Purification of rat liver acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase and immunochemical studies on its synthesis and degradation

MARCH5-mediated downregulation of ACC2 promotes fatty acid oxidation and tumor progression in ovarian cancer

Lipid metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a hallmark of human cancer. Acetyl-CoA Carboxylases (ACCs) are key rate-limiting enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism regulation by catalyzing the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. Previously, most studies focused on the role of ACC1 in fatty acid metabolism in cancer, while the function of ACC2 remains largely uncharacterized in human cancers, especially in ovarian cancer (OC). Here, we show that ACC2 was significantly downregulated in cancerous tissue of OC, and the downregulation of ACC2 is closely associated with lager tumor size, metastases and worse prognosis in OC patients. Downregulation of ACC2 promoted proliferation and metastasis of OC both in vitro and in vivo by enhancing FAO. Notably, mitochondria-associated ubiquitin ligase (MARCH5) was identified to interact with and downregulate ACC2 by ubiquitination and degradation in OC. Moreover, ACC2 downregulation-enhanced FAO contributed to the progression of OC promoted by MARCH5. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that MARCH5-mediated downregulation of ACC2 promotes FAO and tumorigenesis in OC, suggesting MARCH5-ACC2 axis as a potent candidate for the treatment and prevention of OC.

Chronic intake of nutritive sweeteners and saccharin increases levels of glycolytic and lipogenic enzymes in rat liver

There are doubts about the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners consumption on lipogenic and glycolytic metabolism. Therefore, the objective was to determine the effects of chronic consumption of sweeteners on the activity levels of the enzymes glucokinase (GK), phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), pyruvate kinase (PKL), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in livers' extracts. Groups of male and female Wistar rats drank solutions of sweeteners for 480 days: Sucrose 10%, glucose 14%, fructose 7%, acesulfame K 0.05%, aspartame:acesulfame mixture 1.55%, sucralose 0.017%, saccharin 0.033%, and a control group. The enzymatic activity in livers' extracts was determined. Likewise, the levels of glucose, triglycerides, insulin, glucagon, and leptin were determined. In both genders, there were significant differences in the levels of enzymatic activity, hormonal, and biochemical parameters due to sweeteners consumption. The highest glycolytic and lipogenic enzyme activity levels were observed in the groups that ingested nutritive sweeteners and saccharin.

Exploration of the Effect of Blue Light on Functional Metabolite Accumulation in Longan Embryonic Calli via RNA Sequencing

Light is an important factor that affects the synthesis of functional metabolites in longan embryogenic calli (ECs). However, analysis of the effect of light on functional metabolites in longan ECs via RNA sequencing has rarely been reported and their light regulation network is unclear. The contents of various functional metabolites as well as the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase and the level of H₂O₂ in longan ECs were significantly higher under blue light treatment than under the other treatments (dark, white). In this study, we sequenced three mRNA libraries constructed from longan ECs subjected to different treatments. A total of 4463, 1639 and 1806 genes were differentially expressed in the dark versus blue (DB), dark versus white (DW) and white versus blue (WB) combinations, respectively. According to GO and KEGG analyses, most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified were involved in transmembrane transport, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, calcium transport and so forth. Mapman analysis revealed that more DEGs were identified in each DB combination pathway than in DW combination pathways, indicating that blue light exerts a significantly stronger regulatory effect on longan EC metabolism than the other treatments. Based on previous research and transcriptome data mining, a blue light signaling network of genes that affect longan functional metabolites was constructed and HY5, PIF4 and MYC2 were shown to be the key regulatory genes in the network. The results of this study demonstrate that the expression levels of phase-specific genes vary with changes in longan EC functional metabolites.

Fatty acids uptake and oxidation are increased in the liver of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

Severe rheumatoid cachexia is associated with pronounced loss of muscle and fat mass in patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is associated with dyslipidemia and predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. Circulating levels of triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) have not yet been consistently defined in severe arthritis. Similarly, the metabolism of these lipids in the arthritic liver has not yet been clarified. Aiming at filling these gaps this study presents a characterization of the circulating lipid profile and of the fatty acids uptake and metabolism in perfused livers of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. The levels of TG and total cholesterol were reduced in both serum (10-20%) and liver (20-35%) of arthritic rats. The levels of circulating FFA were 40% higher in arthritic rats, possibly in consequence of cytokine-induced adipose tissue lipolysis. Hepatic uptake and oxidation of palmitic and oleic acids was higher in arthritic livers. The phenomenon results possibly from a more oxidized state of the arthritic liver. Indeed, NADPH/NADP⁺ and NADH/NAD⁺ ratios were 30% lower in arthritic livers, which additionally presented higher activities of the citric acid cycle driven by both endogenous and exogenous FFA. The lower levels of circulating and hepatic TG possibly are caused by an increased oxidation associated to a reduced synthesis of fatty acids in arthritic livers. These results reveal that the lipid hepatic metabolism in arthritic rats presents a strong catabolic tendency, a condition that should contribute to the marked cachexia described for arthritic rats and possibly for the severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Oncogenic PI3K and K-Ras stimulate de novo lipid synthesis through mTORC1 and SREBP

An enhanced capacity for de novo lipid synthesis is a metabolic feature of most cancer cells that distinguishes them from their cells of origin. However, the mechanisms through which oncogenes alter lipid metabolism are poorly understood. We find that expression of oncogenic PI3K (H1047R) or K-Ras (G12V) in breast epithelial cells is sufficient to induce de novo lipogenesis, and this occurs through the convergent activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) downstream of these common oncogenes. Oncogenic stimulation of mTORC1 signaling in this isogenic setting or a panel of eight breast cancer cell lines leads to activation of the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP1 and SREBP2) that are required for oncogene-induced lipid synthesis. The SREBPs are also required for the growth factor-independent growth and proliferation of oncogene-expressing cells. Finally, we find that elevated mTORC1 signaling is associated with increased mRNA and protein levels of canonical SREBP targets in primary human breast cancer samples. These data suggest that the mTORC1/SREBP pathway is a major mechanism through which common oncogenic signaling events induce de novo lipid synthesis to promote aberrant growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Ameliorative effect of Withania coagulans on dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus

