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Feng P, Liang X, Yu H, Dong X, Liang Q, Dai C. The evolution of bitter taste receptor gene in primates: Gene duplication and selection. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10610. [PMID: 37841228 PMCID: PMC10571502 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste perception plays an important role in preventing animals from digesting poisonous and harmful substances. In primates, especially the Cercopithecidae species, most species feed on plants; thus, it is reasonable to speculate that most of the bitter taste receptor genes (T2Rs) of primates are under purifying selection to maintain the functional stability of bitter taste perception. Gene duplication has happened in T2Rs frequently, and what will be the fate of T2Rs copies is another question we are concerned about. To answer these questions, we selected the T2Rs of primates reported in another study and conducted corresponding selective pressure analyses to determine what kind of selective pressure was acting on them. Further, we carried out selective pressure analyses on gene copies and their corresponding ancestors by considering several possible situations. The results showed that among the 25 gene groups examined here, 15 groups are subject to purifying selection and others are under relaxed selection, with many positively selected sites detected. Gene copies existed in several groups, but only some groups (clade1_a1-b2, clade1_c-c2, clade1_d1-d3, clade1_f1-f2, T2R10, T2R13, and T2R42) have positively selected sites, inferring that they may have some relation to functional divergence. Taken together, T2Rs in primates are under diverse selective pressures, and most gene copies are subject to the same selective pressures. In such cases, the copies may be just to keep the function conservative, and more copies can increase the quantity of the bitter taste receptor, raise the efficiency of bitter substance recognition, and finally enhance the fitness of feeding during the evolutionary course of primates. This study can improve our understanding of T2Rs evolution in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Feng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of ChinaGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
| | - Xinyue Liang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of ChinaGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
| | - Hongling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of ChinaGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of ChinaGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
| | - Qiufang Liang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of ChinaGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
| | - Chuanyin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of ChinaGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinGuangxiChina
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Antos-Krzeminska N, Kicinska A, Nowak W, Jarmuszkiewicz W. Acanthamoeba castellanii Uncoupling Protein: A Complete Sequence, Activity, and Role in Response to Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12501. [PMID: 37569876 PMCID: PMC10419851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial inner membrane transporters that mediate free-fatty-acid-induced, purine-nucleotide-inhibited proton leak into the mitochondrial matrix, thereby uncoupling respiratory substrate oxidation from ATP synthesis. The aim of this study was to provide functional evidence that the putative Acucp gene of the free-living protozoan amoeba, A. castellanii, encodes the mitochondrial protein with uncoupling activity characteristic of UCPs and to investigate its role during oxidative stress. We report the sequencing and cloning of a complete Acucp coding sequence, its phylogenetic analysis, and the heterologous expression of AcUCP in the S. cerevisiae strain InvSc1. Measurements of mitochondrial respiratory activity and membrane potential indicate that the heterologous expression of AcUCP causes AcUCP-mediated uncoupling activity. In addition, in a model of oxidative stress with increased reactive oxygen species levels (superoxide dismutase 1 knockout yeasts), AcUCP expression strongly promotes cell survival and growth. The level of superoxide anion radicals is greatly reduced in the ΔSOD1 strain expressing AcUCP. These results suggest that AcUCP targeted to yeast mitochondria causes uncoupling and may act as an antioxidant system. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the A. castellanii UCP diverges very early from other UCPs, but clearly locates within the UCP subfamily rather than among other mitochondrial anion carrier proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Antos-Krzeminska
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.K.); (W.J.)
| | - Anna Kicinska
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.K.); (W.J.)
| | - Witold Nowak
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (A.K.); (W.J.)
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3
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Barnstable CJ, Zhang M, Tombran-Tink J. Uncoupling Proteins as Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5672. [PMID: 35628482 PMCID: PMC9144266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the major retinal degenerative diseases are associated with significant levels of oxidative stress. One of the major sources contributing to the overall level of stress is the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by mitochondria. The driving force for ROS production is the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This gradient can be modulated by members of the uncoupling protein family, particularly the widely expressed UCP2. The overexpression and knockout studies of UCP2 in mice have established the ability of this protein to provide neuroprotection in a number of animal models of neurological disease, including retinal diseases. The expression and activity of UCP2 are controlled at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels, making it an ideal candidate for therapeutic intervention. In addition to regulation by a number of growth factors, including the neuroprotective factors LIF and PEDF, small molecule activators of UCP2 have been found to reduce mitochondrial ROS production and protect against cell death both in culture and animal models of retinal degeneration. Such studies point to the development of new therapeutics to combat a range of blinding retinal degenerative diseases and possibly other diseases in which oxidative stress plays a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
| | - Joyce Tombran-Tink
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
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Johar D, Elmehrath AO, Khalil RM, Elberry MH, Zaky S, Shalabi SA, Bernstein LH. Protein networks linking Warburg and reverse Warburg effects to cancer cell metabolism. Biofactors 2021; 47:713-728. [PMID: 34453457 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It was 80 years after the Otto Warburg discovery of aerobic glycolysis, a major hallmark in the understanding of cancer. The Warburg effect is the preference of cancer cell for glycolysis that produces lactate even when sufficient oxygen is provided. "reverse Warburg effect" refers to the interstitial tissue communications with adjacent epithelium, that in the process of carcinogenesis, is needed to be explored. Among these cell-cell communications, the contact between epithelial cells; between epithelial cells and matrix; and between fibroblasts and inflammatory cells in the underlying matrix. Cancer involves dysregulation of Warburg and reverse Warburg cellular metabolic pathways. How these gene and protein-based regulatory mechanisms have functioned has been the basis for this review. The importance of the Warburg in oxidative phosphorylation suppression, with increased glycolysis in cancer growth and proliferation is emphasized. Studies that are directed at pathways that would be expected to shift cell metabolism to an increased oxidation and to a decrease in glycolysis are emphasized. Key enzymes required for oxidative phosphorylation, and affect the inhibition of fatty acid metabolism and glutamine dependence are conferred. The findings are of special interest to cancer pharmacotherapy. Studies described in this review are concerned with the effects of therapeutic modalities that are intimately related to the Warburg effect. These interactions described may be helpful as adjuvant therapy in controlling the process of proliferation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Johar
