High level of uncoupling protein 1 expression in muscle of transgenic mice selectively affects muscles at rest and decreases their IIb fiber content

Engineering an energy-dissipating hybrid tissue in vivo for obesity treatment

Obesity is a global health challenge with limited therapeutic solutions. Here, we demonstrate the engineering of an energy-dissipating hybrid tissue (EDHT) in the body for weight control. EDHT is constructed by implanting a synthetic gel matrix comprising immunomodulatory signals and functional cells into the recipient mouse. The immunomodulatory signals induce the host stromal cells to create an immunosuppressive niche that protects the functional cells, which are overexpressing the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), from immune rejection. Consequently, these endogenous and exogenous cells co-develop a hybrid tissue that sustainedly produces UCP1 to accelerate the host's energy expenditure. Systematic experiments in high-fat diet (HFD) and transgenic (ob/ob) mice show that EDHT efficiently reduces body weight and relieves obesity-associated pathological conditions. Importantly, an 18-month observation for safety assessment excludes cell leakage from EDHT and reports no adverse physiological responses. Overall, EDHT demonstrates convincing efficacy and safety in controlling body weight.

Noncoupled Mitochondrial Respiration as Therapeutic Approach for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases: Focus on Transgenic Animal Models

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to numerous chronic diseases, and mitochondria are targets for various toxins and xenobiotics. Therefore, the development of drugs or therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria is an important task in modern medicine. It is well known that the primary, although not the sole, function of mitochondria is ATP generation, which is achieved by coupled respiration. However, a high membrane potential can lead to uncontrolled reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and associated dysfunction. For over 50 years, scientists have been studying various synthetic uncouplers, and for more than 30 years, uncoupling proteins that are responsible for uncoupled respiration in mitochondria. Additionally, the proteins of the mitochondrial alternative respiratory pathway exist in plant mitochondria, allowing noncoupled respiration, in which electron flow is not associated with membrane potential formation. Over the past two decades, advances in genetic engineering have facilitated the creation of various cellular and animal models that simulate the effects of uncoupled and noncoupled respiration in different tissues under various disease conditions. In this review, we summarize and discuss the findings obtained from these transgenic models. We focus on the advantages and limitations of transgenic organisms, the observed physiological and biochemical changes, and the therapeutic potential of uncoupled and noncoupled respiration.

Temporal dynamics of muscle mitochondrial uncoupling-induced integrated stress response and ferroptosis defense

Mitochondria play multifaceted roles in cellular function, and impairments across domains of mitochondrial biology are known to promote cellular integrated stress response (ISR) pathways as well as systemic metabolic adaptations. However, the temporal dynamics of specific mitochondrial ISR related to physiological variations in tissue-specific energy demands remains unknown. Here, we conducted a comprehensive 24-hour muscle and plasma profiling of male and female mice with ectopic mitochondrial respiratory uncoupling in skeletal muscle (mUcp1-transgenic, TG). TG mice are characterized by increased muscle ISR, elevated oxidative stress defense, and increased secretion of FGF21 and GDF15 as ISR-induced myokines. We observed a temporal signature of both cell-autonomous and systemic ISR in the context of endocrine myokine signaling and cellular redox balance, but not of ferroptotic signature which was also increased in TG muscle. We show a progressive increase of muscle ISR on transcriptional level during the active phase (night time), with a subsequent peak in circulating FGF21 and GDF15 in the early resting phase. Moreover, we found highest levels of muscle oxidative defense (GPX and NQO1 activity) between the late active to early resting phase, which could aim to counteract excessive iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in muscle of TG mice. These findings highlight the temporal dynamics of cell-autonomous and endocrine ISR signaling under skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling, emphasizing the importance of considering such dissociation in translational strategies and sample collection for diagnostic biomarker analysis.

Ablation of PI3K-p110alpha Impairs Maternal Metabolic Adaptations to Pregnancy

Pregnancy requires adaptations in maternal metabolism to support fetal growth. The phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway controls multiple biological processes and defects in this pathway are linked to metabolic disorders including insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in non-pregnant animals. However, relatively little is known about the contribution of PI3K signalling to the maternal metabolic adaptations during pregnancy. Using mice with partial inactivation of the PI3K isoform, p110α (due to a heterozygous dominant negative mutation; Pik3ca-D933A), the effects of impaired PI3K-p110α signalling on glucose and insulin handling were examined in the pregnant and non-pregnant states and related to the morphological, molecular, and mitochondrial changes in key metabolic organs. The results show that non-pregnant mice lacking PI3K-p110α are glucose intolerant but exhibit compensatory increases in pancreatic glucose-stimulated insulin release and adipose tissue mitochondrial respiratory capacity and fatty acid oxidation. However, in pregnancy, mutant mice failed to show the normal increment in glucose intolerance and pancreatic β-cell mass observed in wild-type pregnant dams and exhibited further enhanced adipose tissue mitochondrial respiratory capacity. These maladaptations in pregnant mutant mice were associated with fetal growth restriction. Hence, PI3K-p110α is a key regulator of metabolic adaptations that support fetal growth during normal pregnancy.

Mitochondrial proton leaks and uncoupling proteins

Non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue is mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which provides a carefully regulated proton re-entry pathway across the mitochondrial inner membrane operating in parallel to the ATP synthase and allowing respiration, and hence thermogenesis, to be released from the constraints of respiratory control. In the 40 years since UCP1 was first described, an extensive, and frequently contradictory, literature has accumulated, focused on the acute physiological regulation of the protein by fatty acids, purine nucleotides and possible additional factors. The purpose of this review is to examine, in detail, the experimental evidence underlying these proposed mechanisms. Emphasis will be placed on the methodologies employed and their relation to the physiological constraints under which the protein functions in the intact cell. The nature of the endogenous, UCP1-independent, proton leak will also be discussed. Finally, the troubled history of the putative novel uncoupling proteins, UCP2 and UCP3, will be evaluated.

Pseudo-Starvation Driven Energy Expenditure Negatively Affects Ovarian Follicle Development

In the present investigation, we examined whether a change in whole body energy fluxes could affect ovarian follicular development, employing mice ectopically expressing uncoupling protein 1 in skeletal muscle (UCP1-TG). Female UCP1-TG and wild-type (WT) mice were dissected at the age of 12 weeks. Energy intake and expenditure, activity, body weight and length, and body composition were measured. Plasma insulin, glucose, leptin, plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels were analyzed and ovarian follicle and corpus luteum numbers were counted. IGF1 signaling was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining for the activation of insulin receptor substrate 1/2 (IRS1/2) and AKT. UCP1-TG female mice had increased energy expenditure, reduced body size, maintained adiposity, and decreased IGF1 concentrations compared to their WT littermates, while preantral and antral follicle numbers were reduced by 40% and 60%, respectively. Corpora lutea were absent in 40% of the ovaries of UCP1-TG mice. Phospho-IRS1, phospho-AKT -Ser473 and -Thr308 immunostaining was present in the granulosa cells of antral follicles in WT ovaries, but faint to absent in the antral follicles of UCP1-TG mice. In conclusion, the reduction in circulating IGF1 levels due to the ectopic expression of UCP1 is associated with reduced immunostaining of the IRS1-PI3/AKT pathway, which may negatively affect ovarian follicle development and ovulation.

Emerging Pharmacological Targets for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia despite hyperinsulinemia, affects more than 400 million people worldwide, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Insulin resistance, of which ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver [nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)] and skeletal muscle is the root cause, plays a major role in the development of T2D. Although lifestyle interventions and weight loss are highly effective at reversing NAFLD and T2D, weight loss is difficult to sustain, and newer approaches aimed at treating the root cause of T2D are urgently needed. In this review, we highlight emerging pharmacological strategies aimed at improving insulin sensitivity and T2D by altering hepatic energy balance or inhibiting key enzymes involved in hepatic lipid synthesis. We also summarize recent research suggesting that liver-targeted mitochondrial uncoupling may be an attractive therapeutic approach to treat NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and T2D.

Mitochondrial uncoupling and longevity - A role for mitokines?