Present study aims to evaluate the effect of Withania coagulans fruit (aqWC) on diabetic-dyslipidemia and antioxidant/oxidant status in DM. Diabetic animals were treated with aqWC at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw for 30 days. Lipid profile, MDA, GSH, SOD, FRAP, HMG CoA reductase and acetyl CoA carboxylase activities were estimated in blood and tissues. Total cholesterol, TAG and LDL were significantly elevated whereas HDL was decreased in diabetic animals (p<0.05), simultaneously the lipid content and HMG CoA reductase activities were also increased, whereas acetyl CoA carboxylase activity decreased significantly in tissues of diabetic animals. MDA was increased and antioxidants such as SOD, GSH and FRAP decreased significantly in DM (p<0.05). Oral administration of aqWC to diabetic animals produced significant improvement in serum lipid profile and tissue lipid content. Activity of HMG CoA reductase decreased, whereas acetyl CoA carboxylase activity increased significantly in tissues after aqWC treatment. Administration of aqWC to diabetic animals also showed significant increase in antioxidant levels i.e., GSH, SOD, FRAP and reduced level of MDA in blood and tissue homogenates as compared to diabetic controls (p<0.05). These results suggest that aqWC treatment improved lipid profile and decreased oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus.

Molecular mechanism for the regulation of human ACC2 through phosphorylation by AMPK

Acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACCs) have been highlighted as therapeutic targets for obesity and diabetes, as they play crucial roles in fatty acid metabolism. ACC activity is regulated through the short-term mechanism of inactivation by reversible phosphorylation. Here, we report the crystal structures of the biotin carboxylase (BC) domain of human ACC2 phosphorylated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The phosphorylated Ser222 binds to the putative dimer interface of BC, disrupting polymerization and providing the molecular mechanism of inactivation by AMPK. We also determined the structure of the human BC domain in complex with soraphen A, a macrocyclic polyketide natural product. This structure shows that the compound binds to the binding site of phosphorylated Ser222, implying that its inhibition mechanism is the same as that of phosphorylation by AMPK.

Inhibition of stearoylCoA desaturase-1 inactivates acetyl-CoA carboxylase and impairs proliferation in cancer cells: role of AMPK

Cancer cells activate the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in order to sustain an increasing demand for phospholipids with appropriate acyl composition during cell replication. We have previously shown that a stable knockdown of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), the main Δ9-desaturase that converts SFA into MUFA, in cancer cells decreases the rate of lipogenesis, reduces proliferation and in vitro invasiveness, and dramatically impairs tumor formation and growth. Here we report that pharmacological inhibition of SCD1 with a novel small molecule in cancer cells promoted the activation of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and the subsequent reduction of acetylCoA carboxylase activity, with a concomitant inhibition of glucose-mediated lipogenesis. The pharmacological inhibition of AMPK further decreased proliferation of SCD1-depleted cells, whereas AMPK activation restored proliferation to control levels. Addition of supraphysiological concentrations of glucose or pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis, did not reverse the low proliferation rate of SCD1-ablated cancer cells. Our data suggest that cancer cells require active SCD1 to control the rate of glucose-mediated lipogenesis, and that when SCD1 activity is impaired cells downregulate SFA synthesis via AMPK-mediated inactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, thus preventing the harmful effects of SFA accumulation.

K12-biotinylated histone H4 is enriched in telomeric repeats from human lung IMR-90 fibroblasts

Covalent modifications of histones play a role in regulating telomere attrition and cellular senescence. Biotinylation of lysine (K) residues in histones, mediated by holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS), is a novel diet-dependent mechanism to regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. We have previously shown that biotinylation of K12 in histone H4 (H4K12bio) is a marker for heterochromatin and is enriched in pericentromeric alpha satellite repeats. Here, we hypothesized that H4K12bio is also enriched in telomeres. We used human IMR-90 lung fibroblasts and immortalized IMR-90 cells overexpressing human telomerase (hTERT) in order to examine histone biotinylation in young and senescent cells. Our studies suggest that one out of three histone H4 molecules in telomeres is biotinylated at K12 in hTERT cells. The abundance of H4K12bio in telomeres decreased by 42% during telomere attrition in senescent IMR-90 cells; overexpression of telomerase prevented the loss of H4K12bio. Possible confounders such as decreased expression of HCS and biotin transporters were formally excluded in this study. Collectively, these data suggest that H4K12bio is enriched in telomeric repeats and represents a novel epigenetic mark for cell senescence.

Investigation of the anti-obesity action of licorice flavonoid oil in diet-induced obese rats

Licorice flavonoid oil (LFO), which contains hydrophobic flavonoids from Glycyrrhiza glabra LINNE, is a new ingredient for functional foods. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity action of LFO in diet-induced obese rats. The addition of 2% LFO in a high-fat diet significantly decreased the weight of abdominal adipose tissue and the levels of hepatic and plasma triglycerides. We found that the enzymatic activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase, the rate-limiting enzymes in the fatty acid synthetic pathway, were significantly decreased by LFO, whereas the enzymatic activity of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the fatty acid oxidative pathway, was significantly increased. All our findings suggest that the anti-obesity action of LFO is controlled by regulation of the rate-limiting enzymes in the fatty acid synthetic and oxidative pathways in the liver.

