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Zheng Y, Lebid A, Chung L, Fu J, Wang X, Otrocol A, Zarif JC, Yu H, Llosa NJ, Pardoll DM. Targeting the activin receptor 1C on CD4+ T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2297503. [PMID: 38235319 PMCID: PMC10793694 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2297503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Activins, members of the TGF-beta superfamily, have been isolated and identified in the endocrine system, but have not been substantially investigated in the context of the immune system and endocrine-unrelated cancers. Here, we demonstrated that tumor-bearing mice had elevated systemic activin levels, which correlated directly with tumor burden. Likewise, cancer patients have elevated plasma activin levels compared to healthy controls. We observed that both tumor and immune cells could be sources of activins. Importantly, our in vitro studies suggest that activins promote differentiation of naïve CD4+ cells into Foxp3-expressing induced regulatory T cells (Tregs), particularly when TGF-beta was limited in the culture medium. Database and qRT-PCR analysis of sorted major immune cell subsets in mice revealed that activin receptor 1c (ActRIC) was uniquely expressed on Tregs and that both ActRIC and ActRIIB (activin receptor 2b) were highly upregulated during iTreg differentiation. ActRIC-deficient naïve CD4+ cells were found to be defective in iTreg generation both in vitro and in vivo. Treg suppression assays were also performed, and ActRIC deficiency did not change the function or stability of iTregs. Mice lacking ActRIC or mice treated with monoclonal anti-ActRIC antibody were more resistant to tumor progression than wild-type controls. This phenotype was correlated with reduced expression of Foxp3 in CD4+ cells in the tumor microenvironment. In light of the information presented above, blocking activin-ActRIC signaling is a promising and disease-specific strategy to impede the accumulation of immunosuppressive iTregs in cancer. Therefore, it is a potential candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andriana Lebid
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liam Chung
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juan Fu
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoxu Wang
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Otrocol
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jelani C. Zarif
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hong Yu
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicolas J. Llosa
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M. Pardoll
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Adam RC, Pryce DS, Lee JS, Zhao Y, Mintah IJ, Min S, Halasz G, Mastaitis J, Atwal GS, Aykul S, Idone V, Economides AN, Lotta LA, Murphy AJ, Yancopoulos GD, Sleeman MW, Gusarova V. Activin E-ACVR1C cross talk controls energy storage via suppression of adipose lipolysis in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309967120. [PMID: 37523551 PMCID: PMC10410708 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309967120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Body fat distribution is a heritable risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In humans, rare Inhibin beta E (INHBE, activin E) loss-of-function variants are associated with a lower waist-to-hip ratio and protection from type 2 diabetes. Hepatic fatty acid sensing promotes INHBE expression during fasting and in obese individuals, yet it is unclear how the hepatokine activin E governs body shape and energy metabolism. Here, we uncover activin E as a regulator of adipose energy storage. By suppressing β-agonist-induced lipolysis, activin E promotes fat accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy and contributes to adipose dysfunction in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that activin E elicits its effect on adipose tissue through ACVR1C, activating SMAD2/3 signaling and suppressing PPARG target genes. Conversely, loss of activin E or ACVR1C in mice increases fat utilization, lowers adiposity, and drives PPARG-regulated gene signatures indicative of healthy adipose function. Our studies identify activin E-ACVR1C as a metabolic rheostat promoting liver-adipose cross talk to restrain excessive fat breakdown and preserve fat mass during prolonged fasting, a mechanism that is maladaptive in obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuanqi Zhao
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY10591
| | | | - Soo Min
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY10591
| | | | | | | | - Senem Aykul
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY10591
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Kumari R, Irudayam MJ, Al Abdallah Q, Jones TL, Mims TS, Puchowicz MA, Pierre JF, Brown CW. SMAD2 and SMAD3 differentially regulate adiposity and the growth of subcutaneous white adipose tissue. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22018. [PMID: 34731499 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101244r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue is the primary site of energy storage, playing important roles in health. While adipose research largely focuses on obesity, fat also has other critical functions, producing adipocytokines and contributing to normal nutrient metabolism, which in turn play important roles in satiety and total energy homeostasis. SMAD2/3 proteins are downstream mediators of activin signaling, which regulate critical preadipocyte and mature adipocyte functions. Smad2 global knockout mice exhibit embryonic lethality, whereas global loss of Smad3 protects mice against diet-induced obesity. The direct contributions of Smad2 and Smad3 in adipose tissues, however, are unknown. Here, we sought to determine the primary effects of adipocyte-selective reduction of Smad2 or Smad3 on diet-induced adiposity using Smad2 or Smad3 "floxed" mice intercrossed with Adiponectin-Cre mice. Additionally, we examined visceral and subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation efficiency in vitro. Almost all wild type subcutaneous preadipocytes differentiated into mature adipocytes. In contrast, visceral preadipocytes differentiated poorly. Exogenous activin A suppressed differentiation of preadipocytes from both depots. Smad2 conditional knockout (Smad2cKO) mice did not exhibit significant effects on weight gain, irrespective of diet, whereas Smad3 conditional knockout (Smad3cKO) male mice displayed a trend of reduced body weight on high-fat diet. On both diets, Smad3cKO mice displayed an adipose depot-selective phenotype, with a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat mass but not visceral fat mass. Our data suggest that Smad3 is an important contributor to the maintenance of subcutaneous white adipose tissue in a sex-selective fashion. These findings have implications for understanding SMAD-mediated, depot selective regulation of adipocyte growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumari
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maria Johnson Irudayam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Qusai Al Abdallah
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tamekia L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Children's Foundation Research Institute, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tahliyah S Mims
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michelle A Puchowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joseph F Pierre
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Ibáñez CF. Regulation of metabolic homeostasis by the TGF-β superfamily receptor ALK7. FEBS J 2021; 289:5776-5797. [PMID: 34173336 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
ALK7 (Activin receptor-like kinase 7) is a member of the TGF-β receptor superfamily predominantly expressed by cells and tissues involved in endocrine functions, such as neurons of the hypothalamus and pituitary, pancreatic β-cells and adipocytes. Recent studies have begun to delineate the processes regulated by ALK7 in these tissues and how these become integrated with the homeostatic regulation of mammalian metabolism. The picture emerging indicates that ALK7's primary function in metabolic regulation is to limit catabolic activities and preserve energy. Aside of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, the function of ALK7 elsewhere in the brain, particularly in the cerebellum, where it is abundantly expressed, remains to be elucidated. Although our understanding of the basic molecular events underlying ALK7 signaling has benefited from the vast knowledge available on TGF-β receptor mechanisms, how these connect to the physiological functions regulated by ALK7 in different cell types is still incompletely understood. Findings of missense and nonsense variants in the Acvr1c gene, encoding ALK7, of some mouse strains and human subjects indicate a tolerance to ALK7 loss of function. Recent discoveries suggest that specific inhibitors of ALK7 may have therapeutic applications in obesity and metabolic syndrome without overt adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos F Ibáñez
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University School of Life Sciences and Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.,Department of Physiology and Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Perakakis N, Kokkinos A, Peradze N, Tentolouris N, Ghaly W, Tsilingiris D, Alexandrou A, Mantzoros CS. Metabolic regulation of activins in healthy individuals and in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2020; 36:e3297. [PMID: 32026536 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Follistatin binds and inactivates activins, which are potent inhibitors of muscle growth and metabolism and are currently being developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We have recently reported that follistatin is regulated by glucose (and not lipids) and can prospectively predict the metabolic improvements observed after bariatric surgery. We utilized novel assays herein to investigate whether activins are regulated by glucose or lipids, whether their circulating levels change after bariatric surgery and whether these changes are predictors of metabolic outcomes up to 12 months later. DESIGN AND METHODS Activin A, B, AB and their ratios to follistatin were measured in (a) healthy humans (n = 32) undergoing oral or intravenous lipid or glucose intake over 6 h, (b) morbidly obese individuals with or without type 2 diabetes undergoing three different types of bariatric surgery (gastric banding, Roux-en-Y bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) in two clinical studies (n = 14 for the first and n = 27 for the second study). RESULTS Glucose intake downregulates circulating activin A, B and AB, indicating the presence of a feedback loop. Activin A decreases (~30%), activin AB increases (~25%) and activin B does not change after bariatric surgery. The changes in activin AB and its ratio to follistatin 3 months after bariatric surgery can predict the BMI reduction and the improvement in insulin and HOMA-IR observed 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION Activins are implicated in glucose regulation in humans as part of a feedback loop with glucose or insulin and predict metabolic outcomes prospectively after bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Perakakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alexander Kokkinos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Natia Peradze
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Wael Ghaly
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Alexandrou
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