Aging has been viewed both as a random process due to accumulation of molecular and cellular damage over time and as a programmed process linked to cellular pathway important for growth and maturation. These views converge on mitochondria as both the major producer of damaging reactive oxidant species (ROS) and as signaling organelles. A finite proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane leading to a slight uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and respiration is an intrinsic property of all mitochondria and according to the "uncoupling to survive" hypothesis it has evolved to protect against ROS production to minimize oxidative damage. This hypothesis is supported by evidence linking an increased endogenous, uncoupling protein (UCP1) mediated, as well as experimentally induced mitochondrial uncoupling to an increased lifespan in rodents. This is possibly due to the synergistic activation of molecular pathways linked to life extending effects of caloric restriction as well as a mitohormetic response. Mitohormesis is an adaptive stress response through mitonuclear signaling which increases stress resistance resulting in health promoting effects. Part of this response is the induction of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), two stress-induced mitokines which elicit beneficial systemic metabolic effects via endocrine action.

Mitochondrial Uncoupling: A Key Controller of Biological Processes in Physiology and Diseases

Mitochondrial uncoupling can be defined as a dissociation between mitochondrial membrane potential generation and its use for mitochondria-dependent ATP synthesis. Although this process was originally considered a mitochondrial dysfunction, the identification of UCP-1 as an endogenous physiological uncoupling protein suggests that the process could be involved in many other biological processes. In this review, we first compare the mitochondrial uncoupling agents available in term of mechanistic and non-specific effects. Proteins regulating mitochondrial uncoupling, as well as chemical compounds with uncoupling properties are discussed. Second, we summarize the most recent findings linking mitochondrial uncoupling and other cellular or biological processes, such as bulk and specific autophagy, reactive oxygen species production, protein secretion, cell death, physical exercise, metabolic adaptations in adipose tissue, and cell signaling. Finally, we show how mitochondrial uncoupling could be used to treat several human diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, or neurological disorders.

Effect of postexercise temperature elevation on postexercise glycogen metabolism of isolated mouse soleus muscle

The effects of temperature elevation after intense repeated contractions on glycogen and energy metabolism as well as contractile function of isolated mouse soleus muscle (slow twitch, oxidative) were investigated. Muscles were stimulated electrically to perform repeated tetanic contractions for 10 min at 25°C, which reduced tetanic force by ~85% and glycogen by 50%. After 120-min recovery at 25°C glycogen was fully restored (~125% of basal), whereas after recovery at 35°C glycogen decreased further (~25% of basal). Glycogen synthase fractional activity averaged 31.8 ± 3.1% (baseline = 33.8 ± 3.4%) after 120-min recovery at 25°C but was increased after recovery at 35°C (63.8 ± 4.8%; P < 0.001 vs. 25°C). Phosphorylase fractional and total activities were not affected by the higher temperature. However, recovery at 35°C resulted in a significantly higher content of the phosphorylase substrate inorganic phosphate (~20%; P < 0.01 vs. 25°C). Finally, fatigue development during a subsequent bout of repeated contractions at 25°C was similar after 120-min recovery at 25°C and 35°C. These data demonstrate that after intense contractions elevated temperature inhibits glycogen accumulation, likely by increasing the availability of the phosphorylase substrate inorganic phosphate, but has no effect on fatigue development. Thus after heat exposure phosphorylase plays a significant role in glycogen accumulation, and glycogen does not limit muscle performance in isolated mouse soleus muscle after recovery from elevated temperature. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whether elevated temperature affects glycogen biogenesis and contractile performance of isolated slow-twitch muscle is not known. Here we show that after a bout of repeated contractions in isolated mouse soleus muscle at 25°C, increasing muscle temperature during recovery to 35°C blocked glycogen accumulation compared with recovery at 25°C. Surprisingly, during a subsequent bout of repeated contractions at 25°C, the rate of fatigue was not different between groups after recovery at the two temperatures.

Histone deacetylase 4 protects from denervation and skeletal muscle atrophy in a murine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Background

Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) has been proposed as a target for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) because it mediates nerve-skeletal muscle interaction and since its expression in skeletal muscle correlates with the severity of the disease. However, our recent studies on the skeletal muscle response upon long-term denervation highlighted the importance of HDAC4 in maintaining muscle integrity.

Methods

To fully identify the yet uncharacterized HDAC4 functions in ALS, we genetically deleted HDAC4 in skeletal muscles of a mouse model of ALS. Body weight, skeletal muscle, innervation and spinal cord were analyzed over time by morphological and molecular analyses. Transcriptome analysis was also performed to delineate the signaling modulated by HDAC4 in skeletal muscle of a mouse model of ALS.

Findings

HDAC4 deletion in skeletal muscle caused earlier ALS onset, characterized by body weight loss, muscle denervation and atrophy, and compromised muscle performance, although the main catabolic pathways were not activated. Transcriptome analysis identified the gene networks modulated by HDAC4 in ALS, revealing UCP1 as a top regulator that may be implicated in worsening ALS features.

Interpretation

HDAC4 plays an important role in preserving innervations and skeletal muscle in ALS, likely by modulating the UCP1 gene network. Our study highlights a possible risk in considering HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of ALS.

Fund

This work was supported by FIRB grant (RBFR12BUMH) from Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, by Fondazione Veronesi, by Sapienza research project 2017 (RM11715C78539BD8) and Polish National Science Center grant (UMO-2016/21/B/NZ3/03638).

Partial involvement of Nrf2 in skeletal muscle mitohormesis as an adaptive response to mitochondrial uncoupling

Mitochondrial dysfunction is usually associated with various metabolic disorders and ageing. However, salutary effects in response to mild mitochondrial perturbations have been reported in multiple organisms, whereas molecular regulators of cell-autonomous stress responses remain elusive. We addressed this question by asking whether the nuclear factor erythroid-derived-like 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor and master regulator of cellular redox status is involved in adaptive physiological responses including muscle mitohormesis. Using a transgenic mouse model with skeletal muscle-specific mitochondrial uncoupling and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inefficiency (UCP1-transgenic, TG) we show that additional genetic ablation of Nrf2 abolishes an adaptive muscle NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and catalase induction. Deficiency of Nrf2 also leads to decreased mitochondrial respiratory performance although muscle functional integrity, fiber-type profile and mitochondrial biogenesis were not significantly altered. Importantly, Nrf2 ablation did not abolish the induction of key genes and proteins of muscle integrated stress response including the serine, one-carbon cycle, and glycine synthesis (SOG) pathway in TG mice while further increasing glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity linked to increased GPX1 protein levels. Conclusively, our results tune down the functions controlled by Nrf2 in muscle mitohormesis and oxidative stress defense during mitochondrial OXPHOS inefficiency.

Carbon monoxide reverses the metabolic adaptation of microglia cells to an inflammatory stimulus

Microglia fulfill important immunological functions in the brain by responding to pathological stresses and modulating their activities according to pro- or anti-inflammatory stimuli. Recent evidence indicates that changes in metabolism accompany the switch in microglia activation state, favoring glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation when cells exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Carbon monoxide (CO), a byproduct of heme breakdown by heme oxygenase, exerts anti-inflammatory action and affects mitochondrial function in cells and tissues. In the present study, we analyzed the metabolic profile of BV2 and primary mouse microglia exposed to the CO-releasing molecules CORM-401 and CORM-A1 and investigated whether CO affects the metabolic adaptation of cells to the inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Microglia respiration and glycolysis were measured using an Extracellular Flux Analyzer to provide a real-time bioenergetic assessment, and biochemical parameters were evaluated to define the metabolic status of the cells under normal or inflammatory conditions. We show that CO prevents LPS-induced depression of microglia respiration and reduction in ATP levels while altering the early expression of inflammatory markers, suggesting the metabolic changes induced by CO are associated with control of inflammation. CO alone affects microglia respiration depending on the concentration, as low levels increase oxygen consumption while higher amounts inhibit respiration. Increased oxygen consumption was attributed to an uncoupling activity observed in cells, at the molecular level (respiratory complex activities) and during challenge with LPS. Thus, application of CO is a potential countermeasure to reverse the metabolic changes that occur during microglia inflammation and in turn modulate their inflammatory profile.