Biotin and biotinidase deficiency

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as an essential coenzyme for five carboxylases in mammals. Biotin-dependent carboxylases catalyze the fixation of bicarbonate in organic acids and play crucial roles in the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose. Carboxylase activities decrease substantially in response to biotin deficiency. Biotin is also covalently attached to histones; biotinylated histones are enriched in repeat regions in the human genome and appear to play a role in transcriptional repression of genes and genome stability. Biotin deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary uptake of biotin, drug-vitamin interactions and, perhaps, by increased biotin catabolism during pregnancy and in smokers. Biotin deficiency can also be precipitated by decreased activities of the following proteins that play critical roles in biotin homeostasis: the vitamin transporters sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter and monocarboxylate transporter 1, which mediate biotin transport in the intestine, liver and peripheral tissues, and renal reabsorption; holocarboxylase synthetase, which mediates the binding of biotin to carboxylases and histones; and biotinidase, which plays a central role in the intestinal absorption of biotin, the transport of biotin in plasma and the regulation of histone biotinylation. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include seizures, hypotonia, ataxia, dermatitis, hair loss, mental retardation, ketolactic acidosis, organic aciduria and also fetal malformations. This review focuses on the deficiencies of both biotin and biotinidase, and the medical management of such cases.

Enhancement of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in hepatic cell line Huh7 expressing hepatitis C virus core protein

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein plays important roles in the pathogeneses of liver steatosis as well as hepatocellular carcinomas due to HCV infection. In this study, we examined de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in hepatic cell line Huh7 cells expressing HCV core protein. The rate of metabolic labeling of cellular fatty acids with [(3)H]acetate in core-expressing (Uc39-6) cells was ca. 1.5-fold higher than that in non-expressing (Uc321) cells. The enzyme activities responsible for fatty acid biosynthesis were assayed in vitro. Cytosolic acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity in Uc39-6 cells was ca. 1.6-fold higher than that in Uc321 cells. On the other hand, cytosolic fatty acid synthase activity in Uc39-6 cells was only slightly higher than that in Uc321 cells. Immunoblot analysis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), which is a rate-limiting enzyme for fatty acid biosynthesis, revealed a higher expression level of the protein in Uc39-6 cells than in Uc321 cells. The ACC1 mRNA content in Uc39-6 cells was 1.4-fold higher than that in Uc321 cells. These results strongly suggest that enhancement of fatty acid biosynthesis in core-expressing cells is caused by increased expression of fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes, especially ACC1. Up-regulation of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis by HCV core protein may affect cellular lipid metabolism, resulting in neutral lipid accumulation in HCV-infected cells.

Biotin uptake into human peripheral blood mononuclear cells increases early in the cell cycle, increasing carboxylase activities

Cells respond to proliferation with increased accumulation of biotin, suggesting that proliferation enhances biotin demand. Here we determined whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) increase biotin uptake at specific phases of the cell cycle, and whether biotin is utilized to increase biotinylation of carboxylases. Biotin uptake was quantified in human PBMC that were arrested chemically at specific phases of the cell cycle, i.e., biotin uptake increased in the G1 phase of the cycle [658 +/- 574 amol biotin/(10(6) cells x 30 min)] and remained increased during phases S, G2, and M compared with quiescent controls [200 +/- 62 amol biotin/(10(6) cells x 30 min)]. The abundance of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT, which transports biotin) was similar at all phases of the cell cycle, suggesting that transporters other than SMVT or splicing variants of SMVT may account for the increased biotin uptake observed in proliferating cells. Activities of biotin-dependent 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase and propionyl-CoA carboxylase were up to two times greater in proliferating PBMC compared with controls. The abundance of mRNA encoding 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase and propionyl-CoA carboxylase paralleled carboxylase activities, suggesting that PBMC respond to proliferation with increased expression of genes encoding carboxylases. Similarly, expression of the gene encoding holocarboxylase synthetase (which catalyzes binding of biotin to carboxylases) increased in response to proliferation, suggesting that cellular capacity to biotinylate carboxylases was increased. In summary, these findings suggest that PBMC respond to proliferation with increased biotin uptake early in the cell cycle, and that biotin is utilized to increase activities of two of the four biotin-requiring carboxylases.

L-arabinose feeding prevents increases due to dietary sucrose in lipogenic enzymes and triacylglycerol levels in rats

L-Arabinose is a natural, poorly absorbed pentose that selectively inhibits intestinal sucrase activity. To investigate the effects of L-arabinose feeding on lipogenesis due to its inhibition of sucrase, rats were fed 0-30 g sucrose/100 g diets containing 0-1 g L-arabinose/100 g for 10 d. Lipogenic enzyme activities and triacylglycerol concentrations in the liver were significantly increased by dietary sucrose, and arabinose significantly prevented these increases. Arabinose feeding reduced the weights of epididymal adipose tissue. Moreover, plasma insulin and triacylglycerol concentrations were significantly reduced by dietary L-arabinose. These findings suggest that L-arabinose inhibits intestinal sucrase activity, thereby reducing sucrose utilization, and consequently decreasing lipogenesis.

The regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase--a potential target for the action of hypolipidemic agents

ACC exists as two major isoforms ACC1 or ACC alpha, and ACC2 or ACC beta, and there is evidence that they play separate roles in the production of malonyl-CoA for fatty acid synthesis and the control of mitochondrial beta-oxidation, respectively. ACC alpha can be regulated at the level of gene expression, allosteric regulation of the enzyme, and reversible phosphorylation by AMP-PK. Emerging lines of research suggest that similar mechanisms of regulation exist for ACC beta. Its inactivation in heart and skeletal muscle through phosphorylation by AMP-PK is becoming well-established. ACC is an important target of certain hypolipidemic drugs such as the fibrates. This is not simply because ACC alpha inhibition decreases the synthesis of a lipid component of VLDL because fatty acids synthesized de novo in liver are not always major contributors to VLDL lipid (158); it is also because ACC beta inhibition leads to a decrease in malonyl-CoA levels and the disinhibition of fatty acid oxidation. Partitioning fatty acids towards oxidation and away from esterification is an important aspect of the lipid-lowering effects of fibrates. Fibrates could use any of the mechanisms of ACC regulation to decrease activity. They could repress ACC gene expression through the activation of PPAR alpha, and fibroyl-CoA esters could inhibit ACC allosterically just as TOFyl-CoA does. However, we have demonstrated a rapid inactivation of ACC in cultured rat hepatocytes by gemfibrozil that is mediated by activation of AMP-PK and the subsequent phosphorylation of ACC. The end result is the inhibition of hepatic fatty acid synthesis and a possible activation of beta-oxidation as evidenced by the increased production of ketone bodies. The mechanism through which fibrates activate the AMP-PK cascade, the role of PPAR alpha, the physiological responses of biosynthesis and oxidation and the use of these mechanisms by other hypolipidemic agents are areas of ongoing investigation.

