak or no effects on reporter gene expression. In contrast, inhibitors of exchange factors directly activated by cAMP-1/2 (EPAC-1/2) mitigated MC4R-induced CRE reporter activation and mRNA induction of the CREB-dependent genes c-fos and thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Furthermore, we provide first evidence that extracellular-regulated kinases-1/2 (ERK-1/2) activated by EPACs and not PKA are the elusive CREB kinases responsible for MC4R-induced CREB/CRE activation in hypothalamic cells. Overall, these data emphasize the pivotal role of EPACs rather than PKA in hypothalamic gene expression elicited by a prototypical Gs-coupled receptor.
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16
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Gilbert ML, Yang L, Su T, McKnight GS. Expression of a dominant negative PKA mutation in the kidney elicits a diabetes insipidus phenotype. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 308:F627-38. [PMID: 25587115 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00222.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PKA plays a critical role in water excretion through regulation of the production and action of the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP). The AVP prohormone is produced in the hypothalamus, where its transcription is regulated by cAMP. Once released into the circulation, AVP stimulates antidiuresis through activation of vasopressin 2 receptors in renal principal cells. Vasopressin 2 receptor activation increases cAMP and activates PKA, which, in turn, phosphorylates aquaporin (AQP)2, triggering apical membrane accumulation, increased collecting duct permeability, and water reabsorption. We used single-minded homolog 1 (Sim1)-Cre recombinase-mediated expression of a dominant negative PKA regulatory subunit (RIαB) to disrupt kinase activity in vivo and assess the role of PKA in fluid homeostasis. RIαB expression gave rise to marked polydipsia and polyuria; however, neither hypothalamic Avp mRNA expression nor urinary AVP levels were attenuated, indicating a primary physiological effect on the kidney. RIαB mice displayed a marked deficit in urinary concentrating ability and greatly reduced levels of AQP2 and phospho-AQP2. Dehydration induced Aqp2 mRNA in the kidney of both control and RIαB-expressing mice, but AQP2 protein levels were still reduced in RIαB-expressing mutants, and mice were unable to fully concentrate their urine and conserve water. We conclude that partial PKA inhibition in the kidney leads to posttranslational effects that reduce AQP2 protein levels and interfere with apical membrane localization. These findings demonstrate a distinct physiological role for PKA signaling in both short- and long-term regulation of AQP2 and characterize a novel mouse model of diabetes insipidus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle L Gilbert
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Linghai Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Thomas Su
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - G Stanley McKnight
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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17
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Perino A, Beretta M, Kilić A, Ghigo A, Carnevale D, Repetto IE, Braccini L, Longo D, Liebig-Gonglach M, Zaglia T, Iacobucci R, Mongillo M, Wetzker R, Bauer M, Aime S, Vercelli A, Lembo G, Pfeifer A, Hirsch E. Combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ reduces fat mass by enhancing α-MSH-dependent sympathetic drive. Sci Signal 2014; 7:ra110. [PMID: 25406378 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2005485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is defined as an abnormal increase in white adipose tissue and has become a major medical burden worldwide. Signals from the brain control not only appetite but also energy expenditure, both of which contribute to body weight. We showed that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of two phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ) in mice reduced fat mass by promoting increased energy expenditure. This effect was accompanied by stimulation of lipolysis and the acquisition of the energy-burning characteristics of brown adipocytes by white adipocytes, a process referred to as "browning." The browning of the white adipocytes involved increased norepinephrine release from the sympathetic nervous system. We found that PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ together promoted a negative feedback loop downstream of the melanocortin 4 receptor in the central nervous system, which controls appetite and energy expenditure in the periphery. Analysis of mice with drug-induced sympathetic denervation suggested that these kinases controlled the sympathetic drive in the brain. Administration of inhibitors of both PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ to mice by intracerebroventricular delivery induced a 10% reduction in fat mass as quickly as 10 days. These results suggest that combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ might represent a promising treatment for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Perino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Martina Beretta
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy. Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Ana Kilić