UCPs, at the interface between bioenergetics and metabolism

The first member of the uncoupling protein (UCP) family, brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), was identified in 1976. Twenty years later, two closely related proteins, UCP2 and UCP3, were described in mammals. Homologs of these proteins exist in other organisms, including plants. Uncoupling refers to a deterioration of energy conservation between substrate oxidation and ADP phosphorylation. Complete energy conservation loss would be fatal but fine-tuning can be beneficial for processes such as thermogenesis, redox control, and prevention of mitochondrial ROS release. The coupled/uncoupled state of mitochondria is related to the permeability of the inner membrane and the proton transport mediated by activated UCPs underlies the uncoupling activity of these proteins. Proton transport by UCP1 is activated by fatty acids and this ensures thermogenesis. In vivo in absence of this activation UCP1 remains inhibited with no transport activity. A similar situation now seems unlikely for UCP2 and UCP3 and while activation of their proton transport has been described its physiological relevance remains uncertain and their influence can be envisaged as a result of another transport pathway that takes place in the absence of activation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Channels edited by Pierre Sonveaux, Pierre Maechler and Jean-Claude Martinou.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling prevents diabetes but not obesity in NZO mice, a model for polygenic diabesity

Induction of skeletal muscle (SM) mitochondrial stress by expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in mice results in a healthy metabolic phenotype associated with increased secretion of FGF21 from SM. Here, we investigated whether SM mitochondrial uncoupling can compensate obesity and insulin resistance in the NZO mouse, a polygenic diabesity model. Male NZO mice were crossed with heterozygous UCP1 transgenic (tg) mice (mixed C57BL/6/CBA background) and further backcrossed to obtain F1 and N2 offspring with 50 and 75 % NZO background, respectively. Male F1 and N2 progeny were fed a high-fat diet ad libitum for 20 weeks from weaning. Blood glucose was reduced, and diabetes (severe hyperglycemia >300 mg/dl) was fully prevented in both F1- and N2-tg progeny compared to a diabetes prevalence of 15 % in F1 and 42 % in N2 wild type. In contrast, relative body fat content and plasma insulin were decreased, and glucose tolerance was improved, in F1-tg only. Both F1 and N2-tg showed decreased lean body mass. Accordingly, induction of SM stress response including FGF21 expression and secretion was similar in both F1 and N2-tg mice. In white adipose tissue, expression of FGF21 target genes was enhanced in F1 and N2-tg mice, whereas lipid metabolism genes were induced in F1-tg only. There was no evidence for induction of browning in either UCP1 backcross. We conclude that SM mitochondrial uncoupling induces FGF21 expression and prevents diabetes in mice with a 50-75 % NZO background independent of its effects on adipose tissue.

Supplemental epilactose prevents metabolic disorders through uncoupling protein-1 induction in the skeletal muscle of mice fed high-fat diets

Obesity is one of the major health problems throughout the world. The present study investigated the preventive effect of epilactose – a rare non-digestible disaccharide – on obesity and metabolic disorders in mice fed high-fat (HF) diets. Feeding with HF diets increased body weight gain, fat pad weight and adipocyte size in mice (P<0·01), and these increases were effectively prevented by the use of supplemental epilactose without influencing food intake (P<0·01). Caecal pools of SCFA such as acetic and propionic acids in mice fed epilactose were higher compared with mice not receiving epilactose. Supplemental epilactose increased the expression of uncoupling protein (UCP)-1, which enhances energy expenditure, to 2-fold in the gastrocnemius muscle (P=0·04) and to 1·3-fold in the brown adipose tissue (P=0·02) in mice fed HF diets. Feeding HF diets induced pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration into white adipose tissue, as indicated by the increased expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, TNF-α and F4/80, and these increases were attenuated by supplemental epilactose. In differentiated myogenic-like C2C12 cells, propionic acid, but not acetic or n-butyric acids, directly enhanced UCP-1 expression by approximately 2-fold (P<0·01). Taken together, these findings indicate that the epilactose-mediated increase in UCP-1 in the skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue can enhance whole-body energy expenditure, leading to effective prevention of obesity and metabolic disorders in mice fed HF diets. It is suggested that propionic acid – a bacterial metabolite – acts as a mediator to induce UCP-1 expression in skeletal muscles.

David and goliath: a mitochondrial coupling problem?

An organism's size, known to affect biological structures and processes from cellular metabolism to population dynamics, depends upon the duration and rate of growth. However, it is still poorly understood how mitochondrial function affects the energetic basis of growth, especially in ectotherms, which represent a huge majority of animal biodiversity. Here, we present an intraspecies comparison of neighboring populations of frogs (Rana temporaria) that have large differences in body mass even at the same age. By investigating liver mitochondrial bioenergetics, we find that frogs with high growth rates and large body sizes exhibit higher ATP synthesis rates and more efficient oxidative phosphorylation compared to the smaller frogs with low growth rates. This higher energy transduction efficiency is not associated with significant increased oxidative capacity or membrane potential values, but instead may rely on a higher mitochondrial phosphorylation system activity in combination with a lower inner membrane proton leakage. Overall, the present study introduces the mitochondrial energy transduction system as an important mechanism for balancing physiological and ecological trade-offs associated with body size. Whether phenotype differences in mitochondrial function result from local ecological constraints or reflect a natural genetic variability within wild populations of common frogs remains an open question. However, our findings highlight the need for closer consideration of all aspects of mitochondrial metabolism for a better understanding of the physiological basis of the link between size, metabolism, and energy production in wild-dwelling organisms.

Tissue- and cell-specific mitochondrial defect in Parkin-deficient mice

Loss of Parkin, encoded by PARK2 gene, is a major cause of autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease. In Drosophila and mammalian cell models Parkin has been shown in to play a role in various processes essential to maintenance of mitochondrial quality, including mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis and degradation. However, the relevance of altered mitochondrial quality control mechanisms to neuronal survival in vivo is still under debate. We addressed this issue in the brain of PARK2-/- mice using an integrated mitochondrial evaluation, including analysis of respiration by polarography or by fluorescence, respiratory complexes activity by spectrophotometric assays, mitochondrial membrane potential by rhodamine 123 fluorescence, mitochondrial DNA content by real time PCR, and oxidative stress by total glutathione measurement, proteasome activity, SOD2 expression and proteins oxidative damage. Respiration rates were lowered in PARK2-/- brain with high resolution but not standard respirometry. This defect was specific to the striatum, where it was prominent in neurons but less severe in astrocytes. It was present in primary embryonic cells and did not worsen in vivo from 9 to 24 months of age. It was not associated with any respiratory complex defect, including complex I. Mitochondrial inner membrane potential in PARK2-/- mice was similar to that of wild-type mice but showed increased sensitivity to uncoupling with ageing in striatum. The presence of oxidative stress was suggested in the striatum by increased mitochondrial glutathione content and oxidative adducts but normal proteasome activity showed efficient compensation. SOD2 expression was increased only in the striatum of PARK2-/- mice at 24 months of age. Altogether our results show a tissue-specific mitochondrial defect, present early in life of PARK2-/- mice, mildly affecting respiration, without prominent impact on mitochondrial membrane potential, whose underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, as complex I defect and prominent oxidative damage were ruled out.

Activation of AMPKα2 is not crucial for mitochondrial uncoupling-induced metabolic effects but required to maintain skeletal muscle integrity

Transgenic (UCP1-TG) mice with ectopic expression of UCP1 in skeletal muscle (SM) show a phenotype of increased energy expenditure, improved glucose tolerance and increase substrate metabolism in SM. To investigate the potential role of skeletal muscle AMPKα2 activation in the metabolic phenotype of UCP1-TG mice we generated double transgenic (DTG) mice, by crossing of UCP1-TG mice with DN-AMPKα2 mice overexpressing a dominant negative α2 subunit of AMPK in SM which resulted in an impaired AMPKα2 activity by 90±9% in SM of DTG mice. Biometric analysis of young male mice showed decreased body weight, lean and fat mass for both UCP1-TG and DTG compared to WT and DN-AMPKα2 mice. Energy intake and weight-specific total energy expenditure were increased, both in UCP1-TG and DTG mice. Moreover, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and fatty acid oxidation were not altered in DTG compared to UCP1-TG. Also uncoupling induced induction and secretion of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) from SM was preserved in DTG mice. However, voluntary physical cage activity as well as ad libitum running wheel access during night uncovered a severe activity intolerance of DTG mice. Histological analysis showed a progressive degenerative morphology in SM of DTG mice which was not observed in SM of UCP1-TG mice. Moreover, ATP-depletion related cellular stress response via heat shock protein 70 was highly induced, whereas capillarization regulator VEGF was suppressed in DTG muscle. In addition, AMPKα2-mediated induction of mitophagy regulator ULK1 was suppressed in DTG mice, as well as mitochondrial respiratory capacity and content. In conclusion, we demonstrate that AMPKα2 is dispensable for SM mitochondrial uncoupling induced metabolic effects on whole body energy balance, glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. But strikingly, activation of AMPKα2 seems crucial for maintaining SM function, integrity and the ability to compensate chronic metabolic stress induced by SM mitochondrial uncoupling.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling drives endocrine cross-talk through the induction of FGF21 as a myokine