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Spottiswoode N, Armitage AE, Williams AR, Fyfe AJ, Biswas S, Hodgson SH, Llewellyn D, Choudhary P, Draper SJ, Duffy PE, Drakesmith H. Role of Activins in Hepcidin Regulation during Malaria. Infect Immun 2017; 85:e00191-17. [PMID: 28893916 PMCID: PMC5695100 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00191-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological observations have linked increased host iron with malaria susceptibility, and perturbed iron handling has been hypothesized to contribute to the potentially life-threatening anemia that may accompany blood-stage malaria infection. To improve our understanding of these relationships, we examined the pathways involved in regulation of the master controller of iron metabolism, the hormone hepcidin, in malaria infection. We show that hepcidin upregulation in Plasmodium berghei murine malaria infection was accompanied by changes in expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/sons of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway target genes, a key pathway involved in hepcidin regulation. We therefore investigated known agonists of the BMP/SMAD pathway and found that Bmp gene expression was not increased in infection. In contrast, activin B, which can signal through the BMP/SMAD pathway and has been associated with increased hepcidin during inflammation, was upregulated in the livers of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice; hepatic activin B was also upregulated at peak parasitemia during infection with Plasmodium chabaudi Concentrations of the closely related protein activin A increased in parallel with hepcidin in serum from malaria-naive volunteers infected in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) clinical trials. However, antibody-mediated neutralization of activin activity during murine malaria infection did not affect hepcidin expression, suggesting that these proteins do not stimulate hepcidin upregulation directly. In conclusion, we present evidence that the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway is perturbed in malaria infection but that activins, although raised in malaria infection, may not have a critical role in hepcidin upregulation in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Spottiswoode
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew E Armitage
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alex J Fyfe
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sumi Biswas
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Llewellyn
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon J Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hal Drakesmith
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Kelly AC, Bidwell CA, McCarthy FM, Taska DJ, Anderson MJ, Camacho LE, Limesand SW. RNA Sequencing Exposes Adaptive and Immune Responses to Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Fetal Sheep Islets. Endocrinology 2017; 158:743-755. [PMID: 28200173 PMCID: PMC5460795 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The risk of type 2 diabetes is increased in children and adults who exhibited fetal growth restriction. Placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are common obstetrical complications associated with fetal hypoglycemia and hypoxia that reduce the β-cell mass and insulin secretion. In the present study, we have defined the underlying mechanisms of reduced growth and proliferation, impaired metabolism, and defective insulin secretion previously established as complications in islets from IUGR fetuses. In an IUGR sheep model that recapitulates human IUGR, high-throughput RNA sequencing showed the transcriptome of islets isolated from IUGR and control sheep fetuses and identified the transcripts that underlie β-cell dysfunction. Functional analysis expanded mechanisms involved in reduced proliferation and dysregulated metabolism that include specific cell cycle regulators and growth factors and mitochondrial, antioxidant, and exocytotic genes. These data also identified immune responses, wnt signaling, adaptive stress responses, and the proteasome as mechanisms of β-cell dysfunction. The reduction of immune-related gene expression did not reflect a change in macrophage density within IUGR islets. The present study reports the islet transcriptome in fetal sheep and established processes that limit insulin secretion and β-cell growth in fetuses with IUGR, which could explain the susceptibility to premature islet failure in adulthood. Islet dysfunction formed by intrauterine growth restriction increases the risk for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C. Kelly
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | | | - Fiona M. McCarthy
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - David J. Taska
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Miranda J. Anderson
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Leticia E. Camacho
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Sean W. Limesand
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
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A Pdx-1-Regulated Soluble Factor Activates Rat and Human Islet Cell Proliferation. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:2918-2930. [PMID: 27620967 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00103-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeodomain transcription factor Pdx-1 has important roles in pancreas and islet development as well as in β-cell function and survival. We previously reported that Pdx-1 overexpression stimulates islet cell proliferation, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of Pdx-1 triggers proliferation largely by a non-cell-autonomous mechanism mediated by soluble factors. Consistent with this idea, overexpression of Pdx-1 under the control of a β-cell-specific promoter (rat insulin promoter [RIP]) stimulates proliferation of both α and β cells, and overexpression of Pdx-1 in islets separated by a Transwell membrane from islets lacking Pdx-1 overexpression activates proliferation in the untreated islets. Microarray and gene ontology (GO) analysis identified inhibin beta-B (Inhbb), an activin subunit and member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, as a Pdx-1-responsive gene. Overexpression of Inhbb or addition of activin B stimulates rat islet cell and β-cell proliferation, and the activin receptors RIIA and RIIB are required for the full proliferative effects of Pdx-1 in rat islets. In human islets, Inhbb overexpression stimulates total islet cell proliferation and potentiates Pdx-1-stimulated proliferation of total islet cells and β cells. In sum, this study identifies a mechanism by which Pdx-1 induces a soluble factor that is sufficient to stimulate both rat and human islet cell proliferation.