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alessandra Ghigo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Carnevale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy. Department of Angiocardioneurology and Translational Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Ivan Enrico Repetto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Braccini
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Longo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Tania Zaglia
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Iacobucci
- Department of Angiocardioneurology and Translational Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Reinhard Wetzker
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, D-07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Silvio Aime
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lembo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy. Department of Angiocardioneurology and Translational Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Alexander Pfeifer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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18
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Li XF, Lytton J. An essential role for the K+-dependent Na+/Ca2+-exchanger, NCKX4, in melanocortin-4-receptor-dependent satiety. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:25445-59. [PMID: 25096581 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.564450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
K(+)-dependent Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchangers are broadly expressed in various tissues, and particularly enriched in neurons of the brain. The distinct physiological roles for the different members of this Ca(2+) transporter family are, however, not well described. Here we show that gene-targeted mice lacking the K(+)-dependent Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger, NCKX4 (gene slc24a4 or Nckx4), display a remarkable anorexia with severe hypophagia and weight loss. Feeding and satiety are coordinated centrally by melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4R) in neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The hypophagic response of Nckx4 knock-out mice is accompanied by hyperactivation of neurons in the PVN, evidenced by high levels of c-Fos expression. The activation of PVN neurons in both fasted Nckx4 knock-out and glucose-injected wild-type animals is blocked by Ca(2+) removal and MC4R antagonists. In cultured hypothalamic neurons, melanocyte stimulating hormone induces an MC4R-dependent and sustained Ca(2+) signal, which requires phospholipase C activity and plasma membrane Ca(2+) entry. The Ca(2+) signal is enhanced in hypothalamic neurons from Nckx4 knock-out animals, and is depressed in cells in which NCKX4 is overexpressed. Finally, MC4R-dependent oxytocin expression in the PVN, a key essential step in satiety, is prevented by blocking phospholipase C activation or Ca(2+) entry. These findings highlight an essential, and to our knowledge previously unknown, role for Ca(2+) signaling in the MC4R pathway that leads to satiety, and a novel non-redundant role for NCKX4-mediated Ca(2+) extrusion in controlling MC4R signaling and feeding behavior. Together, these findings highlight a novel pathway that potentially could be exploited to develop much needed new therapeutics to tackle eating disorders and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fang Li
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Jonathan Lytton
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
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19
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Chiappini F, Catalano KJ, Lee J, Peroni OD, Lynch J, Dhaneshwar AS, Wellenstein K, Sontheimer A, Neel BG, Kahn BB. Ventromedial hypothalamus-specific Ptpn1 deletion exacerbates diet-induced obesity in female mice. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3781-92. [PMID: 25083988 DOI: 10.1172/jci68585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) regulates food intake (FI) and energy expenditure (EE) by inhibiting leptin signaling in the hypothalamus. In peripheral tissues, PTP1B regulates insulin signaling, but its effects on CNS insulin action are largely unknown. Mice harboring a whole-brain deletion of the gene encoding PTP1B (Ptpn1) are lean, leptin-hypersensitive, and resistant to high fat diet-induced (HFD-induced) obesity. Arcuate proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron-specific deletion of Ptpn1 causes a similar, but much milder, phenotype, suggesting that PTP1B also acts in other neurons to regulate metabolism. Steroidogenic factor-1-expressing (SF-1-expressing) neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) play an important role in regulating body weight, FI, and EE. Surprisingly, Ptpn1 deletion in SF-1 neurons caused an age-dependent increase in adiposity in HFD-fed female mice. Although leptin sensitivity was increased and FI was reduced in these mice, they had impaired sympathetic output and decreased EE. Immunohistochemical analysis showed enhanced leptin and insulin signaling in VMH neurons from mice lacking PTP1B in SF-1 neurons. Thus, in the VMH, leptin negatively regulates FI, promoting weight loss, whereas insulin suppresses EE, leading to weight gain. Our results establish a novel role for PTP1B in regulating insulin action in the VMH and suggest that increased insulin responsiveness in SF-1 neurons can overcome leptin hypersensitivity and enhance adiposity.