UCP1-Tg mice with ectopic expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in skeletal muscle (SM) are a model of improved substrate metabolism and increased longevity. Analysis of myokine expression showed an induction of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in SM, resulting in approximately fivefold elevated circulating FGF21 in UCP1-Tg mice. Despite a reduced muscle mass, UCP1-Tg mice showed no evidence for a myopathy or muscle autophagy deficiency but an activation of integrated stress response (ISR; eIF2α/ATF4) in SM. Targeting mitochondrial function in vitro by treating C2C12 myoblasts with the uncoupler FCCP resulted in a dose-dependent activation of ISR, which was associated with increased expression of FGF21, which was also observed by treatment with respiratory chain inhibitors antimycin A and myxothiazol. The cofactor required for FGF21 action, β-klotho, was expressed in white adipose tissue (WAT) of UCP1-Tg mice, which showed an increased browning of WAT similar to what occurred in altered adipocyte morphology, increased brown adipocyte markers (UCP1, CIDEA), lipolysis (HSL phosphorylation), and respiratory capacity. Importantly, treatment of primary white adipocytes with serum of transgenic mice resulted in increased UCP1 expression. Additionally, UCP1-Tg mice showed reduced body length through the suppressed IGF-I-GH axis and decreased bone mass. We conclude that the induction of FGF21 as a myokine is coupled to disturbance of mitochondrial function and ISR activation in SM. FGF21 released from SM has endocrine effects leading to increased browning of WAT and can explain the healthy metabolic phenotype of UCP1-Tg mice. These results confirm muscle as an important endocrine regulator of whole body metabolism.

Mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle by UCP1 augments energy expenditure and glutathione content while mitigating ROS production

Enhancement of proton leaks in muscle tissue represents a potential target for obesity treatment. In this study, we examined the bioenergetic and physiological implications of increased proton leak in skeletal muscle. To induce muscle-specific increases in proton leak, we used mice that selectively express uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in skeletal muscle tissue. UCP1 expression in muscle mitochondria was ∼13% of levels in brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondria and caused increased GDP-sensitive proton leak. This was associated with an increase in whole body energy expenditure and a decrease in white adipose tissue content. Muscle UCP1 activity had divergent effects on mitochondrial ROS emission and glutathione levels compared with BAT. UCP1 in muscle increased total mitochondrial glutathione levels ∼7.6 fold. Intriguingly, unlike in BAT mitochondria, leak through UCP1 in muscle controlled mitochondrial ROS emission. Inhibition of UCP1 with GDP in muscle mitochondria increased ROS emission ∼2.8-fold relative to WT muscle mitochondria. GDP had no impact on ROS emission from BAT mitochondria from either genotype. Collectively, these findings indicate that selective induction of UCP1-mediated proton leak in muscle can increase whole body energy expenditure and decrease adiposity. Moreover, ectopic UCP1 expression in skeletal muscle can control mitochondrial ROS emission, while it apparently plays no such role in its endogenous tissue, brown fat.

Genetic variation in brown fat activity and body weight regulation in mice: lessons for human studies

The recent characterization of brown fat in humans has generated much excitement on the possibility that increased energy expenditure by heat production by this tissue will be able to reduce obesity. This expectation has largely been stimulated by studies with mice that show strong associations between increased brown fat activity and reductions in obesity and insulin resistance. Research in the mouse has been largely based upon the induction or suppression of brown fat and mitochondrial uncoupling protein by genetic methods. The review of this research literature underscores the idea that reductions in obesity in mice are secondary to the primary role of brown adipose tissue in the regulation of body temperature. Given that the variation in brown fat in humans, as detected by PET imaging, is highly associated with administration of adrenergic agonists and reductions in ambient temperature, the effects on obesity in humans may also be secondary to the regulation of body temperature. Induction of thermogenesis by reduced ambient temperature now becomes like muscle and physical activity, another natural method of increased energy expenditure to combat obesity. Furthermore, there is no evidence to indicate that heat production by adrenergic stimulation via cold exposure or drug treatment or the enriched physical environment is restricted to the thermogenic activity of the brown adipocyte. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Modulation of Adipose Tissue in Health and Disease.

Detection of thermogenesis in rodents in response to anti-obesity drugs and genetic modification

Many compounds and genetic manipulations are claimed to confer resistance to obesity in rodents by raising energy expenditure. Examples taken from recent and older literature, demonstrate that such claims are often based on measurements of energy expenditure after body composition has changed, and depend on comparisons of energy expenditure divided by body weight. This is misleading because white adipose tissue has less influence than lean tissue on energy expenditure. Application of this approach to human data would suggest that human obesity is usually due to a low metabolic rate, which is not an accepted view. Increased energy expenditure per animal is a surer way of demonstrating thermogenesis, but even then it is important to know whether this is due to altered body composition (repartitioning), or increased locomotor activity rather than thermogenesis per se. Regression analysis offers other approaches. The thermogenic response to some compounds has a rapid onset and so cannot be due to altered body composition. These compounds usually mimic or activate the sympathetic nervous system. Thermogenesis occurs in, but may not be confined to, brown adipose tissue. It should not be assumed that weight loss in response to these treatments is due to thermogenesis unless there is a sustained increase in 24-h energy expenditure. Thyroid hormones and fibroblast growth factor 21 also raise energy expenditure before they affect body composition. Some treatments and genetic modifications alter the diurnal rhythm of energy expenditure. It is important to establish whether this is due to altered locomotor activity or efficiency of locomotion. There are no good examples of compounds that do not affect short-term energy expenditure but have a delayed effect. How and under what conditions a genetic modification or compound increases energy expenditure influences the decision on whether to seek drugs for the target or take a candidate drug into clinical studies.

The Human Obesity Gene Map: The 2004 Update

This paper presents the eleventh update of the human obesity gene map, which incorporates published results up to the end of October 2004. Evidence from single-gene mutation obesity cases, Mendelian disorders exhibiting obesity as a clinical feature, transgenic and knockout murine models relevant to obesity, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from animal cross-breeding experiments, association studies with candidate genes, and linkages from genome scans is reviewed. As of October 2004, 173 human obesity cases due to single-gene mutations in 10 different genes have been reported, and 49 loci related to Mendelian syndromes relevant to human obesity have been mapped to a genomic region, and causal genes or strong candidates have been identified for most of these syndromes. There are 166 genes which, when mutated or expressed as transgenes in the mouse, result in phenotypes that affect body weight and adiposity. The number of QTLs reported from animal models currently reaches 221. The number of human obesity QTLs derived from genome scans continues to grow, and we have now 204 QTLs for obesity-related phenotypes from 50 genome-wide scans. A total of 38 genomic regions harbor QTLs replicated among two to four studies. The number of studies reporting associations between DNA sequence variation in specific genes and obesity phenotypes has also increased considerably with 358 findings of positive associations with 113 candidate genes. Among them, 18 genes are supported by at least five positive studies. The obesity gene map shows putative loci on all chromosomes except Y. Overall, >600 genes, markers, and chromosomal regions have been associated or linked with human obesity phenotypes. The electronic version of the map with links to useful publications and genomic and other relevant sites can be found at http://obesitygene.pbrc.edu.