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Nath S, Ghosh SK, Choudhury Y. A murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus developed using a combination of high fat diet and multiple low doses of streptozotocin treatment mimics the metabolic characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2016; 84:20-30. [PMID: 27773844 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was used to compare the antidiabetic effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor vildagliptin and biguanide, metformin. METHODS Swiss albino mice (n=20 males; n=25 females) were given high fat diet (HFD) ad libitum for 3weeks followed by low dose (40mgkg-1 body weight, bw daily) of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally five times from the 22nd day of treatment onwards, with HFD continued up to 26th day. Controls (n=15 males; n=15 females) were fed normal balanced diet without administration of STZ. Successful induction of diabetes mellitus was confirmed by testing for fasting blood glucose, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and intraperitoneal insulin sensitivity. Diabetic mice were administered vildagliptin (10mgkg-1 bw daily) and metformin (50mgkg-1 bw daily) orally for 4weeks. Control, diabetic, vildagliptin and metformin-treated diabetic mice were evaluated for alterations in lipid profile using blood serum and histopathology and oxidative stress using tissues including liver, kidney and heart. RESULTS Diabetic mice showed significant alterations in lipid profile, tissue histopathology, impaired glucose tolerance, lower insulin sensitivity and elevated lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, with depressed catalase activity, when compared to age and gender-matched controls. Metformin and vildagliptin ameliorated the abovementioned diabetic conditions, with vildagliptin found to be more effective. DISCUSSION A murine model developed by the combination of HFD and multiple low dose of STZ mimics the metabolic characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans, and may be useful for antidiabetic drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Nath
- Department of Biotechnology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, India
| | | | - Yashmin Choudhury
- Department of Biotechnology, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, India.
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Namwanje M, Brown CW. Activins and Inhibins: Roles in Development, Physiology, and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a021881. [PMID: 27328872 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since their original discovery as regulators of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and erythropoiesis, the TGF-β family members activin and inhibin have been shown to participate in a variety of biological processes, from the earliest stages of embryonic development to highly specialized functions in terminally differentiated cells and tissues. Herein, we present the history, structures, signaling mechanisms, regulation, and biological processes in which activins and inhibins participate, including several recently discovered biological activities and functional antagonists. The potential therapeutic relevance of these advances is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Namwanje
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
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Andrzejewski D, Brown ML, Ungerleider N, Burnside A, Schneyer AL. Activins A and B Regulate Fate-Determining Gene Expression in Islet Cell Lines and Islet Cells From Male Mice. Endocrinology 2015; 156:2440-50. [PMID: 25961841 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
TGFβ superfamily ligands, receptors, and second messengers, including activins A and B, have been identified in pancreatic islets and proposed to have important roles regulating development, proliferation, and function. We previously demonstrated that Fstl3 (an antagonist of activin activity) null mice have larger islets with β-cell hyperplasia and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in the absence of altered β-cell proliferation. This suggested the hypothesis that increased activin signaling influences β-cell expansion by destabilizing the α-cell phenotype and promoting transdifferentiation to β-cells. We tested the first part of this hypothesis by treating α- and β-cell lines and sorted mouse islet cells with activin and related ligands. Treatment of the αTC1-6 α cell line with activins A or B suppressed critical α-cell gene expression, including Arx, glucagon, and MafB while also enhancing β-cell gene expression. In INS-1E β-cells, activin A treatment induced a significant increase in Pax4 (a fate determining β-cell gene) and insulin expression. In sorted primary islet cells, α-cell gene expression was again suppressed by activin treatment in α-cells, whereas Pax4 was enhanced in β-cells. Activin treatment in both cell lines and primary cells resulted in phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic-2 phosphorylation. Finally, treatment of αTC1-6 cells with activins A or B significantly inhibited proliferation. These results support the hypothesis that activin signaling destabilized the α-cell phenotype while promoting a β-cell fate. Moreover, these results support a model in which the β-cell expansion observed in Fstl3 null mice may be due, at least in part, to enhanced α- to β-cell transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Andrzejewski
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Melissa L Brown
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Nathan Ungerleider
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Amy Burnside
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Alan L Schneyer
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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12