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20
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Xia T, Zhang Q, Xiao Y, Wang C, Yu J, Liu H, Liu B, Zhang Y, Chen S, Liu Y, Chen Y, Guo F. CREB/TRH pathway in the central nervous system regulates energy expenditure in response to deprivation of an essential amino acid. Int J Obes (Lond) 2014; 39:105-13. [PMID: 24732144 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2014.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the central nervous system (CNS), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has an important role in regulating energy balance. We previously showed that dietary deprivation of leucine in mice increases energy expenditure through CNS-dependent regulation. However, the involvement of central TRH in this regulation has not been reported. METHODS Male C57J/B6 mice were maintained on a control or leucine-deficient diet for 7 days. Leucine-deprived mice were either third intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injected with a TRH antibody followed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of triiodothyronine (T3) or i.c.v. administrated with an adenovirus of shCREB (cAMP-response element binding protein) followed by i.c.v. injection of TRH. Food intake and body weight were monitored daily. Oxygen consumption, physical activity and rectal temperature were assessed after the treatment. After being killed, the hypothalamus and the brown adipose tissue were collected and the expression of related genes and proteins related was analyzed. In other experiments, control or leucine-deficient medium incubated primary cultured neurons were either infected with adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (Ad-shERK1/2) or transfected with plasmid-overexpressing protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3C (PPP1R3C). RESULTS I.c.v. administration of anti-TRH antibodies significantly reduced leucine deprivation-stimulated energy expenditure. Furthermore, the effects of i.c.v. TRH antibodies were reversed by i.p. injection of T3 during leucine deprivation. Moreover, i.c.v. injection of Ad-shCREB (adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting CREB) significantly suppressed leucine deprivation-stimulated energy expenditure via modulation of TRH expression. Lastly, TRH expression was regulated by CREB, which was phosphorylated by ERK1/2 and dephosphorylated by PPP1R3C-containing protein Ser/Thr phosphatase type 1 (PP1) under leucine deprivation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate a novel role for TRH in regulating energy expenditure via T3 during leucine deprivation. Furthermore, our findings reveal that TRH expression is activated by CREB, which is phosphorylated by ERK1/2 and dephosphorylated by PPP1R3C-containing PP1. Collectively, our studies provide novel insights into the regulation of energy homeostasis by the CNS in response to an essential amino-acid deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Xia
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Q Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - C Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - J Yu
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - H Liu
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - B Liu
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - S Chen
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Liu
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Chen
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - F Guo
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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21
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Chiappini F, Ramadoss P, Vella KR, Cunha LL, Ye FD, Stuart RC, Nillni EA, Hollenberg AN. Family members CREB and CREM control thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) expression in the hypothalamus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 365:84-94. [PMID: 23000398 PMCID: PMC3572472 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is regulated by thyroid hormone (TH). cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) has also been postulated to regulate TRH expression but its interaction with TH signaling in vivo is not known. To evaluate the role of CREB in TRH regulation in vivo, we deleted CREB from PVN neurons to generate the CREB1(ΔSIM1) mouse. As previously shown, loss of CREB was compensated for by an up-regulation of CREM in euthyroid CREB1(ΔSIM1) mice but TSH, T₄ and T₃ levels were normal, even though TRH mRNA levels were elevated. Interestingly, TRH mRNA expression was also increased in the PVN of CREB1(ΔSIM1) mice in the hypothyroid state but became normal when made hyperthyroid. Importantly, CREM levels were similar in CREB1(ΔSIM1) mice regardless of thyroid status, demonstrating that the regulation of TRH by T₃ in vivo likely occurs independently of the CREB/CREM family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Chiappini
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Center of Life Science, Boston, MA, 02115. ; ; ; ; ;
- Address correspondence and reprint request to: Dr. Franck Chiappini or Dr. Anthony Hollenberg, MD, 330 Brookline Avenue, E/CLS 0728, MA, 02215. Tel: 617-735-3268. Fax: 617-735-3323; ,
| | - Preeti Ramadoss
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Center of Life Science, Boston, MA, 02115. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Kristen R. Vella
