A revised nomenclature for mammalian acyl-CoA thioesterases/hydrolases

Progress of the acyl-Coenzyme A thioester hydrolase family in cancer

In recent years, the acyl-Coenzyme A thioester hydrolase family (ACOTs) has received wide attention as a key link in lipid metabolism. This family is a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fatty acyl-Coenzyme A, disrupting the thioester bond present within acyl-CoA ester molecules to produce free fatty acids (FFA) and the corresponding coenzyme A (CoA). Such enzymes play a very important role in lipid metabolism through maintaining appropriate levels of intracellular FFA and fatty acyl-CoA as well as CoA. It is broadly divided into two distinct subgroups, the type-I α/β-hydrolase fold enzyme superfamily and the type-II 'hot dog' fold superfamily. There are currently four human type-I genes and eight human type-II genes. Although the two subgroups catalyze the same reaction, they are not structurally similar, do not share the same sequence homology, and differ greatly in protein executive functions. This review summarizes the classification of the acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase family, an overview of the structural sequences, and advances in digestive, respiratory, and urinary systemic tumors. In order to explore potential specific drug targets and effective interventions, to provide new strategies for tumor prevention and treatment.

ACOT1 deficiency attenuates high-fat diet-induced fat mass gain by increasing energy expenditure

Acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 (ACOT1) catalyzes the hydrolysis of long-chain acyl-CoAs to free fatty acids and CoA and is typically upregulated in obesity. Whether targeting ACOT1 in the setting of high-fat diet-induced (HFD-induced) obesity would be metabolically beneficial is not known. Here we report that male and female ACOT1KO mice are partially protected from HFD-induced obesity, an effect associated with increased energy expenditure without alterations in physical activity or food intake. In males, ACOT1 deficiency increased mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) protein abundance while reducing 4-hydroxynonenal, a marker of oxidative stress, in white adipose tissue and liver of HFD-fed mice. Moreover, concurrent knockdown (KD) of UCP2 with ACOT1 in hepatocytes prevented increases in oxygen consumption observed with ACOT1 KD during high lipid loading, suggesting that UCP2-induced uncoupling may increase energy expenditure to attenuate weight gain. Together, these data indicate that targeting ACOT1 may be effective for obesity prevention during caloric excess by increasing energy expenditure.

Synthesis and Significance of Arachidonic Acid, a Substrate for Cyclooxygenases, Lipoxygenases, and Cytochrome P450 Pathways in the Tumorigenesis of Glioblastoma Multiforme, Including a Pan-Cancer Comparative Analysis

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive gliomas. New and more effective therapeutic approaches are being sought based on studies of the various mechanisms of GBM tumorigenesis, including the synthesis and metabolism of arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). PubMed, GEPIA, and the transcriptomics analysis carried out by Seifert et al. were used in writing this paper. In this paper, we discuss in detail the biosynthesis of this acid in GBM tumors, with a special focus on certain enzymes: fatty acid desaturase (FADS)1, FADS2, and elongation of long-chain fatty acids family member 5 (ELOVL5). We also discuss ARA metabolism, particularly its release from cell membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂, iPLA₂, and sPLA₂) and its processing by cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), lipoxygenases (5-LOX, 12-LOX, 15-LOX-1, and 15-LOX-2), and cytochrome P450. Next, we discuss the significance of lipid mediators synthesized from ARA in GBM cancer processes, including prostaglandins (PGE₂, PGD₂, and 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14-PGJ₂ (15d-PGJ₂)), thromboxane A₂ (TxA₂), oxo-eicosatetraenoic acids, leukotrienes (LTB₄, LTC₄, LTD₄, and LTE₄), lipoxins, and many others. These lipid mediators can increase the proliferation of GBM cancer cells, cause angiogenesis, inhibit the anti-tumor response of the immune system, and be responsible for resistance to treatment.

The Contribution of Lipotoxicity to Diabetic Kidney Disease

Lipotoxicity is a fundamental pathophysiologic mechanism in diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is now increasingly recognized in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) pathogenesis. This review highlights lipotoxicity pathways in the podocyte and proximal tubule cell, which are arguably the two most critical sites in the nephron for DKD. The discussion focuses on membrane transporters and lipid droplets, which represent potential therapeutic targets, as well as current and developing pharmacologic approaches to reduce renal lipotoxicity.