Lipogenic enzyme gene expression is quickly suppressed in rats by a small amount of exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids

An examination was conducted of the time courses of incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) into lipids of plasma, liver and its nuclei, and the time courses of hepatic lipogenic enzyme gene expression after oral administration of perilla oil by a stomach tube to rats fed a fat-free diet. Linolenic acid, 18:3(n-3), and eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5(n-3), were considered indices of exogenous fatty acids. In total lipids of liver and its nuclei, linolenic acid was detected 1 h after the intubation, continued to increase during the first 4 h, then decreased and almost disappeared by 48 h. Eicosapentaenoic acid also increased within only 1 h of intubation, reached a maximum after 8 h and then gradually decreased. In contrast with the increase of exogenous PUFA, the mRNA concentrations of hepatic lipogenic enzymes began to decrease 2 h after the perilla oil intubation, were at a minimum at 8 h, and then increased. In another experiment to examine the effects of dietary perilla oil concentration on PUFA incorporation and gene expression, rats were given diets containing 0-10% perilla oil (supplemented with hydrogenated fat to 10% fat) for 3 d. Only 1% perilla oil elevated the exogenous PUFA concentrations in liver and its nuclei in comparison with concentrations in rats fed a hydrogenated fat diet. Perilla oil at 2% of the diet was sufficient to suppress lipogenic enzyme gene expressions, which were suppressed to the minimum level by 5% perilla oil in the diet. Thus, lipogenic enzyme gene expression was quickly suppressed by a small amount of exogenous PUFA, in contrast with the increase of PUFA incorporation into liver and its nuclei. Newly incorporated exogenous PUFA appear to be involved in suppression of lipogenic enzyme gene expression.

Altered constitutive expression of fatty acid-metabolizing enzymes in mice lacking the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a member of the steroid/nuclear receptor superfamily and mediates the biological and toxicological effects of peroxisome proliferators. To determine the physiological role of PPARalpha in fatty acid metabolism, levels of peroxisomal and mitochondrial fatty acid metabolizing enzymes were determined in the PPARalpha null mouse. Constitutive liver beta-oxidation of the long chain fatty acid, palmitic acid, was lower in the PPARalpha null mice as compared with wild type mice, indicating defective mitochondrial fatty acid catabolism. In contrast, constitutive oxidation of the very long chain fatty acid, lignoceric acid, was not different between wild type and PPARalpha null mice, suggesting that constitutive expression of enzymes involved in peroxisomal beta-oxidation is independent of PPARalpha. Indeed, the PPARalpha null mice had normal levels of the peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase, bifunctional protein (hydratase + 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase), and thiolase but lower constitutive expression of the D-type bifunctional protein (hydratase + 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase). Several mitochondrial fatty acid metabolizing enzymes including very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, short chain-specific 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, and long chain acyl-CoA synthetase are also expressed at lower levels in the untreated PPARalpha null mice, whereas other fatty acid metabolizing enzymes were not different between the untreated null mice and wild type mice. A lower constitutive expression of mRNAs encoding these enzymes was also found, suggesting that the effect was due to altered gene expression. In wild type mice, both peroxisomal and mitochondrial enzymes were induced by the peroxisome proliferator Wy-14,643; induction was not observed in the PPARalpha null animals. These data indicate that PPARalpha modulates constitutive expression of genes encoding several mitochondrial fatty acid-catabolizing enzymes in addition to mediating inducible mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation, thus establishing a role for the receptor in fatty acid homeostasis.

Isolation and identification of acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors from green tea (Camellia sinensis)

An aqueous methanol extract from green tea showed potent acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitory activity. An active compound was isolated from the extract and identified as (-)-epigallocatechin gallate by instrumental analyses. The IC50 value of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate was 3.1 x 10(-4) M. Among tea catechins and related compounds, nearly equal activity was found in (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and (-)-epicatechin gallate, whereas (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, gallic acid and methyl gallate each had no inhibitory activity. These results indicate that the 3-O-gallate group of the catechin structure was necessary for this activity. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate inhibited triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells at a concentration of 1.0 x 10(-7) M or higher.

Lipoic acid reduces the activities of biotin-dependent carboxylases in rat liver

In the past, lipoic acid has been administered to patients and test animals as therapy for diabetic neuropathy and various intoxications. Lipoic acid and the vitamin biotin have structural similarities. We sought to determine whether the chronic administration of lipoic acid affects the activities of biotin-dependent carboxylases. For 28 d, rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of one of the following: 1) a small dose of lipoic acid [4.3 micromol/( kg.d)]; 2) a large dose of lipoic acid [15.6 micromol/(kg.d)]; or 3) a large dose of lipoic acid plus biotin [15.6 and 2.0 micromol/(kg.d), respectively]. Another group received n-hexanoic acid [14.5 micromol/(kg.d)], which has structural similarities to lipoic acid and biotin and thus served as a control for the specificity of lipoic acid. A fifth group received phosphatidylcholine in saline injections and served as the vehicle control. The rat livers were assayed for the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl-CoA carboxylase, and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. Urine was analyzed for lipoic acid; serum was analyzed for indicators of liver damage and metabolic aberrations. The mean activities of pyruvate carboxylase and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase were 28-36% lower in the lipoic acid-treated rats compared with vehicle controls (P < 0.05). Rats treated with lipoic acid plus biotin had normal carboxylase activities. Carboxylase activities in livers of n-hexanoic acid-treated rats were normal despite some evidence of liver injury. Propionyl-CoA carboxylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were not significantly affected by administration of lipoic acid. This study provides evidence consistent with the hypothesis that chronic administration of lipoic acid lowers the activities of pyruvate carboxylase and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase in vivo by competing with biotin.