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Women for Arts, Sciences and Education, Ain Shams University, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Rania M Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry, Pharmacy College, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mostafa H Elberry
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy Zaky
- Hepatogastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy A Shalabi
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Consultant Pathologist, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Larry H Bernstein
- Emeritus Prof. Department of Pathology, Yale University, Connecticut, USA
- Triplex Consulting Pharmaceuticals, 54 Firethorn Lane Northampton, MA 01060, USA
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Hass DT, Barnstable CJ. Uncoupling proteins in the mitochondrial defense against oxidative stress. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100941. [PMID: 33422637 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major component of most major retinal diseases. Many extrinsic anti-oxidative strategies have been insufficient at counteracting one of the predominant intrinsic sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria. The proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane is a key driving force for mitochondrial ROS production, and this gradient can be modulated by members of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) family. Of the UCPs, UCP2 shows a widespread distribution and has been shown to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, with concomitant decreases in ROS production. Genetic studies using transgenic and knockout mice have documented the ability of increased UCP2 activity to provide neuroprotection in models of a number of diseases, including retinal diseases, indicating that it is a strong candidate for a therapeutic target. Molecular studies have identified the structural mechanism of action of UCP2 and have detailed the ways in which its expression and activity can be controlled at the transcriptional, translational and posttranslational levels. These studies suggest a number of ways in control of UCP2 expression and activity can be used therapeutically for both acute and chronic conditions. The development of such therapeutic approaches will greatly increase the tools available to combat a broad range of serious retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Colin J Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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Neofunctionalization of the UCP1 mediated the non-shivering thermogenesis in the evolution of small-sized placental mammals. Genomics 2020; 112:2489-2498. [PMID: 32027956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of UCP1-mediated non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) was an important event during the evolution of mammals. Here, we assessed the thermogenic neofunctionalization that occurred in the mammalian UCP1, by performing detailed comparative evolutionary genomics analyses (including phylogenetic and selection analyses) of the UCP family members across all major vertebrate classes. Heterogeneously distributed positive selection signatures were found in several UCPs, being preferably located in the mitochondrial matrix domains. Additionally, comparisons with non-mammalian orthologs showed increased evolutionary rates of the mammalian UCP1, not observable in the phylogenetically related UCP2 and UCP3 paralogs. Also, parallel signatures of episodic positive selection (ω > 1) were found in the ancestral branches of both Glires (rodents and lagomorphs) and Afroinsectivores (afrosoricids and macroscelids), underlining the importance of the UCP1 thermogenic activity in these mammalian groups. Finally, we hypothesize that the independent positive selection events that occurred in these two lineages resulted in two UCP1-mediated NST approaches, namely the cold acute response in the Glires and the reproduction success enhancement in the Afroinsectivores.
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Wang Z, Yin ZT, Zhang F, Li XQ, Chen SR, Yang N, Porter TE, Hou Z. Dynamics of transcriptome changes during subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation in ducks. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:688. [PMID: 31477016 PMCID: PMC6720933 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pekin duck is an important animal model for its ability for fat synthesis and deposition. However, transcriptional dynamic regulation of adipose differentiation driven by complex signal cascades remains largely unexplored in this model. This study aimed to explore adipogenic transcriptional dynamics before (proliferation) and after (differentiation) initial preadipocyte differentiation in ducks. RESULTS Exogenous oleic acid alone successfully induced duck subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation. We explored 36 mRNA-seq libraries in order to study transcriptome dynamics during proliferation and differentiation processes at 6 time points. Using robust statistical analysis, we identified 845, 652, 359, 2401 and 1933 genes differentially expressed between -48 h and 0 h, 0 h and 12 h, 12 h and 24 h, 24 h and 48 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively (FDR < 0.05, FC > 1.5). At the proliferation stage, proliferation related pathways and basic cellular and metabolic processes were inhibited, while regulatory factors that initiate differentiation enter the ready-to-activate state, which provides a precondition for initiating adipose differentiation. According to weighted gene co-expression network analysis, pathways positively related to adipogenic differentiation are significantly activated at the differentiation stage, while WNT, FOXO and other pathways that inhibit preadipocyte differentiation are negatively regulated. Moreover, we identified and classified more than 100 transcription factors that showed significant changes during differentiation, and found novel transcription factors that were not reported to be related to preadipoctye differentiation. Finally, we manually assembled a proposed regulation network model of subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation base on the expression data, and suggested that E2F1 may serve as an important link between the processes of duck subcutaneous preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. CONCLUSIONS For the first time we comprehensively analyzed the transcriptome dynamics of duck subcutaneous preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. The current study provides a solid basis for understanding the synthesis and deposition of subcutaneous fat in ducks. Furthermore, the information generated will allow future investigations of specific genes involved in particular stages of duck adipogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhong-Tao Yin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Si-Rui Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tom E Porter
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Zhuocheng Hou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Uncoupling protein 1 in snakehead (Channa argus): Cloning, tissue distribution, and its expression in response to fasting and refeeding. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 225:1-6. [PMID: 29886254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is well known for its thermogenic role in brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, the UCP1 physiological roles are still unclear in fish, although several teleost ucp1 genes have been identified. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential roles of fish UCP1 involved in food intake regulation and energy homeostasis. We herein report on the molecular cloning, tissue distribution and the effect of fasting and refeeding on the expression of ucp1 in Channa argus. UCP1 consisted of a 921 bp open reading frame predicted to encode 306 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed that snakehead UCP1 was highly conserved (>80%) with teleost UCP1, but shared a lower identity (60-72%) with mammals. Phylogenetic analysis supported that snakehead UCP1 was closely related to piscine UCP1. In addition, ucp1 was found to extensively expressed in all detected tissues, with the highest level in liver. Futhermore, the hepatic ucp1 was found to significantly increased after short-term and long-term food deprivation, and dramatically increased following refeeding. These findings suggested that snakehead UCP1 might play important roles in food intake regulation and fatty acid metabolism in snakehead fish, and it could be as a potential target locus to improve commercial production of this kind of fish.