High Expression of ACOT2 Predicts Worse Overall Survival and Abnormal Lipid Metabolism: A Potential Target for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acyl-CoA thioesterase (ACOT) plays a considerable role in lipid metabolism, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer, nevertheless, its role has not been fully elucidated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To explore the role of ACOT2 in AML and to provide a potential therapeutic target for AML, the expression pattern of ACOT was investigated based on the TNMplot, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database, and diagnostic value, prognostic value, and clinical phenotype of ACOT were explored based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Functional annotation and enrichment analysis of the common targets between ACOT2 coexpressed and AML-related genes were further performed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analyses. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of ACOT2 coexpressed genes and functional ACOT2-related metabolites association network were constructed based on GeneMANIA and Human Metabolome Database. Among ACOTs, ACOT2 was highly expressed in AML compared to normal control subjects according to TNMplot, GEPIA, and CCLE database, which was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) in AML ( $P=0.003$ ). Moreover, ACOT2 exhibited excellent diagnostic efficiency for AML (AUC: 1.000) and related to French-American-British (FAB) classification and cytogenetics. GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses of 71 common targets between ACOT2 coexpressed and AML-related genes revealed that ACOT2 is closely related to ACOT1, ACOT4, enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase, mitochondrial (MECR), puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (NPEPPS), SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily B member 1 (SMARCB1), and long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase 1 (ACSL1) in PPI network, and plays a significant role in lipid metabolism, that is, involved in fatty acid elongation and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Collectively, the increase of ACOT2 may be an important characteristic of worse OS and abnormal lipid metabolism, suggesting that ACOT2 may become a potential therapeutic target for AML.

PPARα-ACOT12 axis is responsible for maintaining cartilage homeostasis through modulating de novo lipogenesis

Here, in Ppara^−/− mice, we found that an increased DNL stimulated the cartilage degradation and identified ACOT12 as a key regulatory factor. Suppressed level of ACOT12 was observed in cartilages of OA patient and OA-induced animal. To determine the role and association of ACOT12 in the OA pathogenesis, we generated Acot12 knockout (KO) (Acot12^−/−) mice using RNA-guided endonuclease. Acot12^−/− mice displayed the severe cartilage degradation with the stimulation of matrix MMPs and chondrocyte apoptosis through the accumulation of acetyl CoA. Delivery of acetyl CoA-conjugated chitosan complex into cartilage stimulated DNL and cartilage degradation. Moreover, restoration of ACOT12 into human OA chondrocytes and OA-induced mouse cartilage effectively rescued the pathophysiological features of OA by regulating DNL. Taken together, our study suggested ACOT12 as a novel regulatory factor in maintaining cartilage homeostasis and targeting ACOT12 could contribute to developing a new therapeutic strategy for OA.

Increasing evidence suggested that dysregulation in lipid metabolism is linked to OA pathogenesis, but the underlying regulatory mechanism is not well understood. Here, the authors show that PPARα-ACOT12 signalling regulates cartilage homeostasis by regulating de novo lipogenesis in mice.

Identifying potential biomarkers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via genome-wide analysis of copy number variation

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing and emerging as a global health burden. In addition to environmental factors, numerous studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in the development of NAFLD. Copy number variation (CNV) as a genetic variation plays an important role in the evaluation of disease susceptibility and genetic differences. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of CNV to the evaluation of NAFLD in a Chinese population.

METHODS

Genome-wide analysis of CNV was performed using high-density comparative genomic hybridisation microarrays (ACGH). To validate the CNV regions, TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was utilized.

RESULTS

A total of 441 CNVs were identified, including 381 autosomal CNVs and 60 sex chromosome CNVs. By merging overlapping CNVs, a genomic CNV map of NAFLD patients was constructed. A total of 338 autosomal CNVRs were identified, including 275 CNVRs with consistent trends (197 losses and 78 gains) and 63 CNVRs with inconsistent trends. The length of the 338 CNVRs ranged from 5.7 kb to 2.23 Mb, with an average size of 117.44 kb. These CNVRs spanned 39.70 Mb of the genome and accounted for ~ 1.32% of the genome sequence. Through Gene Ontology and genetic pathway analysis, we found evidence that CNVs involving nine genes may be associated with the pathogenesis of NAFLD progression. One of the genes (NLRP4 gene) was selected and verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) method with large sample size. We found the copy number deletion of NLRP4 was related to the risk of NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicate the copy number variation is associated with NAFLD. The copy number deletion of NLRP4 was related to the risk of NAFLD. These results could prove valuable for predicting patients at risk of developing NAFLD.