Mechanisms by which carbohydrates regulate expression of genes for glycolytic and lipogenic enzymes

Regulation of gene expression by nutrients is an important mechanism in the adaptation of mammals to their nutritional environment. This is especially true for enzymes involved in the storage of energy, such as the lipogenic and glycolytic enzymes in liver and adipose tissue. Transcription of the genes for lipogenic and glycolytic enzymes is stimulated by glucose in adipose tissue, liver, and pancreatic beta-cells. Several lines of evidence suggest that glucose must be metabolized to glucose-6-phosphate to stimulate gene transcription. In adipose tissue, insulin increases the expression of lipogenic enzymes indirectly by stimulating glucose uptake. In the liver, insulin also acts indirectly by stimulating the expression of glucokinase and, hence, by increasing glucose metabolism. Glucose response elements have been characterized for the L-pyruvate kinase and S14 genes. They have in common the presence of a sequence 5'-CACGTG-3', which binds a transcription factor called USF (upstream stimulatory factor). Another glucose response element, which uses a transcription factor named Sp1, has been characterized in the gene for the acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase. The mechanisms linking glucose-6-phosphate to the glucose-responsive transcription complex are largely unknown.

Alterations in nutritional status regulate acetyl-CoA carboxylase expression in avian liver by a transcriptional mechanism

Feeding previously starved chicks with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet stimulates a 9-fold increase in both the rate of synthesis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and the abundance of its mRNA in liver. To define the steps involved in mediating diet-induced changes in the abundance of ACC mRNA, transcriptional activity was measured with the nuclear run-on assay and multiple DNA probes specific to the ACC gene. ACC transcription was low in livers of starved chicks; feeding them with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet induced ACC transcription, increasing it 11-fold. An increase in transcription was detectable at 1 h, was maximal at 5 h and remained high for 26 h. Feeding previously starved chicks with a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet stimulated a smaller increase (4-fold) in the abundance of ACC mRNA and the transcription of ACC than feeding with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. The half-life of ACC mRNA in liver, as estimated from the kinetics of accumulation and decay of ACC mRNA during high-carbohydrate feeding and starvation, was not changed significantly by dietary manipulation. ACC mRNA was expressed at low levels in heart, pectoral muscle, kidney and brain. The abundance of ACC mRNA in these tissues was not affected by nutritional manipulation. These results demonstrate that nutritional control of the abundance of ACC mRNA in the chicken is liver-specific and is mediated primarily by changes in the rate of transcription of the ACC gene.

Cloning and characterization of the 5' end and promoter region of the chicken acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase is a rate-limiting enzyme in the biogenesis of long-chain fatty acids. In the present study, the 5' end and flanking region of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene was analysed in the chicken. A genomic clone was isolated containing the first three exons, the third one containing the ATG codon. Using nuclease-mapping experiments and primer-extension analyses, the transcription-initiation site was located 153 nucleotides upstream of the ATG codon. In contrast with rat ACC gene expression, reverse transcriptase PCR analysis performed on chicken liver mRNA did not reveal alternative splicing in the 5'-untranslated region of these messengers. The promoter region is very G+C rich, and contains no TATA or CAAT boxes. Analysis by transient transfection in a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) demonstrates that the promoter activity requires the presence of symmetrical sequences located upstream of the GC boxes. Transcription of this gene is found to be controlled by tri-iodothyronine in HepG2 cells, but the sequence responsible for the tri-iodothyronine response is not the consensus tri-iodothyronine-responsive element localized in the promoter. These results bring new insights to the regulation of the chicken ACC gene which differs from that of the rat.

Soybean protein suppresses hepatic lipogenic enzyme gene expression in Wistar fatty rats

The effects of dietary soybean protein on lipogenic enzyme gene expression in livers of genetically fatty rats (Wistar fatty) have been investigated. When Wistar fatty rats and their lean littermates (7-8-wk old) were fed a casein or soybean protein isolate diet containing hydrogenated fat (4% hydrogenated fat plus 1% corn oil) or corn oil (5%) for 3 wk, the hepatic messenger RNA concentrations and activities of lipogenic enzymes were significantly lower in rats fed soybean protein than in those fed casein, regardless of genotype or dietary fat. The conversion rates of thyroxine to triiodothyronine by liver microsomes and plasma triiodothyronine concentrations were lower in the fatty rats than in the lean rats and were significantly greater in rats fed soybean protein than in those fed casein. Conversely, plasma and liver triacylglycerol concentrations were lower in soybean protein-fed fatty and lean rats than in those fed casein. The body weight was less in the fatty rats fed soybean protein than in those fed casein after 3 wk of feeding. Moreover, dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids suppressed lipogenic enzyme gene expression in the lean rats but did not in the fatty rats. Dietary soybean protein appeared to be useful for the reduction of obesity.