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Bryant HJ, Chung DJ, Schulte PM. Subspecies differences in thermal acclimation of mitochondrial function and the role of uncoupling proteins in killifish. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:jeb.186320. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.186320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Thermal effects on mitochondrial efficiency and ATP production can influence whole-animal thermal tolerance and performance. Thus, organisms may have the capacity to alter mitochondrial processes through acclimation or adaptation to mitigate these effects. One possible mechanism is through the action of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) which can decrease the proton motive force independent of the production of ATP. To test this hypothesis, we examined the mRNA expression patterns of UCP isoforms and characterized the effects of thermal acclimation and putative local thermal adaptation on mitochondrial capacity, proton leak, and P/O ratios in two subspecies of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Ucp1 was the dominant isoform in liver and was more highly expressed in northern killifish. We found that cold acclimation increased mitochondrial capacity (state III and maximum substrate oxidation capacity), state II membrane potential, proton leak, and P/O ratios in northern, but not southern killifish liver mitochondria. Palmitate-induced mitochondrial uncoupling was detected in northern, but not southern, killifish liver mitochondria, consistent with the differences in mRNA expression between the subspecies. Taken together, our data suggest that mitochondrial function is more plastic in response to thermal acclimation in northern killifish than southern killifish and that UCP1 may play a role in regulating the proton motive force in northern, but not southern killifish in response to thermal acclimation. These data demonstrate the potential for adaptive variation in mitochondrial plasticity in response to cold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J. Bryant
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Dillon J. Chung
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Patricia M. Schulte
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
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Seebacher F. The evolution of metabolic regulation in animals. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 224:195-203. [PMID: 29128642 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Energy metabolism is determined by a suite of regulatory mechanism, and their increasing complexity over evolutionary time provides the key to understanding the emergence of different metabolic phenotypes. Energy metabolism is at the core of biological processes because all organisms must maintain energy balance against thermodynamic gradients. Energy metabolism is regulated by a bewildering array of interacting molecular mechanisms, and much of what is known about metabolic regulation comes from the medical literature. However, ecology and evolutionary research would gain considerably by incorporating regulatory mechanisms more explicitly in research on topics such as the evolution of endothermy, metabolic plasticity, and energy balance. The purpose of this brief review is to summarise the main regulatory pathways of energy metabolism in animals and their evolutionary origins to make these complex interactions more accessible to researchers from a broad range of backgrounds. Some of the principal regulators of energy balance, such as the AMP-stimulated protein kinase, have an ancient prokaryotic origin. Most regulatory pathways (e.g. thyroid hormone, insulin, adipokines), however, are eukaryotic in origin and diversified substantially in metazoans and vertebrates. Diversification in vertebrates is at least partly due to genome duplications early in this lineage. The interaction between regulatory mechanisms permitted an increasingly sophisticated fine-tuning of energy balance and metabolism. Hence, regulatory complexity increased over evolutionary time, and taxa differ in their potential range of metabolic phenotypes. Choice of model organism therefore becomes important, and bacteria or even invertebrates are not good models for more derived vertebrates. Different metabolic phenotypes and their evolution, such as endothermy and metabolic plasticity, should be interpreted against this regulatory background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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11
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Being right on Q: shaping eukaryotic evolution. Biochem J 2017; 473:4103-4127. [PMID: 27834740 PMCID: PMC5103874 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by mitochondria is an incompletely understood eukaryotic process. I proposed a kinetic model [BioEssays (2011) 33, 88–94] in which the ratio between electrons entering the respiratory chain via FADH2 or NADH (the F/N ratio) is a crucial determinant of ROS formation. During glucose breakdown, the ratio is low, while during fatty acid breakdown, the ratio is high (the longer the fatty acid, the higher is the ratio), leading to higher ROS levels. Thus, breakdown of (very-long-chain) fatty acids should occur without generating extra FADH2 in mitochondria. This explains peroxisome evolution. A potential ROS increase could also explain the absence of fatty acid oxidation in long-lived cells (neurons) as well as other eukaryotic adaptations, such as dynamic supercomplex formation. Effective combinations of metabolic pathways from the host and the endosymbiont (mitochondrion) allowed larger varieties of substrates (with different F/N ratios) to be oxidized, but high F/N ratios increase ROS formation. This might have led to carnitine shuttles, uncoupling proteins, and multiple antioxidant mechanisms, especially linked to fatty acid oxidation [BioEssays (2014) 36, 634–643]. Recent data regarding peroxisome evolution and their relationships with mitochondria, ROS formation by Complex I during ischaemia/reperfusion injury, and supercomplex formation adjustment to F/N ratios strongly support the model. I will further discuss the model in the light of experimental findings regarding mitochondrial ROS formation.
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12
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The conserved regulation of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins: From unicellular eukaryotes to mammals. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2016; 1858:21-33. [PMID: 27751905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) belong to the mitochondrial anion carrier protein family and mediate regulated proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Free fatty acids, aldehydes such as hydroxynonenal, and retinoids activate UCPs. However, there are some controversies about the effective action of retinoids and aldehydes alone; thus, only free fatty acids are commonly accepted positive effectors of UCPs. Purine nucleotides such as GTP inhibit UCP-mediated mitochondrial proton leak. In turn, membranous coenzyme Q may play a role as a redox state-dependent metabolic sensor that modulates the complete activation/inhibition of UCPs. Such regulation has been observed for UCPs in microorganisms, plant and animal UCP1 homologues, and UCP1 in mammalian brown adipose tissue. The origin of UCPs is still under debate, but UCP homologues have been identified in all systematic groups of eukaryotes. Despite the differing levels of amino acid/DNA sequence similarities, functional studies in unicellular and multicellular organisms, from amoebae to mammals, suggest that the mechanistic regulation of UCP activity is evolutionarily well conserved. This review focuses on the regulatory feedback loops of UCPs involving free fatty acids, aldehydes, retinoids, purine nucleotides, and coenzyme Q (particularly its reduction level), which may derive from the early stages of evolution as UCP first emerged.
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Gill KS, Fernandes P, O'Donovan TR, McKenna SL, Doddakula KK, Power DG, Soden DM, Forde PF. Glycolysis inhibition as a cancer treatment and its role in an anti-tumour immune response. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2016; 1866:87-105. [PMID: 27373814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Increased glycolysis is the main source of energy supply in cancer cells that use this metabolic pathway for ATP generation. Altered energy metabolism is a biochemical fingerprint of cancer cells that represents one of the "hallmarks of cancer". The immune system can prevent tumour growth by eliminating cancer cells but this editing process ultimately results in poorly immunogenic cells remaining allowing for unchallenged tumour growth. In this review we look at the glycolysis pathway as a target for cancer treatments. We also examine the interplay between the glycolysis modulation and the immune response as an anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kheshwant S Gill
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Philana Fernandes
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Tracey R O'Donovan
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sharon L McKenna
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Derek G Power
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Medical Oncology, Mercy University Hospital, Grenville Place, Cork, Ireland
| | - Declan M Soden
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patrick F Forde
- Cork Cancer Research Centre, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Chen W, Xu H, Chen X, Liu Z, Zhang W, Xia D. Functional and Activity Analysis of Cattle UCP3 Promoter with MRFs-Related Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050682. [PMID: 27164086 PMCID: PMC4881508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) is mainly expressed in muscle. It plays an important role in muscle, but less research on the regulation of cattle UCP3 has been performed. In order to elucidate whether cattle UCP3 can be regulated by muscle-related factors, deletion of cattle UCP3 promoter was amplified and cloned into pGL3-basic, pGL3-promoter and PEGFP-N3 vector, respectively, then transfected into C2C12 myoblasts cells and UCP3 promoter activity was measured using the dual-Luciferase reporter assay system. The results showed that there is some negative-regulatory element from −620 to −433 bp, and there is some positive-regulatory element between −433 and −385 bp. The fragment (1.08 kb) of UCP3 promoter was cotransfected with muscle-related transcription factor myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) and myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A). We found that UCP3 promoter could be upregulated by Myf5, Myf6 and MyoD and downregulated by MyoG and MEF2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
- College of Life Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Houqiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Zhongwei Liu
- College of Life Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Dan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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15
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UCPs, at the interface between bioenergetics and metabolism. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:2443-56. [PMID: 27091404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The first member of the uncoupling protein (UCP) family, brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), was identified in 1976. Twenty years later, two closely related proteins, UCP2 and UCP3, were described in mammals. Homologs of these proteins exist in other organisms, including plants. Uncoupling refers to a deterioration of energy conservation between substrate oxidation and ADP phosphorylation. Complete energy conservation loss would be fatal but fine-tuning can be beneficial for processes such as thermogenesis, redox control, and prevention of mitochondrial ROS release. The coupled/uncoupled state of mitochondria is related to the permeability of the inner membrane and the proton transport mediated by activated UCPs underlies the uncoupling activity of these proteins. Proton transport by UCP1 is activated by fatty acids and this ensures thermogenesis. In vivo in absence of this activation UCP1 remains inhibited with no transport activity. A similar situation now seems unlikely for UCP2 and UCP3 and while activation of their proton transport has been described its physiological relevance remains uncertain and their influence can be envisaged as a result of another transport pathway that takes place in the absence of activation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Channels edited by Pierre Sonveaux, Pierre Maechler and Jean-Claude Martinou.