Metallo-β-lactamase domain-containing protein 2 is S-palmitoylated and exhibits acyl-CoA hydrolase activity

Members of the metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) superfamily of enzymes harbor a highly conserved αββα MBL-fold domain and were first described as inactivators of common β-lactam antibiotics. In humans, these enzymes have been shown to exhibit diverse functions, including hydrolase activity toward amides, esters, and thioesters. An uncharacterized member of the human MBL family, MBLAC2, was detected in multiple palmitoylproteomes, identified as a zDHHC20 S-acyltransferase interactor, and annotated as a potential thioesterase. In this study, we confirmed that MBLAC2 is palmitoylated and identified the likely S-palmitoylation site as Cys254. S-palmitoylation of MBLAC2 is increased in cells when expressed with zDHHC20, and MBLAC2 is a substrate for purified zDHHC20 in vitro. To determine its biochemical function, we tested the ability of MBLAC2 to hydrolyze a variety of small molecules and acylprotein substrates. MBLAC2 has acyl-CoA thioesterase activity with kinetic parameters and acyl-CoA selectivity comparable with acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 (ACOT1). Two predicted zinc-binding residues, Asp87 and His88, are required for MBLAC2 hydrolase activity. Consistent with a role in fatty acid metabolism in cells, MBLAC2 was cross-linked to a photoactivatable fatty acid in a manner that was independent of its S-fatty acylation at Cys254. Our study adds to previous investigations demonstrating the versatility of the MBL-fold domain in supporting a variety of enzymatic reactions.

The effect of Acot2 overexpression or downregulation on the preadipocyte differentiation in Chinese Red Steppe cattle

The quality and nutritional value of beef is closely linked to its content of intramuscular fat (IMF). The differentiation of preadipocytes and the deposition of lipid droplets in the adipocytes are the key to regulate the IMF content. The differentiation of adipocytes is regulated by a series of transcription factors and genes. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 (Acot2) hydrolyzes the acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) into free fatty acids and CoA and has the potential to maintain the free fatty acids and acyl CoA at the cellular level. In this work, we detected the expression of the Acot2 gene during the adipocyte differentiation in Chinese Red Steppe cattle, and then interfered and overexpressed the Acot2 gene in the preadipocytes to explore its regulatory role in the adipocyte differentiation. The results showed that the expression and regulation of Acot2 mainly occurred at the later stage of the adipocyte differentiation. The interference with the Acot2 gene significantly inhibited the lipid droplets accumulation and triglyceride content, while its overexpression significantly promoted both of them. The results of this study show that the Acot2 gene is a positive regulator of the adipocyte differentiation and may become a new target to improve the beef quality.

Acetate Revisited: A Key Biomolecule at the Nexus of Metabolism, Epigenetics and Oncogenesis-Part 1: Acetyl-CoA, Acetogenesis and Acyl-CoA Short-Chain Synthetases

Acetate is a major end product of bacterial fermentation of fiber in the gut. Acetate, whether derived from the diet or from fermentation in the colon, has been implicated in a range of health benefits. Acetate is also generated in and released from various tissues including the intestine and liver, and is generated within all cells by deacetylation reactions. To be utilized, all acetate, regardless of the source, must be converted to acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), which is carried out by enzymes known as acyl-CoA short-chain synthetases. Acyl-CoA short-chain synthetase-2 (ACSS2) is present in the cytosol and nuclei of many cell types, whereas ACSS1 is mitochondrial, with greatest expression in heart, skeletal muscle, and brown adipose tissue. In addition to acting to redistribute carbon systemically like a ketone body, acetate is becoming recognized as a cellular regulatory molecule with diverse functions beyond the formation of acetyl-CoA for energy derivation and lipogenesis. Acetate acts, in part, as a metabolic sensor linking nutrient balance and cellular stress responses with gene transcription and the regulation of protein function. ACSS2 is an important task-switching component of this sensory system wherein nutrient deprivation, hypoxia and other stressors shift ACSS2 from a lipogenic role in the cytoplasm to a regulatory role in the cell nucleus. Protein acetylation is a critical post-translational modification involved in regulating cell behavior, and alterations in protein acetylation status have been linked to multiple disease states, including cancer. Improving our fundamental understanding of the "acetylome" and how acetate is generated and utilized at the subcellular level in different cell types will provide much needed insight into normal and neoplastic cellular metabolism and the epigenetic regulation of phenotypic expression under different physiological stressors. This article is Part 1 of 2 - for Part 2 see doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.580171.