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Brandt C, Hansen RH, Hansen JB, Olsen CH, Galle P, Mandrup-Poulsen T, Gehl J, Pedersen BK, Hojman P. Over-expression of Follistatin-like 3 attenuates fat accumulation and improves insulin sensitivity in mice. Metabolism 2015; 64:283-95. [PMID: 25456456 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Follistatin-like 3 (fstl3), a natural inhibitor of members of the TGF-β family, increases during resistance training in human plasma. Fstl3 primarily binds myostatin and activin A, and thereby inhibits their functions. We hypothesize that blocking myostatin and activin A signalling through systemic fstl3 over-expression protects against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. METHODS Fstl3 was over-expressed by DNA electrotransfer in tibialis anterior, quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles in female C57BL/C mice, and the mice were subsequently randomized to chow or high-fat feeding. Body weight, food intake, fat accumulation by MR scanning, and glucose, insulin and glucagon tolerance were evaluated, as was the response in body weight and metabolic parameters to 24h fasting. Effects of fstl3 on pancreatic insulin and glucagon content, and pancreatic islet morphology were determined. RESULTS Fstl3 over-expression reduced fat accumulation during high-fat feeding by 16%, and liver fat by 50%, as determined by MRI. No changes in body weight were observed, while the weight of the transfected muscles increased by 10%. No transcriptional changes were found in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Fstl3 mice displayed improved insulin sensitivity and muscle insulin signalling. In contrast, glucose tolerance was impaired in high-fat fed fstl3 mice, which was explained by increased hepatic glucagon sensitivity and glucose output, as well as a decrease in the pancreatic insulin/glucagon ratio. Accordingly, fstl3 transfection improved counter-regulation to 24h fasting. CONCLUSION Fstl3 over-expression regulates insulin and glucagon sensitivities through increased muscular insulin action, as well as increased hepatic glucagon sensitivity and pancreatic glucagon content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Brandt
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Hvass Hansen
- Research Group, Dept. of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bondo Hansen
- Immunoendocrinology lab, Section of Endocrinological Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Holkmann Olsen
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Pia Galle
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen
- Immunoendocrinology lab, Section of Endocrinological Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Bente Klarlund Pedersen
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Hojman
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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13
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Wang Q, Guo T, Portas J, McPherron AC. A soluble activin receptor type IIB does not improve blood glucose in streptozotocin-treated mice. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:199-208. [PMID: 25561902 PMCID: PMC4279095 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.10430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), or insulin dependent DM, is accompanied by decreased muscle mass. The growth factor myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and a loss of MSTN signaling has been shown to increase muscle mass and prevent the development of obesity, insulin resistance and lipodystrophic diabetes in mice. The effects of MSTN inhibition in a T1DM model on muscle mass and blood glucose are unknown. We asked whether MSTN inhibition would increase muscle mass and decrease hyperglycemia in mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ) to destroy pancreatic beta cells. After diabetes developed, mice were treated with a soluble MSTN/activin receptor fused to Fc (ACVR2B:Fc). ACVR2B:Fc increased body weight and muscle mass compared to vehicle treated mice. Unexpectedly, ACVR2B:Fc reproducibly exacerbated hyperglycemia within approximately one week of administration. ACVR2B:Fc treatment also elevated serum levels of the glucocorticoid corticosterone. These results suggest that although MSTN/activin inhibitors increased muscle mass, they may be counterproductive in improving health in patients with T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- 1. Current Addresses: Pathology Department, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Tingqing Guo
- 2. Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Changping District, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer Portas
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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14
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Watts R, Ghozlan M, Hughey CC, Johnsen VL, Shearer J, Hittel DS. Myostatin inhibits proliferation and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse liver cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 92:226-34. [PMID: 24882465 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although myostatin functions primarily as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and development, accumulating biological and epidemiological evidence indicates an important contributing role in liver disease. In this study, we demonstrate that myostatin suppresses the proliferation of mouse Hepa-1c1c7 murine-derived liver cells (50%; p < 0.001) in part by reducing the expression of the cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases that elicit G1-S phase transition of the cell cycle (p < 0.001). Furthermore, real-time PCR-based quantification of the long noncoding RNA metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Malat1), recently identified as a myostatin-responsive transcript in skeletal muscle, revealed a significant downregulation (25% and 50%, respectively; p < 0.05) in the livers of myostatin-treated mice and liver cells. The importance of Malat1 in liver cell proliferation was confirmed via arrested liver cell proliferation (p < 0.05) in response to partial Malat1 siRNA-mediated knockdown. Myostatin also significantly blunted insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and Akt phosphorylation in liver cells while increasing the phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS), a protein that is essential for cancer cell proliferation and insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Together, these findings reveal a plausible mechanism by which circulating myostatin contributes to the diminished regenerative capacity of the liver and diseases characterized by liver insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Watts