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16
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Akhmedov AT, Rybin V, Marín-García J. Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and uncoupling proteins in the failing heart. Heart Fail Rev 2015; 20:227-49. [PMID: 25192828 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-014-9457-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cardiovascular medicine, myocardial ischemia and infarction, progressing eventually to the final end point heart failure (HF), remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. HF is a complex syndrome that results from any structural or functional impairment in ventricular filling or blood ejection. Ultimately, the heart's inability to supply the body's tissues with enough blood may lead to death. Mechanistically, the hallmarks of the failing heart include abnormal energy metabolism, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and defects in excitation-contraction coupling. HF is a highly dynamic pathological process, and observed alterations in cardiac metabolism and function depend on the disease progression. In the early stages, cardiac remodeling characterized by normal or slightly increased fatty acid (FA) oxidation plays a compensatory, cardioprotective role. However, upon progression of HF, FA oxidation and mitochondrial oxidative activity are decreased, resulting in a significant drop in cardiac ATP levels. In HF, as a compensatory response to decreased oxidative metabolism, glucose uptake and glycolysis are upregulated, but this upregulation is not sufficient to compensate for a drop in ATP production. Elevated mitochondrial ROS generation and ROS-mediated damage, when they overwhelm the cellular antioxidant defense system, induce heart injury and contribute to the progression of HF. Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs), which promote proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane, have emerged as essential regulators of mitochondrial membrane potential, respiratory activity and ROS generation. Although the physiological role of UCP2 and UCP3, expressed in the heart, has not been clearly established, increasing evidence suggests that these proteins by promoting mild uncoupling could reduce mitochondrial ROS generation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ameliorate thereby myocardial function. Further investigation on the alterations in cardiac UCP activity and regulation will advance our understanding of their physiological roles in the healthy and diseased heart and also may facilitate the development of novel and more efficient therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Akhmedov
- The Molecular Cardiology and Neuromuscular Institute, 75 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ, 08904, USA
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17
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Kobayashi Y, Peterson BC, Waldbieser GC. Relationship between expression of muscle-specific uncoupling protein 2 messenger RNA and genetic selection toward growth in channel catfish. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015; 51:56-64. [PMID: 25528205 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that increased growth in channel catfish is associated with expression of the genes that code for uncoupling proteins (UCP) 2 and 3, members of the mitochondrial channel proteins involved in nutrient sensing and metabolism. The specific objective was to contrast the levels of UCP2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in fast vs slow growing catfish as well as in fed vs fasted catfish. Two distinct UCP2 transcripts were identified and named UCP2a and UCP2b, respectively. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence of catfish UCP2s were highly similar to UCP2 and other UCPs from other fish and mammals (>75%). Expression of UCP2a mRNA was detectable at very low levels in various metabolically active tissues, whereas the expression of UCP2b mRNA was readily detectable in the muscle and heart. In a 21-wk feeding study, fish that grew faster had a greater percent body fat at the end of the study (P < 0.01). Expression of UCP2b mRNA tended to be lower (P < 0.10) in fast growing fish in the middle of the study although levels were similar at the beginning and the end of the study. In the fed vs fasted study, expression of UCP2b mRNA in muscle was increased (P < 0.05) in fish assigned to 30 d of fasting. Our results suggest that, based on the nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarities and tissue mRNA distribution, catfish UCP2b may be the analog to UCP3. Moreover, our results suggest selection toward growth and associated fat accumulation appears to be independent of muscle UCP2b mRNA expression and UCP2b-mediated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Kobayashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, USA.
| | - B C Peterson
- USDA/ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit, Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, MS, USA
| | - G C Waldbieser
- USDA/ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit, Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, MS, USA
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18
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Wen ZY, Liang XF, He S, Li L, Shen D, Tao YX. Molecular cloning and tissue expression of uncoupling protein 1, 2 and 3 genes in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 185:24-33. [PMID: 25829150 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial anion carrier proteins, which play important roles in several physiological processes, including thermogenesis, reactive oxygen species generation, growth, lipid metabolism and insulin secretion. Although the roles of UCPs are well understood in mammals, little is known in fish. To investigate the thermogenesis roles in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi), we cloned the UCP1, 2 and 3. The UCP1 consisted of six exons and five introns, and the UCP2 consisted of eight exons and seven introns. The UCP1 was primarily expressed in liver, UCP2 was ubiquitously expressed, and UCP3 was primarily expressed in muscle. The mRNA levels of UCP1 and UCP2 in liver, and UCP3 in muscle were significantly increased after prolonged cold exposure, but did not change after prolonged heat exposure, suggesting that Chinese perch might have a mechanism of response to cold environment, but not to hot environment. The intestinal UCP1 mRNA level was significantly up-regulated after prolonged heat exposure, while the UCP2 mRNA level was significantly up-regulated after prolonged cold exposure, suggesting that the two paralogs might play different roles in intestine of Chinese perch. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis could shed new light on the evolutionary diversification of UCP gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yong Wen
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Xu-Fang Liang
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Shan He
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Ling Li
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Dan Shen
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5519, USA
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19
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Donadelli M, Dando I, Dalla Pozza E, Palmieri M. Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 and pancreatic cancer: A new potential target therapy. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:3232-3238. [PMID: 25805929 PMCID: PMC4363752 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i11.3232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Overall 5-years survival of pancreatic cancer patients is nearly 5%, making this cancer type one of the most lethal neoplasia. Furthermore, the incidence rate of pancreatic cancer has a growing trend that determines a constant increase in the number of deceases caused by this pathology. The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer is mainly caused by delayed diagnosis, early metastasis of tumor, and resistance to almost all tested cytotoxic drugs. In this respect, the identification of novel potential targets for new and efficient therapies should be strongly encouraged in order to improve the clinical management of pancreatic cancer. Some studies have shown that the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is over-expressed in pancreatic cancer as compared to adjacent normal tissues. In addition, recent discoveries established a key role of UCP2 in protecting cancer cells from an excessive production of mitochondrial superoxide ions and in the promotion of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, including aerobic glycolysis stimulation, promotion of cancer progression. These observations together with the demonstration that UCP2 repression can synergize with standard chemotherapy to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth provide the molecular rationale to consider UCP2 as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. In this editorial, recent advances describing the relationship between cancer development and mitochondrial UCP2 activity are critically provided.