Short high-fat diet interferes with the physiological maturation of the late adolescent mouse heart

Dietary fats are essential for cardiac function. The metabolites of fats known as fatty acids provide most of the energy for cardiac tissue, serve as building blocks for membranes and regulate important signaling cascades. Despite their importance, excess fat intake can cause cardiac dysfunction. The detrimental effects of high-fat diet (HFD) on cardiac health are widely investigated in long-term studies but the short-term effects of fats have not been thoroughly studied. To elucidate the near-term effects of a HFD on the growth and maturation of late adolescent heart we subjected 11-week-old mice to an 8-week long HFD (42% of calories from fat, 42% from carbohydrate, n = 8) or chow diet (12% of calories from fat, 66% from carbohydrate, n = 7) and assessed their effects on the heart in vivo and in vitro. Our results showed that excessive fat feeding interferes with normal maturation of the heart indicated by the lack of increase in dimensions, volume, and stroke volume of the left ventricles of mice on high fat diet that were evident in mice on chow diet. In addition, differences in regional strain during the contraction cycle between mice on HFD and chow diet were seen. These changes were associated with reduced activity of the growth promoting PI3K-Akt1 signaling cascade and moderate changes in glucose metabolism without changes in calcium signaling. This study suggests that even a short period of HFD during late adolescence hinders cardiac maturation and causes physiological changes that may have an impact on the cardiac health in adulthood.

Metabolism of Non-Enzymatically Derived Oxysterols: Clues from sterol metabolic disorders

Cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (3β,5α,6β-triol) is formed from cholestan-5,6-epoxide (5,6-EC) in a reaction catalysed by cholesterol epoxide hydrolase, following formation of 5,6-EC through free radical oxidation of cholesterol. 7-Oxocholesterol (7-OC) and 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-HC) can also be formed by free radical oxidation of cholesterol. Here we investigate how 3β,5α,6β-triol, 7-OC and 7β-HC are metabolised to bile acids. We show, by monitoring oxysterol metabolites in plasma samples rich in 3β,5α,6β-triol, 7-OC and 7β-HC, that these three oxysterols fall into novel branches of the acidic pathway of bile acid biosynthesis becoming (25R)26-hydroxylated then carboxylated, 24-hydroxylated and side-chain shortened to give the final products 3β,5α,6β-trihydroxycholanoic, 3β-hydroxy-7-oxochol-5-enoic and 3β,7β-dihydroxychol-5-enoic acids, respectively. The intermediates in these pathways may be causative of some phenotypical features of, and/or have diagnostic value for, the lysosomal storage diseases, Niemann Pick types C and B and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. Free radical derived oxysterols are metabolised in human to unusual bile acids via novel branches of the acidic pathway, intermediates in these pathways are observed in plasma.

Increasing Acyl CoA thioesterase activity alters phospholipid profile without effect on insulin action in skeletal muscle of rats

Increased lipid metabolism in muscle is associated with insulin resistance and therefore, many strategies have been employed to alter fatty acid metabolism and study the impact on insulin action. Metabolism of fatty acid requires activation to fatty acyl CoA by Acyl CoA synthases (ACSL) and fatty acyl CoA can be hydrolysed by Acyl CoA thioesterases (Acot). Thioesterase activity is low in muscle, so we overexpressed Acot7 in muscle of chow and high-fat diet (HFD) rats and investigated effects on insulin action. Acot7 overexpression modified specific phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine species in tibialis muscle of chow rats to levels similar to those observed in control HFD muscle. The changes in phospholipid species did not alter glucose uptake in tibialis muscle under hyperinsulinaemic/euglycaemic clamped conditions. Acot7 overexpression in white extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle increased complete fatty acid oxidation ex-vivo but was not associated with any changes in glucose uptake in-vivo, however overexpression of Acot7 in red EDL reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in-vivo which correlated with increased incomplete fatty acid oxidation ex-vivo. In summary, although overexpression of Acot7 in muscle altered some aspects of lipid profile and metabolism in muscle, this had no major effect on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