Functional characterization of UCP1 in mammalian HEK293 cells excludes mitochondrial uncoupling artefacts and reveals no contribution to basal proton leak

Mechanistic studies on uncoupling proteins (UCPs) not only are important to identify their cellular function but also are pivotal to identify potential drug targets to manipulate mitochondrial energy transduction. So far, functional and comparative studies of uncoupling proteins in their native environment are hampered by different mitochondrial, cellular and genetic backgrounds. Artificial systems such as yeast ectopically expressing UCPs or liposomes with reconstituted UCPs were employed to address crucial mechanistic questions but these systems also produced inconsistencies with results from native mitochondria. We here introduce a novel mammalian cell culture system (Human Embryonic Kidney 293 - HEK293) to study UCP1 function. Stably transfected HEK293 cell lines were derived that contain mouse UCP1 at concentrations comparable to tissue mitochondria. In this cell-based test system UCP1 displays native functional behaviour as it can be activated with fatty acids (palmitate) and inhibited with purine nucleotides guanosine-diphosphate (GDP). The catalytic centre activity of the UCP1 homodimer in HEK293 is comparable to activities in brown adipose tissue supporting functionality of UCP1. Importantly, at higher protein levels than in yeast mitochondria, UCP1 in HEK293 cell mitochondria is fully inhibitable and does not contribute to basal proton conductance, thereby emphasizing the requirement of UCP1 activation for therapeutic purposes. These findings and resulting analysis on UCP1 characteristics demonstrate that the mammalian HEK293 cell system is suitable for mechanistic and comparative functional studies on UCPs and provides a non-confounding mitochondrial, cellular and genetic background.

Augmenting energy expenditure by mitochondrial uncoupling: a role of AMP-activated protein kinase

Strategies to prevent and treat obesity aim to decrease energy intake and/or increase energy expenditure. Regarding the increase of energy expenditure, two key intracellular targets may be considered (1) mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, the major site of ATP production, and (2) AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. Experiments performed mainly in transgenic mice revealed a possibility to ameliorate obesity and associated disorders by mitochondrial uncoupling in metabolically relevant tissues, especially in white adipose tissue (WAT), skeletal muscle (SM), and liver. Thus, ectopic expression of brown fat-specific mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) elicited major metabolic effects both at the cellular/tissue level and at the whole-body level. In addition to expected increases in energy expenditure, surprisingly complex phenotypic effects were detected. The consequences of mitochondrial uncoupling in WAT and SM are not identical, showing robust and stable obesity resistance accompanied by improvement of lipid metabolism in the case of ectopic UCP1 in WAT, while preservation of insulin sensitivity in the context of high-fat feeding represents the major outcome of muscle UCP1 expression. These complex responses could be largely explained by tissue-specific activation of AMPK, triggered by a depression of cellular energy charge. Experimental data support the idea that (1) while being always activated in response to mitochondrial uncoupling and compromised intracellular energy status in general, AMPK could augment energy expenditure and mediate local as well as whole-body effects; and (2) activation of AMPK alone does not lead to induction of energy expenditure and weight reduction.

Rat diaphragm mitochondria have lower intrinsic respiratory rates than mitochondria in limb muscles

The mitochondrial content of skeletal muscles is proportional to activity level, with the assumption that intrinsic mitochondrial function is the same in all muscles. This may not hold true for all muscles. For example, the diaphragm is a constantly active muscle; it is possible that its mitochondria are intrinsically different compared with other muscles. This study tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial respiration rates are greater in the diaphragm compared with triceps surae (TS, a limb muscle). We isolated mitochondria from diaphragm and TS of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Mitochondrial respiration was measured by polarography. The contents of respiratory complexes, uncoupling proteins 1, 2, and 3 (UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3), and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) were determined by immunoblotting. Complex IV activity was measured by spectrophotometry. Mitochondrial respiration states 3 (substrate and ADP driven) and 5 (uncoupled) were 27 ± 8% and 24 ± 10%, respectively, lower in diaphragm than in TS (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). However, the contents of respiratory complexes III, IV, and V, UCP1, and VDAC1 were higher in diaphragm mitochondria (23 ± 6, 30 ± 8, 25 ± 8, 36 ± 15, and 18 ± 8% respectively, P ≤ 0.04 for all comparisons). Complex IV activity was 64 ± 16% higher in diaphragm mitochondria (P ≤ 0.01). Mitochondrial UCP2 and UCP3 content and complex I activity were not different between TS and diaphragm. These data indicate that diaphragm mitochondria respire at lower rates, despite a higher content of respiratory complexes. The results invalidate our initial hypothesis and indicate that mitochondrial content is not the only determinant of aerobic capacity in the diaphragm. We propose that UCP1 and VDAC1 play a role in regulating diaphragm aerobic capacity.

Uncoupling protein-1 is not leaky

The activity of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) is rate-limiting for nonshivering thermogenesis and diet-induced thermogenesis. Characteristically, this activity is inhibited by GDP experimentally and presumably mainly by cytosolic ATP within brown-fat cells. The issue as to whether UCP1 has a residual proton conductance even when fully saturated with GDP/ATP (as has recently been suggested) has not only scientific but also applied interest, since a residual proton conductance would make overexpressed UCP1 weight-reducing even without physiological/pharmacological activation. To examine this question, we have here established optimal conditions for studying the bioenergetics of wild-type and UCP1-/- brown-fat mitochondria, analysing UCP1-mediated differences in parallel preparations of brown-fat mitochondria from both genotypes. Comparing different substrates, we find that pyruvate (or palmitoyl-L-carnitine) shows the largest relative coupling by GDP. Comparing albumin concentrations, we find the range 0.1-0.6% optimal; higher concentrations are inhibitory. Comparing basic medium composition, we find 125 mM sucrose optimal; an ionic medium (50-100 mM KCl) functions for wild-type but is detrimental for UCP1-/- mitochondria. Using optimal conditions, we find no evidence for a residual proton conductance (not a higher post-GDP respiration, a lower membrane potential or an altered proton leak at highest common potential) with either pyruvate or glycerol-3-phosphate as substrates, nor by a 3-4-fold alteration of the amount of UCP1. We could demonstrate that certain experimental conditions, due to respiratoty inhibition, could lead to the suggestion that UCP1 possesses a residual proton conductance but find that under optimal conditions our experiments concur with implications from physiological observations that in the presence of inhibitory nucleotides, UCP1 is not leaky.

UCP1 ectopically expressed in murine muscle displays native function and mitigates mitochondrial superoxide production

Mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle has raised a major interest as a therapeutic target for treatment of obesity, insulin sensitivity, and age-related disease. These physiological effects could be demonstrated in several mouse models ectopically expressing uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Here, we investigated whether UCP1 expressed under the control of the human skeletal actin (HSA) promoter in mouse skeletal muscle can be regulated, and whether it affects mitochondrial superoxide production. We show that the skeletal muscle UCP1 can be fully inhibited by a purine nucleotide (GDP) and reactivated by fatty acids (palmitate). During mitochondrial resting state (State 4), mitochondrial superoxide production is about 76% lower in transgenic mice. We suggest that this reduction is due to uncoupling activity as the administration of GDP restores superoxide production to wildtype levels. Our study confirms native behaviour of UCP1 in skeletal muscle and demonstrates beneficial effects on prevention of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production which may reduce age-related deleterious processes.

Muscle mitochondrial uncoupling dismantles neuromuscular junction and triggers distal degeneration of motor neurons

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most frequent adult onset motor neuron disease, is associated with hypermetabolism linked to defects in muscle mitochondrial energy metabolism such as ATP depletion and increased oxygen consumption. It remains unknown whether muscle abnormalities in energy metabolism are causally involved in the destruction of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and subsequent motor neuron degeneration during ALS.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We studied transgenic mice with muscular overexpression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a potent mitochondrial uncoupler, as a model of muscle restricted hypermetabolism. These animals displayed age-dependent deterioration of the NMJ that correlated with progressive signs of denervation and a mild late-onset motor neuron pathology. NMJ regeneration and functional recovery were profoundly delayed following injury of the sciatic nerve and muscle mitochondrial uncoupling exacerbated the pathology of an ALS animal model.

Conclusions/Significance

These findings provide the proof of principle that a muscle restricted mitochondrial defect is sufficient to generate motor neuron degeneration and suggest that therapeutic strategies targeted at muscle metabolism might prove useful for motor neuron diseases.