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20
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Speijer D, Manjeri GR, Szklarczyk R. How to deal with oxygen radicals stemming from mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130446. [PMID: 24864314 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen radical formation in mitochondria is an incompletely understood attribute of eukaryotic cells. Recently, a kinetic model was proposed, in which the ratio between electrons entering the respiratory chain via FADH2 or NADH determines radical formation. During glucose breakdown, the ratio is low; during fatty acid breakdown, the ratio is high (the ratio increasing--asymptotically--with fatty acid length to 0.5, when compared with 0.2 for glucose). Thus, fatty acid oxidation would generate higher levels of radical formation. As a result, breakdown of fatty acids, performed without generation of extra FADH2 in mitochondria, could be beneficial for the cell, especially in the case of long and very long chained ones. This possibly has been a major factor in the evolution of peroxisomes. Increased radical formation, as proposed by the model, can also shed light on the lack of neuronal fatty acid oxidation and tells us about hurdles during early eukaryotic evolution. We specifically focus on extending and discussing the model in light of recent publications and findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Speijer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center (AMC), UvA, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G R Manjeri
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R Szklarczyk
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands Department of Clinical Genetics, Unit Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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21
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Devlin MJ. The “Skinny” on brown fat, obesity, and bone. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2014; 156 Suppl 59:98-115. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen J. Devlin
- Department of Anthropology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI 48104
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22
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Bermejo-Nogales A, Calduch-Giner JA, Pérez-Sánchez J. Tissue-specific gene expression and functional regulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) by hypoxia and nutrient availability in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata): implications on the physiological significance of UCP1-3 variants. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2014; 40:751-762. [PMID: 24154671 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-013-9882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess in an integrative manner the physiological regulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in gilthead sea bream. A contig of 1,325 nucleotides in length with an open reading frame of 307 amino acids was recognized as UCP2 after searches in our transcriptome reference database ( http://www.nutrigroup-iats.org/seabreamdb ). Gene expression mapping by quantitative real-time PCR revealed a ubiquitous profile that clearly differs from that of UCP1 and UCP3 variants with the greatest abundance in liver and white skeletal muscle, respectively. The greatest abundance of UCP2 transcripts was found in the heart, with a relatively high expression level in blood cells, where UCP1 and UCP3 transcripts were practically undetectable. Functional studies revealed that UCP2 mRNA expression remains either unaltered or up-regulated upon feed restriction in glycolytic (white skeletal muscle) and highly oxidative muscle tissues (heart and red skeletal muscle), respectively. In contrast, exposure to hypoxic conditions (18-19% oxygen saturation) markedly down-regulated the UCP2 mRNA expression in blood cells in a cellular environment with increased haematocrit, blood haemoglobin content, and circulating levels of glucose and lactate, and total plasma antioxidant activity. These findings demonstrated that UCP2 expression is highly regulated at the transcriptional level, arising this UCP variant as an important piece of the complex trade-off between metabolic and redox sensors. This feature would avoid the activation of futile cycles of energy wastage if changes in tissue oxidative and antioxidant metabolic capabilities are able to maintain the production of reactive oxygen species at a low regulated level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azucena Bermejo-Nogales
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Growth Endocrinology Group, Department of Biology, Culture and Pathology of Marine Species, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal, CSIC, 12595, Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
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23
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Aledo JC. Life-history Constraints on the Mechanisms that Control the Rate of ROS Production. Curr Genomics 2014; 15:217-30. [PMID: 24955029 PMCID: PMC4064561 DOI: 10.2174/1389202915666140515230615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The quest to understand why and how we age has led to numerous lines of investigation that have gradually converged to consider mitochondrial metabolism as a major player. During mitochondrial respiration a small and variable amount of the consumed oxygen is converted to reactive species of oxygen (ROS). For many years, these ROS have been perceived as harmful by-products of respiration. However, evidence from recent years indicates that ROS fulfill important roles as cellular messengers. Results obtained using model organisms suggest that ROS-dependent signalling may even activate beneficial cellular stress responses, which eventually may lead to increased lifespan. Nevertheless, when an overload of ROS cannot be properly disposed of, its accumulation generates oxidative stress, which plays a major part in the ageing process. Comparative studies about the rates of ROS production and oxidative damage accumulation, have led to the idea that the lower rate of mitochondrial oxygen radical generation of long-lived animals with respect to that of their short-lived counterpart, could be a primary cause of their slow ageing rate. A hitherto largely under-appreciated alternative view is that such lower rate of ROS production, rather than a cause may be a consequence of the metabolic constraints imposed for the large body sizes that accompany high lifespans. To help understanding the logical underpinning of this rather heterodox view, herein I review the current literature regarding the mechanisms of ROS formation, with particular emphasis on evolutionary aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Aledo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071-Málaga, Spain
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24
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Speijer D. How the mitochondrion was shaped by radical differences in substrates: what carnitine shuttles and uncoupling tell us about mitochondrial evolution in response to ROS. Bioessays 2014; 36:634-43. [PMID: 24848875 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As free-living organisms, alpha-proteobacteria produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that diffuse into the surroundings; once constrained inside the archaeal ancestor of eukaryotes, however, ROS production presented evolutionary pressures - especially because the alpha-proteobacterial symbiont made more ROS, from a variety of substrates. I previously proposed that ratios of electrons coming from FADH2 and NADH (F/N ratios) correlate with ROS production levels during respiration, glucose breakdown having a much lower F/N ratio than longer fatty acid (FA) breakdown. Evidently, higher endogenous ROS formation did not hinder eukaryotic evolution, so how were its disadvantages mitigated? I propose that the resulting selection pressures favoured the evolution of a variety of eukaryotic 'innovations': peroxisomes for FA breakdown, carnitine shuttles, the linkage of beta-oxidation to antioxidant properties, uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and using mitochondrial uncoupling during beta-oxidation to reduce ROS. Recently observed relationships between peroxisomes and mitochondria further support the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave Speijer
- Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Gerkema MP, Davies WIL, Foster RG, Menaker M, Hut RA. The nocturnal bottleneck and the evolution of activity patterns in mammals. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20130508. [PMID: 23825205 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1942, Walls described the concept of a 'nocturnal bottleneck' in placental mammals, where these species could survive only by avoiding daytime activity during times in which dinosaurs were the dominant taxon. Walls based this concept of a longer episode of nocturnality in early eutherian mammals by comparing the visual systems of reptiles, birds and all three extant taxa of the mammalian lineage, namely the monotremes, marsupials (now included in the metatherians) and placentals (included in the eutherians). This review describes the status of what has become known as the nocturnal bottleneck hypothesis, giving an overview of the chronobiological patterns of activity. We review the ecological plausibility that the activity patterns of (early) eutherian mammals were restricted to the night, based on arguments relating to endothermia, energy balance, foraging and predation, taking into account recent palaeontological information. We also assess genes, relating to light detection (visual and non-visual systems) and the photolyase DNA protection system that were lost in the eutherian mammalian lineage. Our conclusion presently is that arguments in favour of the nocturnal bottleneck hypothesis in eutherians prevail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menno P Gerkema
- Centre for Behaviour and Neuroscience, Department of Chronobiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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26
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SCaMC-1Like a member of the mitochondrial carrier (MC) family preferentially expressed in testis and localized in mitochondria and chromatoid body. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40470. [PMID: 22792342 PMCID: PMC3391283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial carriers (MC) form a highly conserved family involved in
solute transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotes. In
mammals, ATP-Mg/Pi carriers, SCaMCs, form the most complex subgroup with four
paralogs, SCaMC-1, -2, -3 and -3L, and several splicing variants. Here, we
report the tissue distribution and subcellular localization of a mammalian-specific
SCaMC paralog, 4930443G12Rik/SCaMC-1Like (SCaMC-1L),
which displays unanticipated new features. SCaMC-1L proteins show higher amino
acid substitution rates than its closest paralog SCaMC-1. In mouse, SCaMC-1L
expression is restricted to male germ cells and regulated during spermatogenesis
but unexpectedly its localization is not limited to mitochondrial structures.
In mature spermatids SCaMC-1L is detected in the mitochondrial sheath but
in previous differentiation stages appears associated to cytosolic granules
which colocalize with specific markers of the chromatoid body (CB) in post-meiotic
round spermatids and inter-mitochondrial cement (IMC) in spermatocytes. The
origin of this atypical distribution was further investigated by transient
expression in cell lines. Similarly to male germ cells, in addition to mitochondrial
and cytosolic distribution, a fraction of SCaMC-1L-expressing COS-7 cells
display cytosolic SCaMC-1L-aggregates which exhibit aggresomal-like features
as the CB. Our results indicate that different regions of SCaMC-1L hinder
its import into mitochondria and this apparently favours the formation of
cytosolic aggregates in COS-7 cells. This mechanism could be also operational
in male germ cells and explain the incorporation of SCaMC-1L into germinal
granules.
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27
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Tine M, Kuhl H, Jastroch M, Reinhardt R. Genomic characterization of the European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax reveals the presence of a novel uncoupling protein (UCP) gene family member in the teleost fish lineage. BMC Evol Biol 2012; 12:62. [PMID: 22577775 PMCID: PMC3428666 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-12-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Uncoupling proteins (UCP) are evolutionary conserved mitochondrial carriers that control energy metabolism and therefore play important roles in several physiological processes such as thermogenesis, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), growth control, lipid metabolism and regulation of insulin secretion. Despite their importance in various physiological processes, their molecular function remains controversial. The evolution and phylogenetic distribution may assist to identify their general biological function and structure-function relationships. The exact number of uncoupling protein genes in the fish genome and their evolution is unresolved. Results Here we report the first characterisation of UCP gene family members in sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, and then retrace the evolution of the protein family in vertebrates. Four UCP genes that are shared by five other fish species were identified in sea bass genome. Phylogenetic reconstitution among vertebrate species and synteny analysis revealed that UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3 evolved from duplication events that occurred in the common ancestor of vertebrates, whereas the novel fourth UCP originated specifically in the teleost lineage. Functional divergence analysis among teleost species revealed specific amino acid positions that have been subjected to altered functional constraints after duplications. Conclusions This work provides the first unambiguous evidence for the presence of a fourth UCP gene in teleost fish genome and brings new insights into the evolutionary history of the gene family. Our results suggest functional divergence among paralogues which might result from long-term and differential selective pressures, and therefore, provide the indication that UCP genes may have diverse physiological functions in teleost fishes. Further experimental analysis of the critical amino acids identified here may provide valuable information on the physiological functions of UCP genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbaye Tine
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestresse 63-73, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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28
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A critical tyrosine residue determines the uncoupling protein-like activity of the yeast mitochondrial oxaloacetate carrier. Biochem J 2012; 443:317-25. [PMID: 22236206 DOI: 10.1042/bj20110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial Oac (oxaloacetate carrier) found in some fungi and plants catalyses the uptake of oxaloacetate, malonate and sulfate. Despite their sequence similarity, transport specificity varies considerably between Oacs. Indeed, whereas ScOac (Saccharomyces cerevisiae Oac) is a specific anion-proton symporter, the YlOac (Yarrowia lipolytica Oac) has the added ability to transport protons, behaving as a UCP (uncoupling protein). Significantly, we identified two amino acid changes at the matrix gate of YlOac and ScOac, tyrosine to phenylalanine and methionine to leucine. We studied the role of these amino acids by expressing both wild-type and specifically mutated Oacs in an Oac-null S. cerevisiae strain. No phenotype could be associated with the methionine to leucine substitution, whereas UCP-like activity was dependent on the presence of the tyrosine residue normally expressed in the YlOac, i.e. Tyr-ScOac mediated proton transport, whereas Phe-YlOac lost its protonophoric activity. These findings indicate that the UCP-like activity of YlOac is determined by the tyrosine residue at position 146.