Severe riboflavin deficiency induces alterations in the hepatic proteome of starter Pekin ducks

Suboptimal vitamin B2 status is encountered globally. Riboflavin deficiency depresses growth and results in a fatty liver. The underlying mechanisms remain to be established and an overview of molecular alterations is lacking. We investigated hepatic proteome changes induced by riboflavin deficiency to explain its effects on growth and hepatic lipid metabolism. In all, 360 1-d-old Pekin ducks were divided into three groups of 120 birds each, with twelve replicates and ten birds per replicate. For 21 d, the ducks were fed ad libitum a control diet (CAL), a riboflavin-deficient diet (RD) or were pair-fed with the control diet to the mean daily intake of the RD group (CPF). When comparing RD with CAL and CPF, growth depression, liver enlargement, liver lipid accumulation and enhanced liver SFA (C6 : 0, C12 : 0, C16 : 0, C18 : 0) were observed. In RD, thirty-two proteins were enhanced and thirty-one diminished (>1·5-fold) compared with CAL and CPF. Selected proteins were confirmed by Western blotting. The diminished proteins are mainly involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC), whereas the enhanced proteins are mainly involved in TAG and cholesterol biosynthesis. RD causes liver lipid accumulation and growth depression probably by impairing fatty acid β-oxidation and ETC. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of liver lipid metabolic disorders due to RD.

Deactivating Fatty Acids: Acyl-CoA Thioesterase-Mediated Control of Lipid Metabolism

The cellular uptake of free fatty acids (FFA) is followed by esterification to coenzyme A (CoA), generating fatty acyl-CoAs that are substrates for oxidation or incorporation into complex lipids. Acyl-CoA thioesterases (ACOTs) constitute a family of enzymes that hydrolyze fatty acyl-CoAs to form FFA and CoA. Although biochemically and biophysically well characterized, the metabolic functions of these enzymes remain incompletely understood. Existing evidence suggests regulatory roles in controlling rates of peroxisomal and mitochondrial fatty acyl-CoA oxidation, as well as in the subcellular trafficking of fatty acids. Emerging data implicate ACOTs in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, suggesting that better understanding their pathobiology could reveal unique targets in the management of obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 is involved in cell cycle progression via regulation of PKCζ-p53-p21 signaling pathway

Acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 (ACOT7) is a major isoform of the ACOT family that catalyzes hydrolysis of fatty acyl-CoAs to free fatty acids and CoA-SH. However, canonical and non-canonical functions of ACOT7 remain to be discovered. In this study, for the first time, ACOT7 was shown to be responsive to genotoxic stresses such as ionizing radiation (IR) and the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin in time- and dose-dependent manners. ACOT7 knockdown induced cytostasis via activation of the p53-p21 signaling pathway without a DNA damage response. PKCζ was specifically involved in ACOT7 depletion-mediated cell cycle arrest as an upstream molecule of the p53-p21 signaling pathway in MCF7 human breast carcinoma and A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Of the other members of the ACOT family, including ACOT1, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 that were expressed in human, ACOT4, 8, and 12 were responsive to genotoxic stresses. However, none of those had a role in cytostasis via activation of the PKCζ-p53-p21 signaling pathway. Analysis of the ACOT7 prognostic value revealed that low ACOT7 levels prolonged overall survival periods in breast and lung cancer patients. Furthermore, ACOT7 mRNA levels were higher in lung cancer patient tissues compared to normal tissues. We also observed a synergistic effect of ACOT7 depletion in combination with either IR or doxorubicin on cell proliferation in breast and lung cancer cells. Together, our data suggest that a low level of ACOT7 may be involved, at least in part, in the prevention of human breast and lung cancer development via regulation of cell cycle progression.

Inflammatory stimuli induce acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 and remodeling of phospholipids containing unsaturated long (≥C20)-acyl chains in macrophages

Acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 (ACOT7) is an intracellular enzyme that converts acyl-CoAs to FFAs. ACOT7 is induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS); thus, we investigated downstream effects of LPS-induced induction of ACOT7 and its role in inflammatory settings in myeloid cells. Enzymatic thioesterase activity assays in WT and ACOT7-deficient macrophage lysates indicated that endogenous ACOT7 contributes a significant fraction of total acyl-CoA thioesterase activity toward C20:4-, C20:5-, and C22:6-CoA, but contributes little activity toward shorter acyl-CoA species. Lipidomic analyses revealed that LPS causes a dramatic increase, primarily in bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate species containing long (≥C20) polyunsaturated acyl-chains in macrophages, and that the limited effect observed by ACOT7 deficiency is restricted to glycerophospholipids containing 20-carbon unsaturated acyl-chains. Furthermore, ACOT7 deficiency did not detectably alter the ability of LPS to induce cytokines or prostaglandin E₂ production in macrophages. Consistently, although ACOT7 was induced in macrophages from diabetic mice, hematopoietic ACOT7 deficiency did not alter the stimulatory effect of diabetes on systemic inflammation or atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice. Thus, inflammatory stimuli induce ACOT7 and remodeling of phospholipids containing unsaturated long (≥C20)-acyl chains in macrophages, and, although ACOT7 has preferential thioesterase activity toward these lipid species, loss of ACOT7 has no major detrimental effect on macrophage inflammatory phenotypes.≥.

Acetate as a Metabolic and Epigenetic Modifier of Cancer Therapy

Metabolic networks are significantly altered in neoplastic cells. This altered metabolic program leads to increased glycolysis and lipogenesis and decreased dependence on oxidative phosphorylation and oxygen consumption. Despite their limited mitochondrial respiration, cancer cells, nonetheless, derive sufficient energy from alternative carbon sources and metabolic pathways to maintain cell proliferation. They do so, in part, by utilizing fatty acids, amino acids, ketone bodies, and acetate, in addition to glucose. The alternative pathways used in the metabolism of these carbon sources provide opportunities for therapeutic manipulation. Acetate, in particular, has garnered increased attention in the context of cancer as both an epigenetic regulator of posttranslational protein modification, and as a carbon source for cancer cell biomass accumulation. However, to date, the data have not provided a clear understanding of the precise roles that protein acetylation and acetate oxidation play in carcinogenesis, cancer progression or treatment. This review highlights some of the major issues, discrepancies, and opportunities associated with the manipulation of acetate metabolism and acetylation-based signaling in cancer development and treatment.

Disallowance of Acot7 in β-Cells Is Required for Normal Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Secretion

Encoding acyl-CoA thioesterase-7 (Acot7) is one of ∼60 genes expressed ubiquitously across tissues but relatively silenced, or disallowed, in pancreatic β-cells. The capacity of ACOT7 to hydrolyze long-chain acyl-CoA esters suggests potential roles in β-oxidation, lipid biosynthesis, signal transduction, or insulin exocytosis. We explored the physiological relevance of β-cell-specific Acot7 silencing by re-expressing ACOT7 in these cells. ACOT7 overexpression in clonal MIN6 and INS1(832/13) β-cells impaired insulin secretion in response to glucose plus fatty acids. Furthermore, in a panel of transgenic mouse lines, we demonstrate that overexpression of mitochondrial ACOT7 selectively in the adult β-cell reduces glucose tolerance dose dependently and impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. By contrast, depolarization-induced secretion was unaffected, arguing against a direct action on the exocytotic machinery. Acyl-CoA levels, ATP/ADP increases, membrane depolarization, and Ca(2+) fluxes were all markedly reduced in transgenic mouse islets, whereas glucose-induced oxygen consumption was unchanged. Although glucose-induced increases in ATP/ADP ratio were similarly lowered after ACOT7 overexpression in INS1(832/13) cells, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were unaffected, consistent with an action of Acot7 to increase cellular ATP consumption. Because Acot7 mRNA levels are increased in human islets in type 2 diabetes, inhibition of the enzyme might provide a novel therapeutic strategy.

Altered myocardial metabolic adaptation to increased fatty acid availability in cardiomyocyte-specific CLOCK mutant mice