Regulation of lipogenic enzyme expression by glucose in liver and adipose tissue: a review of the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms

Regulation of gene expression by nutrients is an important part of the mechanisms allowing mammals to adapt to their nutritional environment. This is especially true for enzymes involved in the storage of energy such as the lipogenic and glycolytic enzymes in the liver and adipose tissue. We review in the present paper the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of glycolytic and lipogenic enzyme gene expression by glucose. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that FAS and ACC gene expression is upregulated by glucose in adipose tissue, FAS, ACC and L-PK expression in the liver and ACC and L-PK expression in a pancreatic beta-cell line. This regulation involves the stimulation of their transcription. In order for glucose to act as a gene inducer, it must be metabolized. In adipose tissue, insulin increases indirectly the expression of FAS and ACC by stimulating glucose metabolism through its well-known effect on glucose transport. In the liver, the action of insulin is also indirect by allowing the expression of glucokinase and hence by increasing glucose metabolism. In the liver, fructose has a potentiating effect on the stimulation of gene expression by glucose through its stimulatory effect on glucokinase activity. Several evidences suggest that glucose-6-phosphate is the signal metabolite: (i) the effect of glucose is mimicked by 2-deoxyglucose (a glucose analogue whose metabolism stops after its phosphorylation by hexokinase) in adipose tissue and beta-cell line but not in the liver in which 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate does not accumulate, (ii) intracellular glucose-6-phosphate concentration varies in parallel with ACC, FAS and L-PK mRNA concentrations in liver, adipose tissue and beta-cell line, (iii) in vivo, the kinetics of hexose-phosphate fits with the time-related pattern of gene induction. Glucose response elements have been characterized on three genes, L-PK, S14 (a gene which codes for a protein of unknown function but which is directly related to lipogenesis) and FAS. These glucose response elements have all in common the presence of a sequence 5'-CACGTG-3' which binds a transcription factor of the basic domain, helix-loop-helix, leucine zipper family called USF/MLTF, although the organization of the overall glucose response element probably differs from one gene to another. The mechanisms linking glucose-6-phosphate to the glucose responsive transcription complex are presently largely unknown.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of lipogenic enzyme gene expression in liver of genetically obese rat

The polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of lipogenic enzyme gene expression in genetically obese rats (Wistar fatty, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) has been investigated. The hepatic mRNA concentrations and activities of lipogenic enzymes in the fatty and lean rat were greatly increased by feeding a hydrogenated fat diet to fasted rats, and also reached similar maximum levels with similar time courses. By feeding a corn oil diet, however, the increases were markedly reduced in the lean rats, but were not significantly reduced in the fatty rats. Consequently, when the animals were fed corn oil, the mRNA concentrations and activities in the fatty rats were higher than those in the lean. Thus, it appeared that the higher gene expression in the fatty rats can be ascribed to the defects of polyunsaturated fatty acid suppression. On the other hand, insulin binding to receptors in the liver was reduced by the corn oil diet in the lean rats but was not reduced in the fatty rats (although the insulin binding level was lower in the Wistar fatty rats than in the lean). Changes in the insulin receptor autophosphorylation and kinase activity toward exogenous substrate were similar to the insulin binding. It is suggested that the polyunsaturated fatty acids may not suppress insulin binding activity to receptors in the livers of the fatty rats, probably due to down regulation by hyperinsulinemia. The defects of polyunsaturated fatty acid suppression of lipogenic enzyme gene expression may be one of the factors of obesity.

In vivo effects of hyperinsulinemia on lipogenic enzymes and glucose transporter expression in rat liver and adipose tissues

Chronic hyperinsulinemia with maintenance of euglycemia was imposed on normal rats for 4 days. In white adipose tissue, hyperinsulinemia resulted in a twofold increase in GLUT4 protein and mRNA and a sixfold to 15-fold increase in fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase (ACC) activity, respectively. Lipogenic enzyme mRNA was also markedly increased (20- to 30-fold). This was specific for white adipose tissue and was not observed in brown adipose tissue. In the liver, hyperinsulinemia was accompanied by a threefold increase in glucokinase (GK) activity and mRNA and by a threefold to fivefold increase in lipogenic enzyme activities and mRNA. In agreement with the changes in lipogenic activities, lipogenesis was markedly increased in white adipose tissue and liver of hyperinsulinemic rats. The data strongly suggest that in the rat, insulin is a driving force leading to increased lipid synthesis in liver and white adipose tissue.

Changes in hepatic lipogenic enzyme activities in voles and mice treated with monosodium aspartate

Changes in activities of hepatic lipogenic enzymes, ATP citrate lyase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, were measured in voles and C57BL mice following neonatal administration of monosodium aspartate (MSA). Hepatic lipogenic enzyme activities in voles were considerably lower than those in mice; these low activities were considered to be one of the characteristics of voles as a herbivore. In the MSA-treated voles and mice, the plasma insulin concentrations increased significantly. The MSA-treated mice showed remarkable obesity and increased lipogenic enzyme activities. In the MSA-treated voles, signs of obesity were not observed and hepatic ATP citrate lyase activity increased significantly; acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity did not increase.

Diurnal variations of lipogenic enzyme mRNA quantities in rat liver

The diurnal variations in mRNA quantities of lipogenic enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) in rat livers were detected. When the rats began feeding actively after lights out at 1900 h, the mRNA quantities were high from 0500 h to 0900 h in the morning. The variation in fatty acid synthase mRNA quantities was the most dramatic. However, no measurable variation in any enzyme levels including fatty acid synthase was detected. It may be because the half-lives of the enzymes are too long to be effected by the mRNAs which were high for several hours.

Hepatotoxicity caused by dietary secondary products originating from lipid peroxidation

Hepatic dysfunction caused by oxidative stress when secondary peroxidation products were administered orally was investigated in rat. In serum at 24 hr after the administration of secondary products, the contents of lipid peroxides reached a maximum, the level of tocopherol reached a minimum, and the transaminase activities were elevated. In the liver, the lipid peroxide contents were kept high between 6 and 24 hr and tocopherol level was kept low between 15 and 48 hr after the does. Therefore, the hepatic oxidative stress was most severe around 15 hr after the dose. Dysfunction in the liver having oxidative stress was then made clear. One was a disturbance in synthetic system of glucose 6-phosphate. The decreases in activities of phosphoglucomutase and glucokinase reduced a level of glucose 6-phosphate, which suppressed the supply of NADPH in pentose cycle, while the NADPH was consuming well for detoxification of endogenous lipid peroxides. Another was specific inactivations of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. A third was the depletion of CoASH, which induced the decreases in activities of citrate cycle and lipogenesis. The other was a formation of lipofuscin. Even after the liver was recovering from the oxidative stress, the liver was getting hypertrophy and lipofuscin was accumulating. To make the cause of hepatic dysfunction clear, it was examined whether the incorporated secondary products in the liver could directly attack the enzymes or not. A reasonable amount of secondary products present in the liver was estimated, and then the amount of secondary products was added in hepatic subcellular organelles in vitro. It was found that mitochondrial NAD-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase, glucokinase, and CoASH were directly attacked and inactivated by the incorporated secondary products in the liver. Thus, a part of dietary secondary products was incorporated into liver, and was not detoxified, but injured the enzymes and CoASH. Then it resulted in lipofuscin formation.