Risperidone alters food intake, core body temperature, and locomotor activity in mice

Risperidone induces significant weight gain in female mice; however, the underlying mechanisms related to this effect are unknown. We investigated the effects of risperidone on locomotor activity, core body temperature, and uncoupling protein (UCP) and hypothalamic orexin mRNA expression. Female C57BL/6J mice were acclimated to individual housing and randomly assigned to either risperidone (4 mg/kg BW day) or placebo (PLA). Activity and body temperature were measured over 48-hour periods twice a week for 3 weeks. Food intake and body weights were measured weekly. UCP1 (BAT), UCP3 (gastrocnemius), and orexin (hypothalamus) mRNA expressions were measured using RT-PCR. Risperidone-treated mice consumed more food (p=0.050) and gained more weight (p=0.0001) than PLA-treated mice after 3 weeks. During the initial 2 days of treatment, there was an acute effect of treatment on activity (p=0.046), but not body temperature (p=0.290). During 3 weeks of treatment, average core body temperatures were higher in risperidone-treated mice compared to controls during the light phase (p=0.0001), and tended to be higher during the dark phase (p=0.057). Risperidone-treated mice exhibited lower activity levels than controls during the dark phase (p=0.006); there were no differences in activity during the light phase (p=0.47). UCP1 (p<0.01) and UCP3 (p<0.05) mRNA expressions were greater in risperidone-treated mice compared to controls, whereas, orexin mRNA expression was lower in risperidone-treated mice (p<0.01). These results suggest that risperidone-induced weight gain in mice is a consequence of increased energy intake and reduced activity, while the elevation in body temperature may be a result of thermogenic effect of food intake and elevated UCP1, UCP3, and a reduced hypothalamic orexin expression.

Inactivation of UCP1 and the glycerol phosphate cycle synergistically increases energy expenditure to resist diet-induced obesity

Our current paradigm for obesity assumes that reduced thermogenic capacity increases susceptibility to obesity, whereas enhanced thermogenic capacity protects against obesity. Here we report that elimination of two major thermogenic pathways encoded by the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (Ucp1) and mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gdm) result in mice with increased resistance to diet-induced obesity when housed at 28 degrees C, provided prior adaptation occurred at 20 degrees C. Obesity resistant Gdm(-/-).Ucp1(-/-) mice maintained at 28 degrees C have increased energy expenditure, in part through conversion of white to brown adipocytes in inguinal fat. Increased oxygen consumption in inguinal fat cell suspensions and the up-regulation of genes of mitochondrial function and fat metabolism indicated increased thermogenic activity, despite the absence of UCP1, whereas liver and skeletal muscle showed no changes in gene expression. Additionally, comparisons of energy expenditure in UCP1-deficient and wild type mice fed an obesogenic diet indicates that UCP1-based brown fat-based thermogenesis plays no role in so-called diet-induced thermogenesis. Accordingly, a new paradigm for obesity emerges in which the inactivation of major thermogenic pathways force the induction of alternative pathways that increase metabolic inefficiency.

Uncoupling protein 1 expression in murine skeletal muscle increases AMPK activation, glucose turnover, and insulin sensitivity in vivo

Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation represents a potential target for the treatment of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The present study investigated whether the expression of uncoupling protein 1 in skeletal muscles of transgenic (mUCP1 TG) mice modulates insulin action in major insulin target tissues in vivo. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps (17 pM·kg lean body mass−1·min−1) were performed in 9-mo-old hemizygous male mUCP1 TG mice and wild-type (WT) littermates matched for body composition. mUCP1 TG mice exhibited fasting hypoglycemia and hypoinsulinemia compared with WT mice, whereas fasting hepatic glucose production rates were comparable in both genotypes. mUCP1 TG mice were markedly more sensitive to insulin action compared with WT mice and displayed threefold higher glucose infusion rates, enhanced skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue glucose uptake, and whole body glycolysis rates. In the absence of alterations in plasma adiponectin concentrations, acceleration of insulin-stimulated glucose turnover in skeletal muscle of mUCP1 TG mice was accompanied by increased phosphorylated Akt-to-Akt and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-to-AMPK ratios compared with WT mice. UCP1-mediated uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle was paralleled by AMPK activation and thereby stimulated insulin-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle.

Dissociation of obesity and insulin resistance in transgenic mice with skeletal muscle expression of uncoupling protein 1

We evaluated the effect of skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling on energy and glucose metabolism under different diets. For 3 mo, transgenic HSA-mUCP1 mice with ectopic expression of uncoupling protein 1 in skeletal muscle and wild-type littermates were fed semisynthetic diets with varying macronutrient ratios (energy % carbohydrate-protein-fat): HCLF (41:42:17), HCHF (41:16:43); LCHF (11:45:44). Body composition, energy metabolism, and insulin resistance were assessed by NMR, indirect calorimetry, and insulin tolerance test, respectively. Gene expression in different organs was determined by real-time PCR. In wild type, both high-fat diets led to an increase in body weight and fat. HSA-mUCP1 mice considerably increased body fat on HCHF but stayed lean on the other diets. Irrespective of differences in body fat content, HSA-mUCP1 mice showed higher insulin sensitivity and decreased plasma insulin and liver triglycerides. Respiratory quotient and gene expression indicated overall increased carbohydrate oxidation of HSA-mUCP1 but a preferential channeling of fatty acids into muscle rather than liver with high-fat diets. Evidence for increased lipogenesis in white fat of HSA-mUCP1 mice suggests increased energy dissipating substrate cycling. Retinol binding protein 4 expression in white fat was increased in HSA-mUCP1 mice despite increased insulin sensitivity, excluding a causal role in the development of insulin resistance. We conclude that skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling does not protect from the development of obesity in all circumstances. Rather it can lead to a “healthy” obese phenotype by preserving insulin sensitivity and a high metabolic flexibility, thus protecting from the development of obesity associated disturbances of glucose homeostasis.

Upregulation of myocellular DGAT1 augments triglyceride synthesis in skeletal muscle and protects against fat-induced insulin resistance

Increased fat deposition in skeletal muscle is associated with insulin resistance. However, exercise increases both intramyocellular fat stores and insulin sensitivity, a phenomenon referred to as "the athlete's paradox". In this study, we provide evidence that augmenting triglyceride synthesis in skeletal muscle is intrinsically connected with increased insulin sensitivity. Exercise increased diacylglycerol (DAG) acyltransferase (DGAT) activity in skeletal muscle. Channeling fatty acid substrates into TG resulted in decreased DAG and ceramide levels. Transgenic overexpression of DGAT1 in mouse skeletal muscle replicated these findings and protected mice against high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance. Moreover, in isolated muscle, DGAT1 deficiency exacerbated insulin resistance caused by fatty acids, whereas DGAT1 overexpression mitigated the detrimental effect of fatty acids. The heightened insulin sensitivity in the transgenic mice was associated with attenuated fat-induced activation of DAG-responsive PKCs and the stress mediator JNK1. Consistent with these changes, serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 was reduced, and Akt activation and glucose 4 membrane translocation were increased. In conclusion, upregulation of DGAT1 in skeletal muscle is sufficient to recreate the athlete's paradox and illustrates a mechanism of exercise-induced enhancement of muscle insulin sensitivity. Thus, increasing muscle DGAT activity may offer a new approach to prevent and treat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1alpha leads to muscle atrophy with depletion of ATP

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a key nuclear receptor co-activator for mitochondrial biogenesis. Here we report that overexpression of PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscles increased mitochondrial number and caused atrophy of skeletal muscle, especially type 2B fiber-rich muscles (gastrocnemius, quadriceps, and plantaris). Muscle atrophy became evident at 25 weeks of age, and a portion of the muscle was replaced by adipocytes. Mice showed increased energy expenditure and reduced body weight; thyroid hormone levels were normal. Mitochondria exhibited normal respiratory chain activity per mitochondrion; however, mitochondrial respiration was not inhibited by an ATP synthase inhibitor, oligomycin, clearly indicating that oxidative phosphorylation was uncoupled. Accordingly, ATP content in gastrocnemius was markedly reduced. A similar phenotype is observed in Luft's disease, a mitochondrial disorder that involves increased uncoupling of respiration and muscle atrophy. Our results indicate that overexpression of PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscle increases not only mitochondrial biogenesis but also uncoupling of respiration, resulting in muscle atrophy.