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Luévano-Martínez LA. Uncoupling proteins (UCP) in unicellular eukaryotes: true UCPs or UCP1-like acting proteins? FEBS Lett 2012; 586:1073-8. [PMID: 22569266 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Uncoupling proteins belong to the superfamily of mitochondrial anion carriers. They are apparently present throughout the Eukarya domain in which only some members have an established physiological function, i.e. UCP1 from brown adipose tissue is involved in non-shivering thermogenesis. However, the proteins responsible for the phenotype observed in unicellular organisms have not been characterized. In this report we analyzed functional evidence concerning unicellular UCPs and found that true UCPs are restricted to some taxonomical groups while proteins conferring a UCP1-like phenotype to fungi and most protists are the result of a promiscuous activity exerted by other mitochondrial anion carriers. We describe a possible evolutionary route followed by these proteins by which they acquire this promiscuous mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alberto Luévano-Martínez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil.
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Kuravsky ML, Aleshin VV, Frishman D, Muronetz VI. Testis-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: origin and evolution. BMC Evol Biol 2011; 11:160. [PMID: 21663662 PMCID: PMC3224139 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-11-160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD) catalyses one of the glycolytic reactions and is also involved in a number of non-glycolytic processes, such as endocytosis, DNA excision repair, and induction of apoptosis. Mammals are known to possess two homologous GAPD isoenzymes: GAPD-1, a well-studied protein found in all somatic cells, and GAPD-2, which is expressed solely in testis. GAPD-2 supplies energy required for the movement of spermatozoa and is tightly bound to the sperm tail cytoskeleton by the additional N-terminal proline-rich domain absent in GAPD-1. In this study we investigate the evolutionary history of GAPD and gain some insights into specialization of GAPD-2 as a testis-specific protein. Results A dataset of GAPD sequences was assembled from public databases and used for phylogeny reconstruction by means of the Bayesian method. Since resolution in some clades of the obtained tree was too low, syntenic analysis was carried out to define the evolutionary history of GAPD more precisely. The performed selection tests showed that selective pressure varies across lineages and isoenzymes, as well as across different regions of the same sequences. Conclusions The obtained results suggest that GAPD-1 and GAPD-2 emerged after duplication during the early evolution of chordates. GAPD-2 was subsequently lost by most lineages except lizards, mammals, as well as cartilaginous and bony fishes. In reptilians and mammals, GAPD-2 specialized to a testis-specific protein and acquired the novel N-terminal proline-rich domain anchoring the protein in the sperm tail cytoskeleton. This domain is likely to have originated by exonization of a microsatellite genomic region. Recognition of the proline-rich domain by cytoskeletal proteins seems to be unspecific. Besides testis, GAPD-2 of lizards was also found in some regenerating tissues, but it lacks the proline-rich domain due to tissue-specific alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail L Kuravsky
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Abstract
White adipose tissue (WAT) is the major site of energy storage in bony vertebrates, and also serves central roles in the endocrine regulation of energy balance. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying WAT development and physiology are not well understood. This is due in part to difficulties associated with imaging adipose tissues in mammalian model systems, especially during early life stages. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has recently emerged as a new model system for adipose tissue research, in which WAT can be imaged in a transparent living vertebrate at all life stages. Here we present detailed methods for labeling adipocytes in live zebrafish using fluorescent lipophilic dyes, and for in vivo microscopy of zebrafish WAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E N Minchin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Molecular selection and functional divergence of HIF-α proteins in vertebrates. Genetica 2010; 138:1241-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s10709-010-9523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2009] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Huang S, Tian H, Chen Z, Yu T, Xu A. The evolution of vertebrate tetraspanins: gene loss, retention, and massive positive selection after whole genome duplications. BMC Evol Biol 2010; 10:306. [PMID: 20939927 PMCID: PMC2965184 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-10-306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vertebrate tetraspanin family has many features which make it suitable for preserving the imprint of ancient sequence evolution and amenable for phylogenomic analysis. So we believe that an in-depth analysis of the tetraspanin evolution not only provides more complete understanding of tetraspanin biology, but offers new insights into the influence of the two rounds of whole genome duplication (2R-WGD) at the origin of vertebrates. RESULTS A detailed phylogeny of vertebrate tetraspanins was constructed by using multiple lines of information, including sequence-based phylogenetics, key structural features, intron configuration and genomic synteny. In particular, a total of 38 modern tetraspanin ortholog lineages in bony vertebrates have been identified and subsequently classified into 17 ancestral lineages existing before 2R-WGD. Based on this phylogeny, we found that the ohnolog retention rate of tetraspanins after 2R-WGD was three times as the average (a rate similar to those of transcription factors and protein kinases). This high rate didn't increase the tetrapanin family size, but changed the family composition, possibly by displacing vertebrate-specific gene lineages with the lineages conserved across deuterostomes. We also found that the period from 2R-WGD to recent time is controlled by gene losses. Meanwhile, positive selection has been detected on 80% of the branches right after 2R-WGDs, which declines significantly on both magnitude and extensity on the following speciation branches. Notably, the loss of mammalian RDS2 is accompanied by strong positive selection on mammalian ROM1, possibly due to gene loss-induced compensatory evolution. CONCLUSIONS First, different from transcription factors and kinases, high duplicate retention rate after 2R-WGD didn't increase the tetraspanin family size but just reshaped the family composition. Second, the evolution of tetraspanins right after 2R-WGD had been impacted by a massive wave of gene loss and positive selection on coding sequences. Third, the lingering effect of 2R-WGD on tetraspanin gene loss and positive selection might last for 300-400 million years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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Rial E, Rodríguez-Sánchez L, Gallardo-Vara E, Zaragoza P, Moyano E, González-Barroso MM. Lipotoxicity, fatty acid uncoupling and mitochondrial carrier function. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2010; 1797:800-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Bermejo-Nogales A, Calduch-Giner JA, Pérez-Sánchez J. Gene expression survey of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP1/UCP3) in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.). J Comp Physiol B 2010; 180:685-94. [PMID: 20063001 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-009-0441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Revised: 12/10/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to underline the biological significance of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in ectothermic fish using the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) as an experimental model. A contig of 1,990 bp in length was recognized as a UCP1 ortholog after initial searches in the gilthead sea bream AQUAFIRST database ( http://www.sigenae.org/aquafirst ). Additional searches were performed in skeletal muscle by RT-PCR, and the amplified PCR product was recognized as UCP3 after sequence completion by 5'- and 3'RACE. UCP1 expression was mostly detected in liver, whereas UCP3 transcripts were only found in skeletal and cardiac muscle fibres (white skeletal muscle > red skeletal muscle > heart). Specific gene regulation of UCP1 (liver) and UCP3 (white skeletal muscle) was addressed in physiological models of age, seasonal growth and energy-metabolic unbalances. Both the increase in energy demand (stress confinement) and the reduction in energy supply during adaptive cold response in winter down-regulated UCP1 expression. Conversely, transcript levels of UCP3 were higher with age, seasonal fattening and dietary deficiencies in essential fatty acids leading to the increase in fatty acid flux towards the muscle. This close association between UCP1 and UCP3 with the oxidative and metabolic tissue status is perhaps directly related to the ancestral protein UCP function, and allows the use of UCPs as lipotoxicity markers in ectothermic fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azucena Bermejo-Nogales