A mismatch between fatty acid availability and utilization leads to cellular/organ dysfunction during cardiometabolic disease states (e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus). This can precipitate cardiac dysfunction. The heart adapts to increased fatty acid availability at transcriptional, translational, post-translational and metabolic levels, thereby attenuating cardiomyopathy development. We have previously reported that the cardiomyocyte circadian clock regulates transcriptional responsiveness of the heart to acute increases in fatty acid availability (e.g., short-term fasting). The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the cardiomyocyte circadian clock plays a role in adaptation of the heart to chronic elevations in fatty acid availability. Fatty acid availability was increased in cardiomyocyte-specific CLOCK mutant (CCM) and wild-type (WT) littermate mice for 9weeks in time-of-day-independent (streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes) and dependent (high fat diet meal feeding) manners. Indices of myocardial metabolic adaptation (e.g., substrate reliance perturbations) to STZ-induced diabetes and high fat meal feeding were found to be dependent on genotype. Various transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms were investigated, revealing that Cte1 mRNA induction in the heart during STZ-induced diabetes is attenuated in CCM hearts. At the functional level, time-of-day-dependent high fat meal feeding tended to influence cardiac function to a greater extent in WT versus CCM mice. Collectively, these data suggest that CLOCK (a circadian clock component) is important for metabolic adaption of the heart to prolonged elevations in fatty acid availability. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Heart Lipid Metabolism edited by G.D. Lopaschuk.

Metabolomics-Based Study of Logarithmic and Stationary Phases of Promastigotes in Leishmania major by 1H NMR Spectroscopy

Background:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in humans. In this disease, one of the responsible organisms is Leishmania major, which is transmitted by sandfly vector. There are specific differences in biochemical profiles and metabolite pathways in logarithmic and stationary phases of Leishmania parasites. In the present study, ¹H NMR spectroscopy was used to examine the metabolites outliers in the logarithmic and stationary phases of promastigotes in L. major to enlighten more about the transmission mechanism in metacyclogenesis of L. major.

Methods:

Promastigote was cultured, logarithmic and stationary phases were separated by the peanut agglutinin, and cell metabolites were extracted. ¹H NMR spectroscopy was applied, and outliers were analyzed using principal component analysis.

Results:

The most altered metabolites in stationary and logarithmic phases were limited to citraconic acid, isopropylmalic acid, L-leucine, ornithine, caprylic acid, capric acid, and acetic acid.

Conclusion:

¹H NMR spectroscopy could play an important role in the characterization of metabolites in biochemical pathways during a metacyclogenesis process. These metabolites and their pathways can help in exploiting a transmission mechanism in metacyclogenesis, and outcoming data might be used in the metabolic network reconstruction of L. major modeling.

Redox interplay between mitochondria and peroxisomes

Reduction-oxidation or “redox” reactions are an integral part of a broad range of cellular processes such as gene expression, energy metabolism, protein import and folding, and autophagy. As many of these processes are intimately linked with cell fate decisions, transient or chronic changes in cellular redox equilibrium are likely to contribute to the initiation and progression of a plethora of human diseases. Since a long time, it is known that mitochondria are major players in redox regulation and signaling. More recently, it has become clear that also peroxisomes have the capacity to impact redox-linked physiological processes. To serve this function, peroxisomes cooperate with other organelles, including mitochondria. This review provides a comprehensive picture of what is currently known about the redox interplay between mitochondria and peroxisomes in mammals. We first outline the pro- and antioxidant systems of both organelles and how they may function as redox signaling nodes. Next, we critically review and discuss emerging evidence that peroxisomes and mitochondria share an intricate redox-sensitive relationship and cooperate in cell fate decisions. Key issues include possible physiological roles, messengers, and mechanisms. We also provide examples of how data mining of publicly-available datasets from “omics” technologies can be a powerful means to gain additional insights into potential redox signaling pathways between peroxisomes and mitochondria. Finally, we highlight the need for more studies that seek to clarify the mechanisms of how mitochondria may act as dynamic receivers, integrators, and transmitters of peroxisome-derived mediators of oxidative stress. The outcome of such studies may open up exciting new avenues for the community of researchers working on cellular responses to organelle-derived oxidative stress, a research field in which the role of peroxisomes is currently highly underestimated and an issue of discussion.

A study on the chiral inversion of mandelic acid in humans

Mandelic acid is a chiral metabolite of the industrial pollutant styrene and is used in chemical skin peels, as a urinary antiseptic and as a component of other medicines. In humans, S-mandelic acid undergoes rapid chiral inversion to R-mandelic acid by an undefined pathway but it has been proposed to proceed via the acyl-CoA esters, S- and R-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA, in an analogous pathway to that for Ibuprofen. This study investigates chiral inversion of mandelic acid using purified human recombinant enzymes known to be involved in the Ibuprofen chiral inversion pathway. Both S- and R-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA were hydrolysed to mandelic acid by human acyl-CoA thioesterase-1 and -2 (ACOT1 and ACOT2), consistent with a possible role in the chiral inversion pathway. However, human α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR; P504S) was not able to catalyse exchange of the α-proton of S- and R-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA, a requirement for chiral inversion. Both S- and R-2-phenylpropanoyl-CoA were epimerised by AMACR, showing that it is the presence of the hydroxy group that prevents epimerisation of R- and S-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoAs. The results show that it is unlikely that 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA is an intermediate in the chiral inversion of mandelic acid, and that the chiral inversion of mandelic acid is via a different pathway to that of Ibuprofen and related drugs.