The human obesity gene map: the 2005 update

This paper presents the 12th update of the human obesity gene map, which incorporates published results up to the end of October 2005. Evidence from single-gene mutation obesity cases, Mendelian disorders exhibiting obesity as a clinical feature, transgenic and knockout murine models relevant to obesity, quantitative trait loci (QTL) from animal cross-breeding experiments, association studies with candidate genes, and linkages from genome scans is reviewed. As of October 2005, 176 human obesity cases due to single-gene mutations in 11 different genes have been reported, 50 loci related to Mendelian syndromes relevant to human obesity have been mapped to a genomic region, and causal genes or strong candidates have been identified for most of these syndromes. There are 244 genes that, when mutated or expressed as transgenes in the mouse, result in phenotypes that affect body weight and adiposity. The number of QTLs reported from animal models currently reaches 408. The number of human obesity QTLs derived from genome scans continues to grow, and we now have 253 QTLs for obesity-related phenotypes from 61 genome-wide scans. A total of 52 genomic regions harbor QTLs supported by two or more studies. The number of studies reporting associations between DNA sequence variation in specific genes and obesity phenotypes has also increased considerably, with 426 findings of positive associations with 127 candidate genes. A promising observation is that 22 genes are each supported by at least five positive studies. The obesity gene map shows putative loci on all chromosomes except Y. The electronic version of the map with links to useful publications and relevant sites can be found at http://obesitygene.pbrc.edu.

Dinitrophenol-induced mitochondrial uncoupling in vivo triggers respiratory adaptation in HepG2 cells

Here, we show that 3 days of mitochondrial uncoupling, induced by low concentrations of dinitrophenol (10 and 50 microM) in cultured human HepG2 cells, triggers cellular metabolic adaptation towards oxidative metabolism. Chronic respiratory uncoupling of HepG2 cells induced an increase in cellular oxygen consumption, oxidative capacity and cytochrome c oxidase activity. This was associated with an upregulation of COXIV and ANT3 gene expression, two nuclear genes that encode mitochondrial proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Glucose consumption, lactate and pyruvate production and growth rate were unaffected, indicating that metabolic adaptation of HepG2 cells undergoing chronic respiratory uncoupling allows continuous and efficient mitochondrial ATP production without the need to increase glycolytic activity. In contrast, 3 days of dinitrophenol treatment did not change the oxidative capacity of human 143B.TK(-) cells, but it increased glucose consumption, lactate and pyruvate production. Despite a large increase in glycolytic metabolism, the growth rate of 143B.TK(-) cells was significantly reduced by dinitrophenol-induced mitochondrial uncoupling. We propose that chronic respiratory uncoupling may constitute an internal bioenergetic signal, which would initiate a coordinated increase in nuclear respiratory gene expression, which ultimately drives mitochondrial metabolic adaptation within cells.

Expression of UCP3 in CHO cells does not cause uncoupling, but controls mitochondrial activity in the presence of glucose

The proton-transport activity of UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) triggers mitochondrial uncoupling and thermogenesis. The exact role of its close homologues, UCP2 and UCP3, is unclear. Mounting evidence associates them with the control of mitochondrial superoxide production. Using CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary) cells stably expressing UCP3 or UCP1, we found no evidence for respiration uncoupling. The explanation lies in the absence of an appropriate activator of UCP protonophoric function. Accordingly, the addition of retinoic acid uncouples the respiration of the UCP1-expressing clone, but not that of the UCP3-expressing ones. In a glucose-containing medium, the extent of the hyperpolarization of mitochondria by oligomycin was close to 22 mV in the five UCP3-expressing clones, contrasting with the variable values observed with the 15 controls. Our observations suggest that, when glycolysis and mitochondria generate ATP, and in the absence of appropriate activators of proton transport, UCPs do not transport protons (uncoupling), but rather other ions of physiological relevance that control mitochondrial activity. A model is proposed using the known passive transport of pyruvate by UCP1.

Respiration uncoupling and metabolism in the control of energy expenditure

Metabolic energy expenditure negatively regulates energy balance. Metabolic and catabolic pathways contribute to energy expenditure. Catabolic pathways split C-containing molecules into small molecules and generate reduced coenzymes and ATP. For a given amount of substrate, any increase in energy expenditure requires either increased ATP hydrolysis or decreased ATP synthesis. In skeletal muscles substrate utilisation is coupled to ATP production, whereas ATP hydrolysis is activated during physical exercise and increases energy expenditure. In brown adipose tissue activation of cells during exposure to cold increases substrate utilisation in such a way that glucose and fatty acid oxidation detach from the orthodox coupling to ATP synthesis and result in thermogenesis. The unique mechanism of uncoupling respiration that occurs in brown adipocyte mitochondria represents an attractive strategy for promoting energy expenditure and decreasing the fat content of the body. Moreover, ectopic expression of brown fat uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 in mouse skeletal muscle and induction of UCP1 in mouse or human white adipocytes promote fatty acid oxidation and resistance to obesity. In normal conditions UCP2 and UCP3 do not seem to contribute substantially to energy expenditure. Whether the induction of UCP1, the induction of other UCP or chemical mild uncoupling represent promising strategies for attenuating nutrient efficiency and counteracting obesity should be considered.

Expression of uncoupling protein 1 in skeletal muscle decreases muscle energy efficiency and affects thermoregulation and substrate oxidation

Skeletal muscle uncoupling by ectopic expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) has been shown to result in a lean phenotype in mice characterized by increased energy expenditure (EE), resistance to diet-induced obesity, and improved glucose tolerance. Here, we investigated in detail the effect of ectopic UCP1 expression in skeletal muscle on thermoregulation and energy homeostasis in HSA-mUCP1 transgenic mice. Thermoneutrality was determined to be ∼30°C for both wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice. EE, body temperature (Tb), activity, and respiratory quotient (RQ) were then measured over 24 h at ambient temperatures (Ta) of 30, 22, and 5°C. HSA-mUCP1 transgenic mice showed increased activity-related EE and heat loss but similar basal metabolic rate compared with WT. Tbat resting periods was progressively decreased with declining Tain HSA-mUCP1 transgenic mice but not in WT. Compared with WT littermates, the transgenic HSA-mUCP1 mice displayed increased RQ levels during night time, indicative of increased overall glucose oxidation, and failed to decrease their RQ levels with declining Ta. Thus increased EE caused by skeletal muscle uncoupling is clearly due to a decreased muscle energy efficiency during activity combined with increased glucose oxidation and a compromised thermoregulation associated with increased overall heat loss. At Tas below thermoneutrality, this puts increasing energy demands on the animals, whereas at thermoneutrality most differences in energy metabolism are not apparent any more.

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 expressed in the heart of transgenic mice protects against ischemic-reperfusion damage

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial respiration is the main source of energy in aerobic animal cells and is adapted to the energy demand by respiratory coupling. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) perturb respiratory coupling by inducing a proton leak through the mitochondrial inner membrane. Although this could lead to deleterious energy waste, it may prevent the production of oxygen radicals when the rate of phosphorylation of ADP into ATP is low, whereas oxygen and substrate availability to mitochondria is high. The latter conditions are encountered during cardiac reperfusion after ischemia and are highly relevant to heart infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Heart function of 6 transgenic mice expressing high amounts of UCP1 and of 6 littermate controls was compared in isolated perfused hearts in normoxia, after 40-minute global ischemia, and on reperfusion. In normoxia, oxygen consumption, contractility (quantified as the rate-pressure product), and their relationship (energetic yield) were similar in controls and transgenic mice. Although UCP1 expression did not alter the sensitivity to ischemia, it significantly improved functional recovery on reperfusion. After 60 minutes of reperfusion, contractility was 2-fold higher in transgenic mice than in controls. Oxygen consumption remained significantly depressed in controls (53+/-27% of control), whereas it recovered strikingly to preischemic values in transgenic mice, showing uncoupling of respiration by UCP1 activity. Glutathione and aconitase, markers of oxidative damage, indicated lower oxidative stress in transgenic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

UCP1 activity is low under normoxia but is induced during ischemia-reperfusion. The presence of UCP1 mitigates reperfusion-induced damage, probably because it lowers mitochondrial hyperpolarization at reperfusion.