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Center of Life Science, Boston, MA, 02115. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Lucas L. Cunha
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Center of Life Science, Boston, MA, 02115. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Felix D. Ye
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Center of Life Science, Boston, MA, 02115. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Ronald C. Stuart
- Division of Endocrinology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903. ;
| | - Eduardo A. Nillni
- Division of Endocrinology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903. ;
| | - Anthony N. Hollenberg
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Center of Life Science, Boston, MA, 02115. ; ; ; ; ;
- Address correspondence and reprint request to: Dr. Franck Chiappini or Dr. Anthony Hollenberg, MD, 330 Brookline Avenue, E/CLS 0728, MA, 02215. Tel: 617-735-3268. Fax: 617-735-3323; ,
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22
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Chen M, Berger A, Kablan A, Zhang J, Gavrilova O, Weinstein LS. Gsα deficiency in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus partially contributes to obesity associated with Gsα mutations. Endocrinology 2012; 153:4256-65. [PMID: 22733970 PMCID: PMC3423628 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The G protein α-subunit G(s)α mediates receptor-stimulated cAMP generation. Heterozygous inactivating G(s)α mutations on the maternal allele result in obesity primarily due to reduced energy expenditure in Albright hereditary osteodystrophy patients and in mice. We previously showed that mice with central nervous system (CNS)-specific G(s)α deletion on the maternal allele (mBrGs KO) also develop severe obesity with reduced energy expenditure and that G(s)α is primarily expressed from the maternal allele in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, an important site of energy balance regulation. We now generated mice with PVN-specific G(s)α deficiency by mating Single-minded 1-cre and G(s)α-floxed mice. Homozygous G(s)α deletion produced early lethality. Heterozygotes with maternal G(s)α deletion (mPVNGsKO) also developed obesity and had small reductions in energy expenditure. However, this effect was much milder than that found in mBrGsKO mice and was more prominent in males. We previously showed mBrGsKO mice to have significant reductions in melanocortin receptor agonist-stimulated energy expenditure and now show that mBrGsKO mice have impaired cold-induced brown adipose tissue stimulation. In contrast, these effects were absent in mPVNGsKO mice. mPVNGsKO mice also had minimal effects on glucose metabolism as compared with mBrGsKO mice. Consistent with the presence of G(s)α imprinting, paternal heterozygotes showed no changes in energy or glucose metabolism. These results indicate that although G(s)α deficiency in PVN partially contributes to the metabolic phenotype resulting from maternal G(s)α mutations, G(s)α imprinting in other CNS regions is also important in mediating the CNS effects of G(s)α mutations on energy and glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1752, USA.
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Lubelski D, Ponzio TA, Gainer H. Effects of A-CREB, a dominant negative inhibitor of CREB, on the expression of c-fos and other immediate early genes in the rat SON during hyperosmotic stimulation in vivo. Brain Res 2012; 1429:18-28. [PMID: 22079318 PMCID: PMC5079538 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Intraperitoneal administration of hypertonic saline to the rat supraoptic nucleus (SON) increases the expression of several immediate early genes (IEG) and the vasopressin gene. These increases have usually been attributed to action of the cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB). In this paper, we study the role of CREB in these events in vivo by delivering a potent dominant-negative form of CREB, known as A-CREB, to the rat SON through the use of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. Preliminary experiments on HEK 293 cells in vitro showed that the A-CREB vector that we used completely eliminated CREB-induced c-fos expression. We stereotaxically injected this AAV-A-CREB into one SON and a control AAV into the contralateral SON of the same rat. Two weeks following these injections we injected hypertonic saline intraperitoneally into the rat. Using this paradigm, we could measure the relative effects of inhibiting CREB on the induced expression of c-fos, ngfi-a, ngfi-b, and vasopressin genes in the A-CREB AAV injected SON versus the control AAV injected SON in the same rat. We found only a small (20%) decrease of c-fos expression and a 30% decrease of ngfi-b expression in the presence of the A-CREB. There were no significant changes in expression found in the other IEGs nor in vasopressin that were produced by the A-CREB. This suggests that CREB may play only a minor role in the expression of IEGs and vasopressin in the osmotically activated SON in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lubelski
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Molecular Neuroscience Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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