- a Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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15
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Wu H, Mezghenna K, Marmol P, Guo T, Moliner A, Yang SN, Berggren PO, Ibáñez CF. Differential regulation of mouse pancreatic islet insulin secretion and Smad proteins by activin ligands. Diabetologia 2014; 57:148-56. [PMID: 24132781 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-013-3079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from pancreatic beta cells is regulated by paracrine factors, the identity and mechanisms of action of which are incompletely understood. Activins are expressed in pancreatic islets and have been implicated in the regulation of GSIS. Activins A and B signal through a common set of intracellular components, but it is unclear whether they display similar or distinct functions in glucose homeostasis. METHODS We examined glucose homeostatic responses in mice lacking activin B and in pancreatic islets derived from these mutants. We compared the ability of activins A and B to regulate downstream signalling, ATP production and GSIS in islets and beta cells. RESULTS Mice lacking activin B displayed elevated serum insulin levels and GSIS. Injection of a soluble activin B antagonist phenocopied these changes in wild-type mice. Isolated pancreatic islets from mutant mice showed enhanced GSIS, which could be rescued by exogenous activin B. Activin B negatively regulated GSIS and ATP production in wild-type islets, while activin A displayed the opposite effects. The downstream mediator Smad3 responded preferentially to activin B in pancreatic islets and beta cells, while Smad2 showed a preference for activin A, indicating distinct signalling effects of the two activins. In line with this, overexpression of Smad3, but not Smad2, decreased GSIS in pancreatic islets. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION These results reveal a tug-of-war between activin ligands in the regulation of insulin secretion by beta cells, and suggest that manipulation of activin signalling could be a useful strategy for the control of glucose homeostasis in diabetes and metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiya Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Berzelius vag 35, B3 Box 285, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Szabat M, Johnson JD. Modulation of β-cell fate and function by TGFβ ligands: a superfamily with many powers. Endocrinology 2013; 154:3965-9. [PMID: 24141995 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Szabat
- PhD, Associate Professor, Medicine and Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Surgery, Diabetes Research Group, Cardiovascular Research Group, The University of British Columbia, Point Grey Campus, 5358-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3.
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17
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Teede H, Ng S, Hedger M, Moran L. Follistatin and activins in polycystic ovary syndrome: relationship to metabolic and hormonal markers. Metabolism 2013; 62:1394-400. [PMID: 23768911 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common and has reproductive and metabolic manifestations. Activin A and follistatin levels remain controversial and activin B levels are unstudied in PCOS. The aim of this study was to evaluate activin A, activin B and follistatin levels and to examine their associations with metabolic status in overweight and obese women with and without PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional study assessing overweight and obese, premenopausal women with PCOS (n=51, n=26 National Institutes of Health (NIH) and n=25 non-NIH) and without PCOS (n=25 controls). Outcomes included activin A, activin B, follistatin and activin A/follistatin ratio and the association of the activins and follistatin with metabolic variables. RESULTS Activin A, activin B and activin A/follistatin ratio were not significantly different and follistatin was elevated for PCOS versus controls (P=0.01) independent of age or BMI. Follistatin levels were significantly different across the PCOS phenotypes (p=0.05), however this was a non-significant trend (after correction for age and BMI) for women with NIH PCOS or non-NIH PCOS to have elevated levels in comparison to controls. Activin A was most strongly predicted by low density lipoprotein/high density lipoprotein (r(2)=0.192, p<0.001), follistatin by triglycerides and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (r(2)=0.340, p<0.001) and the activin A/follistatin ratio by insulin area under the curve and mean arterial pressure (r(2)=0.289, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Follistatin is elevated and activins A and B are not different between PCOS and controls. Follistatin and activin A are related to metabolic parameters in women with and without PCOS. Follistatin may potentially act as a marker of or be involved in the pathophysiology of both reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Teede
- Women's Public Health Research, Monash Applied Research Stream, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University; Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Southern Health
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