Regulation of fatty acid synthesis in lactating rat mammary gland in the fed to starved transition: asynchronous control of pyruvate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase

1. Withdrawal of food from lactating rats produced a rapid and dramatic decrease in the uptake of glucose by the mammary gland and an inhibition of the rate of fatty acid synthesis that could not be explained alone by decreased substrate supply to the tissue. 2. Within the first 6 hr starvation, fatty acid synthesis and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity were inhibited by 87 and 80%, respectively, but acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity did not change significantly. 3. Between 6 and 24 hr starvation, total and expressed activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase decreased by 62 and 55%, respectively. 4. The ratio of fructose-6-phosphate/fructose-1,6-bisphosphate concentration in mammary tissue increased 9-fold during the first 6 hr starvation, indicating an inhibition of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase. However, the major inhibition of this enzyme occurred between 6 and 24 hr starvation when this metabolite ratio increased a further 160-fold in parallel with increased tissue citrate concentration. 5. The increase in citrate concentration between 6 and 24 hr starvation correlated with acetyl-CoA carboxylase inactivation and ketone body accumulation in the mammary gland. 6. This study confirms the asynchronous control of three important regulatory steps in the pathway of glucose utilization and fatty acid synthesis in the lactating rat mammary gland.

Effects of nutrients and hormones on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in rat liver

The effects of nutrients and hormones on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in rat liver were investigated following a cDNA cloning. After refeeding a carbohydrate/protein diet to fasted rats, the transcriptional rate was increased 2.5-fold in only 1 h. The mRNA concentration reached a maximal level of 9-12-fold increase in 8-16 h, and the enzyme induction increased 10-fold in 48 h. By a carbohydrate diet without protein, the transcriptional rate, mRNA concentration and enzyme induction were similarly increased to the levels in the carbohydrate/protein diet. It appears that protein feeding is not necessary to induce acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Corn oil feeding decreased the transcriptional rate. In diabetic rats, the transcriptional rate, mRNA concentration and enzyme induction were very low in comparison with the normal. After insulin treatment, the transcriptional rate was increased 2-fold (the normal level) in 2 h in diabetic rats. By fructose feeding to diabetic rats, the transcriptional rate and mRNA concentration were increased similarly to the levels reached by insulin treatment, while the enzyme induction was increased by only 60%. Thus, it is suggested that insulin is importantly involved in the transcription and also translation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. On the other hand, triiodothyronine treatment increased the mRNA and enzyme levels in diabetic and normal rats, and somewhat increased the transcriptional rate only in diabetic rats. Triiodothyronine appears to stabilize the mRNA besides having an insulin-like action in acetyl-CoA carboxylase transcription.

Hormonal control of specific gene expression in the rat liver during the suckling-weaning transition

In the rat, the suckling-weaning transition is accompanied by marked changes in nutrition. During the suckling period, the pups are fed with milk which is a high-fat low-carbohydrate diet. At weaning, milk is progressively replaced by the rat chow which is a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet. This is accompanied by considerable hormonal modifications: an increase in plasma insulin and a decrease in plasma glucagon concentrations, as well as by marked changes in metabolic pathways in liver: decrease in hepatic gluconeogenesis, increase in lipogenesis, and appearance of liver glucokinase. Most of the data concerning these changes are related to maximal activity of enzymes. The recent availability of specific cDNA probes for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and glucokinase has allowed study of the role of pancreatic hormones and of nutrition in the changes of the expression of these genes at weaning in the rat.

Lipogenic enzyme activities and mRNA in rat adipose tissue at weaning

The activities and mRNA concentrations of two lipogenic enzymes, fatty acid synthetase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and one enzyme involved in glyceroneogenesis, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), were measured in rat white adipose tissue during the suckling-weaning transition. Activities and mRNA concentrations of lipogenic enzymes were low in suckling rats, whereas activity and mRNA concentration of PEPCK were high. At weaning to a high-carbohydrate diet, the rapid increase in lipogenic enzymes mRNA (10- to 20-fold) and decrease in PEPCK mRNA (10-fold) were followed by parallel changes in enzyme activities. In contrast, weaning to a high-fat diet prevented these modifications. Force feeding suckling rats with carbohydrates induced a rise in blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations. During these experiments, mRNA concentrations increased 10- to 20-fold for lipogenic enzymes and decreased 5-fold for PEPCK in less than 6 h, whereas all enzyme activities did not vary. This suggests a pretranslational regulation of gene expression. Force feeding suckling rats with a mixture of fat devoid of carbohydrate induced a slight increase in plasma insulin concentration and a fall in PEPCK mRNA but was not accompanied by a rise in lipogenic enzyme mRNAs. This suggested that insulin is a prime regulator of PEPCK gene expression, whereas glucose and insulin act synergistically in the regulation of lipogenic enzyme gene expression.