Capillary regression in vascular endothelial growth factor-deficient skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle angiogenesis is an important physiological adaptation to increased metabolic demand, possibly dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the increased expression of which is a known early response to exercise. To test the hypothesis that VEGF is essential to muscle capillary maintenance, we evaluated the consequences of targeted skeletal muscle inhibition of VEGF expression in postnatal, cage-confined VEGF loxP(+/+) mice. To delete VEGF, cre recombinase expression was accomplished using direct intramuscular injection of a recombinant adeno-associated cre recombinase expressing viral vector. Four weeks postinfection, VEGF-inactivated regions revealed 64% decreases in capillary density and capillary-to-fiber ratio. Substantial apoptosis was also observed in VEGF-depleted regions. There was no evidence of rescue at 8 wk, with a persistent 67% reduction in capillary-to-fiber ratio and a 69% decrease in capillary density. These data implicate VEGF as an essential survival factor for muscle capillarity and also demonstrate insufficient VEGF-dependent signaling leads to apoptosis in mouse skeletal muscle.

Brown adipose tissue: function and physiological significance

The function of brown adipose tissue is to transfer energy from food into heat; physiologically, both the heat produced and the resulting decrease in metabolic efficiency can be of significance. Both the acute activity of the tissue, i.e., the heat production, and the recruitment process in the tissue (that results in a higher thermogenic capacity) are under the control of norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerves. In thermoregulatory thermogenesis, brown adipose tissue is essential for classical nonshivering thermogenesis (this phenomenon does not exist in the absence of functional brown adipose tissue), as well as for the cold acclimation-recruited norepinephrine-induced thermogenesis. Heat production from brown adipose tissue is activated whenever the organism is in need of extra heat, e.g., postnatally, during entry into a febrile state, and during arousal from hibernation, and the rate of thermogenesis is centrally controlled via a pathway initiated in the hypothalamus. Feeding as such also results in activation of brown adipose tissue; a series of diets, apparently all characterized by being low in protein, result in a leptin-dependent recruitment of the tissue; this metaboloregulatory thermogenesis is also under hypothalamic control. When the tissue is active, high amounts of lipids and glucose are combusted in the tissue. The development of brown adipose tissue with its characteristic protein, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), was probably determinative for the evolutionary success of mammals, as its thermogenesis enhances neonatal survival and allows for active life even in cold surroundings.

Molecular phenotyping of the mouse ky mutant reveals UCP1 upregulation at the neuromuscular junctions of dystrophic soleus muscle

The ky mutant mouse displays a muscular dystrophy that affects almost exclusively slow type muscles in which persistent muscle regeneration, neuromuscular junction instability and an absence of the hypertrophic response are prominent features. In order to gain insights into the pathogenesis of this muscular dystrophy we have undertaken RNA profiling of the extensor digitorum longus, a fast unaffected muscle, and the highly pathological soleus slow muscle, followed by further expression studies to validate the results. In dystrophic soleus, there is a coordinated change in the expression level of genes encoding energy transducing mitochondrial proteins and an increase in the expression of stretch response genes. Upregulation of uncoupling proteins 1 and 2 is a unique molecular signature of the ky muscular dystrophy and was further characterised at the protein level. Our results show a spatial and temporal association between disorganisation of acetylcholine receptor clusters and upregulation of uncoupling protein 1. There is also evidence of a breakdown of neuromuscular junction muscle-specific kinase-dependent signalling in adult mutant soleus. Sarcolemma-associated proteins implicated in muscular dystrophies revealed no differences on microarrays and were confirmed as normally distributed by immunofluorescence. Altogether, the data presented suggest that the ky muscular dystrophy develops by a distinctive pathogenic mechanism.

UCP-mediated energy depletion in skeletal muscle increases glucose transport despite lipid accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction

To address the potential role of lipotoxicity and mitochondrial function in insulin resistance, we studied mice with high-level expression of uncoupling protein-1 in skeletal muscle (UCP-H mice). Body weight, body length, and bone mineral density were decreased in UCP-H mice compared with wild-type littermates. Forelimb grip strength and muscle mass were strikingly decreased, whereas muscle triglyceride content was increased fivefold in UCP-H mice. Electron microscopy demonstrated lipid accumulation and large mitochondria with abnormal architecture in UCP-H skeletal muscle. ATP content and key mitochondrial proteins were decreased in UCP-H muscle. Despite mitochondrial dysfunction and increased intramyocellular fat, fasting serum glucose was 22% lower and insulin-stimulated glucose transport 80% higher in UCP-H animals. These beneficial effects on glucose metabolism were associated with increased AMP kinase and hexokinase activities, as well as elevated levels of GLUT4 and myocyte enhancer factor-2 proteins A and D in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that UCP-H mice have a mitochondrial myopathy due to depleted energy stores sufficient to compromise growth and impair muscle function. Enhanced skeletal muscle glucose transport in this setting suggests that excess intramyocellular lipid and mitochondrial dysfunction are not sufficient to cause insulin resistance in mice.

The biology of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial transporters present in the inner membrane of mitochondria. They are found in all mammals and in plants. They belong to the family of anion mitochondrial carriers including adenine nucleotide transporters. The term "uncoupling protein" was originally used for UCP1, which is uniquely present in mitochondria of brown adipocytes, the thermogenic cells that maintain body temperature in small rodents. In these cells, UCP1 acts as a proton carrier activated by free fatty acids and creates a shunt between complexes of the respiratory chain and ATP synthase. Activation of UCP1 enhances respiration, and the uncoupling process results in a futile cycle and dissipation of oxidation energy as heat. UCP2 is ubiquitous and highly expressed in the lymphoid system, macrophages, and pancreatic islets. UCP3 is mainly expressed in skeletal muscles. In comparison to the established uncoupling and thermogenic activities of UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3 appear to be involved in the limitation of free radical levels in cells rather than in physiological uncoupling and thermogenesis. Moreover, UCP2 is a regulator of insulin secretion and UCP3 is involved in fatty acid metabolism.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta/delta agonist, GW501516, regulates the expression of genes involved in lipid catabolism and energy uncoupling in skeletal muscle cells

Lipid homeostasis is controlled by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARalpha, -beta/delta, and -gamma) that function as fatty acid-dependent DNA-binding proteins that regulate lipid metabolism. In vitro and in vivo genetic and pharmacological studies have demonstrated PPARalpha regulates lipid catabolism. In contrast, PPARgamma regulates the conflicting process of lipid storage. However, relatively little is known about PPARbeta/delta in the context of target tissues, target genes, lipid homeostasis, and functional overlap with PPARalpha and -gamma. PPARbeta/delta, a very low-density lipoprotein sensor, is abundantly expressed in skeletal muscle, a major mass peripheral tissue that accounts for approximately 40% of total body weight. Skeletal muscle is a metabolically active tissue, and a primary site of glucose metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and cholesterol efflux. Consequently, it has a significant role in insulin sensitivity, the blood-lipid profile, and lipid homeostasis. Surprisingly, the role of PPARbeta/delta in skeletal muscle has not been investigated. We utilize selective PPARalpha, -beta/delta, -gamma, and liver X receptor agonists in skeletal muscle cells to understand the functional role of PPARbeta/delta, and the complementary and/or contrasting roles of PPARs in this major mass peripheral tissue. Activation of PPARbeta/delta by GW501516 in skeletal muscle cells induces the expression of genes involved in preferential lipid utilization, beta-oxidation, cholesterol efflux, and energy uncoupling. Furthermore, we show that treatment of muscle cells with GW501516 increases apolipoprotein-A1 specific efflux of intracellular cholesterol, thus identifying this tissue as an important target of PPARbeta/delta agonists. Interestingly, fenofibrate induces genes involved in fructose uptake, and glycogen formation. In contrast, rosiglitazone-mediated activation of PPARgamma induces gene expression associated with glucose uptake, fatty acid synthesis, and lipid storage. Furthermore, we show that the PPAR-dependent reporter in the muscle carnitine palmitoyl-transferase-1 promoter is directly regulated by PPARbeta/delta, and not PPARalpha in skeletal muscle cells in a PPARgamma coactivator-1-dependent manner. This study demonstrates that PPARs have distinct roles in skeletal muscle cells with respect to the regulation of lipid, carbohydrate, and energy homeostasis. Moreover, we surmise that PPARbeta/delta agonists would increase fatty acid catabolism, cholesterol efflux, and energy expenditure in muscle, and speculate selective activators of PPARbeta/delta may have therapeutic utility in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and obesity.