- Fish Nutrition and Growth Endocrinology Group, Department of Biology, Culture and Pathology of Marine Fish Species, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal, CSIC, 12595 Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
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Jarmuszkiewicz W, Woyda-Ploszczyca A, Antos-Krzeminska N, Sluse FE. Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins in unicellular eukaryotes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2009; 1797:792-9. [PMID: 20026010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2009.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are members of the mitochondrial anion carrier protein family that are present in the mitochondrial inner membrane and mediate free fatty acid (FFA)-activated, purine nucleotide (PN)-inhibited proton conductance. Since 1999, the presence of UCPs has been demonstrated in some non-photosynthesising unicellular eukaryotes, including amoeboid and parasite protists, as well as in non-fermentative yeast and filamentous fungi. In the mitochondria of these organisms, UCP activity is revealed upon FFA-induced, PN-inhibited stimulation of resting respiration and a decrease in membrane potential, which are accompanied by a decrease in membranous ubiquinone (Q) reduction level. UCPs in unicellular eukaryotes are able to divert energy from oxidative phosphorylation and thus compete for a proton electrochemical gradient with ATP synthase. Our recent work indicates that membranous Q is a metabolic sensor that might utilise its redox state to release the PN inhibition of UCP-mediated mitochondrial uncoupling under conditions of phosphorylation and resting respiration. The action of reduced Q (QH2) could allow higher or complete activation of UCP. As this regulatory feature was demonstrated for microorganism UCPs (A. castellanii UCP), plant and mammalian UCP1 analogues, and UCP1 in brown adipose tissue, the process could involve all UCPs. Here, we discuss the functional connection and physiological role of UCP and alternative oxidase, two main energy-dissipating systems in the plant-type mitochondrial respiratory chain of unicellular eukaryotes, including the control of cellular energy balance as well as preventive action against the production of reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland.
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Azzu V, Brand MD. The on-off switches of the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins. Trends Biochem Sci 2009; 35:298-307. [PMID: 20006514 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2009] [Revised: 11/04/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins disengage substrate oxidation from ADP phosphorylation by dissipating the proton electrochemical gradient that is required for ATP synthesis. In doing this, the archetypal uncoupling protein, UCP1, mediates adaptive thermogenesis. By contrast, its paralogues UCP2 and UCP3 are not thought to mediate whole body thermogenesis in mammals. Instead, they have been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including protection from oxidative stress, negative regulation of glucose sensing systems and the adaptation of fatty acid oxidation capacity to starving. Although much work has been devoted to how these proteins are activated, little is known of the mechanisms that reverse this activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vian Azzu
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
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Wang M, Zhang X, Zhao H, Wang Q, Pan Y. FoxO gene family evolution in vertebrates. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:222. [PMID: 19732467 PMCID: PMC2746812 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box, class O (FoxO) belongs to the large family of forkhead transcription factors that are characterized by a conserved forkhead box DNA-binding domain. To date, the FoxO group has four mammalian members: FoxO1, FoxO3a, FoxO4 and FoxO6, which are orthologs of DAF16, an insulin-responsive transcription factor involved in regulating longevity of worms and flies. The degree of homology between these four members is high, especially in the forkhead domain, which contains the DNA-binding interface. Yet, mouse FoxO knockouts have revealed that each FoxO gene has its unique role in the physiological process. Whether the functional divergences are primarily due to adaptive selection pressure or relaxed selective constraint remains an open question. As such, this study aims to address the evolutionary mode of FoxO, which may lead to the functional divergence. Results Sequence similarity searches have performed in genome and scaffold data to identify homologues of FoxO in vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis was used to characterize the family evolutionary history by identifying two duplications early in vertebrate evolution. To determine the mode of evolution in vertebrates, we performed a rigorous statistical analysis with FoxO gene sequences, including relative rate ratio tests, branch-specific dN/dS ratio tests, site-specific dN/dS ratio tests, branch-site dN/dS ratio tests and clade level amino acid conservation/variation patterns analysis. Our results suggest that FoxO is constrained by strong purifying selection except four sites in FoxO6, which have undergone positive Darwinian selection. The functional divergence in this family is best explained by either relaxed purifying selection or positive selection. Conclusion We present a phylogeny describing the evolutionary history of the FoxO gene family and show that the genes have evolved through duplications followed by purifying selection except for four sites in FoxO6 fixed by positive selection lie mostly within the non-conserved optimal PKB motif in the C-terminal part. Relaxed selection may play important roles in the process of functional differentiation evolved through gene duplications as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Department of Animal Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
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Abstract
The uncoupling protein UCP1 provides eutherian mammals with an efficient thermogenic mechanism. Recent work published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, following the identification of UCP1 orthologs in non-eutherians, concludes that this unique function appeared after sequence divergence and purifying selection that allowed functional co-option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Rial
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
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Hughes DA, Jastroch M, Stoneking M, Klingenspor M. Molecular evolution of UCP1 and the evolutionary history of mammalian non-shivering thermogenesis. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:4. [PMID: 19128480 PMCID: PMC2627829 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a mitochondrial anion carrier, expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT) of Eutherians. UCP1 is responsible for uncoupling mitochondrial proton transport from the production of ATP, thereby dissipating heat; it is essential for non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) in mammalian BAT. UCP1 orthologs have been identified in non-Eutherian mammals, fish and amphibians. Yet, UCP1 has a unique function in Eutherians in that it is necessary in the production of heat (NST). As such, this study aims to determine the evolutionary mode of UCP1 in Eutherians, where there is clear evidence of UCP1-dependent NST in BAT. Results Models of adaptive evolution through phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences by maximum likelihood were implemented to determine the mode of UCP1 protein evolution in Eutherians. An increase in the rate of amino acid substitutions on the branch leading to Eutherians is observed, but is best explained by relaxed constraints, not positive selection. Further, evidence for branch and site heterogeneity in selection pressures, as well as divergent selection pressures between UCP1 and its paralogs (UCP2-3) is observed. Conclusion We propose that the unique thermogenic function of UCP1 in Eutherians may be best explained by neutral processes. Along with other evidence, this suggests that the primary biochemical properties of UCP1 may not differ between Eutherians and non-Eutherians.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hughes
- Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leipzig, Germany.
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