Transcriptional regulation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase gene expression by tumor necrosis factor in 30A-5 preadipocytes

Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) carboxylase activity, amount, and mRNA levels increase during the differentiation of 30A-5 preadipocytes to adipocytes. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) completely prevents this differentiation, with concomitant inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA accumulation. To investigate the mechanisms by which TNF prevents acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA accumulation, we determined the effect of TNF on the transcription rate of the carboxylase gene and the half-life of carboxylase mRNA. Nuclear runoff transcription assays revealed no differences in the number of RNA polymerase molecules actively engaged in transcription of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene in preadipocytes, adipocytes, TNF-treated preadipocytes, or at any time during the course of differentiation. However, changes in adipsin, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, and actin mRNAs, whose levels are also differentiation dependent, can be accounted for in part by changes in the number of polymerase complexes on their respective genes. To determine whether TNF caused a decrease in the stability of carboxylase RNA transcripts, we measured the rate of decay of prelabeled acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA. Control and TNF-treated cells showed no difference between the apparent half-lives of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNAs (9 h). However, the rate of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA synthesis in vivo was decreased three- to fourfold in the presence of TNF. These data demonstrate that TNF prevents accumulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA during preadipocyte differentiation by decreasing the rate of acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene transcription. However, transcriptional control is not due to a change in the number of RNA polymerase complexes actively engaged in carboxylase transcript elongation which could be measured by a number runoff assay. Instead, transcriptional control may be related to the rate at which RNA polymerase traverses the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene.

Mitochondrial acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Time course of mobilization/activation in liver of refed rats

Fasted (48 h) rats were killed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h after they were refed on a high-carbohydrate diet. An increase in the maximal activity and quantity of cystolic acetyl-CoA carboxylase was found in liver of refed rats after a lag time of about 8 h. The increased quantity of cytosolic enzyme was attributable primarily to mobilization of mitochondrial storage forms and not to substantial increase in the rate of synthesis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

Structural features of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene: mechanisms for the generation of mRNAs with 5' end heterogeneity

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase [acetyl-CoA:carbondioxide ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.4.1.2] is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biogenesis of long-chain fatty acids. We have previously characterized five acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA species that differ in their 5' untranslated regions but not in the coding region. We have now characterized the exon-intron structure of the genomic DNA that encodes the 5' untranslated region of the mRNA. Generation of different forms of the mRNA is the result of the selective use of two promoters and differential splicing of five different exons. These five exons contain a total of 645 nucleotides and they are scattered over a 50-kilobase-pair genomic DNA region that we have characterized.

Transcriptional regulation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase gene expression by tumor necrosis factor in 30A-5 preadipocytes

Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) carboxylase activity, amount, and mRNA levels increase during the differentiation of 30A-5 preadipocytes to adipocytes. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) completely prevents this differentiation, with concomitant inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA accumulation. To investigate the mechanisms by which TNF prevents acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA accumulation, we determined the effect of TNF on the transcription rate of the carboxylase gene and the half-life of carboxylase mRNA. Nuclear runoff transcription assays revealed no differences in the number of RNA polymerase molecules actively engaged in transcription of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene in preadipocytes, adipocytes, TNF-treated preadipocytes, or at any time during the course of differentiation. However, changes in adipsin, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, and actin mRNAs, whose levels are also differentiation dependent, can be accounted for in part by changes in the number of polymerase complexes on their respective genes. To determine whether TNF caused a decrease in the stability of carboxylase RNA transcripts, we measured the rate of decay of prelabeled acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA. Control and TNF-treated cells showed no difference between the apparent half-lives of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNAs (9 h). However, the rate of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA synthesis in vivo was decreased three- to fourfold in the presence of TNF. These data demonstrate that TNF prevents accumulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA during preadipocyte differentiation by decreasing the rate of acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene transcription. However, transcriptional control is not due to a change in the number of RNA polymerase complexes actively engaged in carboxylase transcript elongation which could be measured by a number runoff assay. Instead, transcriptional control may be related to the rate at which RNA polymerase traverses the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene.

Physiological regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene expression: effects of diet, diabetes, and lactation on acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA

We measured acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA levels in various tissues of the rat under different nutritional and hormonal states using a cDNA probe. We surveyed physiological conditions which are known to alter carboxylase activity, and thus fatty acid synthesis, to determine whether changes in the levels of carboxylase mRNA are involved. The present studies include the effects of fasting and refeeding, diabetes and insulin, and lactation on carboxylase mRNA levels. Northern blot analysis of liver RNA revealed that fasting followed by refeeding animals a fat-free (high carbohydrate) diet dramatically increased the amount of carboxylase mRNA compared to the fasted condition. These changes in the level of mRNA correspond to changes in the activity and amount of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA levels in epididymal fat tissue decreased upon fasting and increased to virtually normal levels after 72 h of refeeding, closely resembling the liver response. The amount of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA decreased markedly in epididymal fat tissue of diabetic rats as compared to nondiabetic animals. However, 6 h after injection of insulin the mRNA level returned to that of the nondiabetic animals. Gestation and lactation also affected the levels of carboxylase mRNA in both liver and mammary gland. Maximum induction in both tissues occurred 5 days postpartum. These studies suggest that these diverse physiological conditions affect fatty acid synthesis in part by altering acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene expression.

Developmental changes of the content of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA in chicken liver

Utilizing RNA blot hybridization and immunoblotting techniques, the changes of the hepatic contents of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA and of the enzyme protein in growing chicks have been investigated. In the post-hatching period, the hepatic mRNA level markedly increased at least 70-fold when compared to that before hatching. This increase was not observed in chicks receiving no diet. These changes were closely paralleled with the rise of the hepatic content of acetyl-CoA carboxylase protein in chicks up to 10 days old. Neither the acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA level nor the enzyme quantity significantly changed in heart. It is concluded from these results that the developmental regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the post-hatching period of chicks is tissue specific and occurs primarily at a pretranslational step. The content of acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA in adult chicken liver was low, which is comparable to those in embryos at 3 days before hatching and chicks at hatching day. Although acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA was detected in adult chicken brain, heart, lung, kidney, uropygial gland, spleen, testis, and chest muscle as well as liver, the mRNA level in these tissues was much lower than that in liver of growing chicks.