Acyl-CoA thioesterase 9 (ACOT9) in mouse may provide a novel link between fatty acid and amino acid metabolism in mitochondria

Acyl-CoA thioesterase (ACOT) activities are found in prokaryotes and in several compartments of eukaryotes where they hydrolyze a wide range of acyl-CoA substrates and thereby regulate intracellular acyl-CoA/CoA/fatty acid levels. ACOT9 is a mitochondrial ACOT with homologous genes found from bacteria to humans and in this study we have carried out an in-depth kinetic characterization of ACOT9 to determine its possible physiological function. ACOT9 showed unusual kinetic properties with activity peaks for short-, medium-, and saturated long-chain acyl-CoAs with highest V max with propionyl-CoA and (iso) butyryl-CoA while K cat/K m was highest with saturated long-chain acyl-CoAs. Further characterization of the short-chain acyl-CoA activity revealed that ACOT9 also hydrolyzes a number of short-chain acyl-CoAs and short-chain methyl-branched CoA esters that suggest a role for ACOT9 in regulation also of amino acid metabolism. In spite of markedly different K ms, ACOT9 can hydrolyze both short- and long-chain acyl-CoAs simultaneously, indicating that ACOT9 may provide a novel regulatory link between fatty acid and amino acid metabolism in mitochondria. Based on similar acyl-CoA chain-length specificities of recombinant ACOT9 and ACOT activity in mouse brown adipose tissue and kidney mitochondria, we conclude that ACOT9 is the major mitochondrial ACOT hydrolyzing saturated C2-C20-CoA in these tissues. Finally, ACOT9 activity is strongly regulated by NADH and CoA, suggesting that mitochondrial metabolic state regulates the function of ACOT9.

Regulation of lipid synthesis genes and milk fat production in human mammary epithelial cells during secretory activation

Expression of genes for lipid biosynthetic enzymes during initiation of lactation in humans is unknown. Our goal was to study mRNA expression of lipid metabolic enzymes in human mammary epithelial cell (MEC) in conjunction with the measurement of milk fatty acid (FA) composition during secretory activation. Gene expression from mRNA isolated from milk fat globule (MFG) and milk FA composition were measured from 6 h to 42 days postpartum in seven normal women. Over the first 96 h postpartum, daily milk fat output increased severalfold and mirrored expression of genes for all aspects of lipid metabolism and milk FA production, including lipolysis at the MEC membrane, FA uptake from blood, intracellular FA transport, de novo FA synthesis, FA and glycerol activation, FA elongation, FA desaturation, triglyceride synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, and lipid droplet formation. Expression of the gene for a key lipid synthesis regulator, sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1), increased 2.0-fold by 36 h and remained elevated over the study duration. Expression of genes for estrogen receptor 1, thyroid hormone-responsive protein, and insulin-induced 2 increased progressively to plateau by 96 h. In contrast, mRNA of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ decreased severalfold. With onset of lactation, increased de novo synthesis of FA was the most prominent change in milk FA composition and mirrored the expression of FA synthesis genes. In conclusion, milk lipid synthesis and secretion in humans is a complex process requiring the orchestration of a wide variety of pathways of which SREBF1 may play a primary role.

Hydrolysis of ibuprofenoyl-CoA and other 2-APA-CoA esters by human acyl-CoA thioesterases-1 and -2 and their possible role in the chiral inversion of profens

Ibuprofen and related 2-arylpropanoic acid (2-APA) drugs are often given as a racemic mixture and the R-enantiomers undergo activation in vivo by metabolic chiral inversion. The chiral inversion pathway consists of conversion of the drug to the coenzyme A ester (by an acyl-CoA synthetase) followed by chiral inversion by α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR; P504S). The enzymes responsible for hydrolysis of the product S-2-APA-CoA ester to the active S-2-APA drug have not been identified. In this study, conversion of a variety of 2-APA-CoA esters by human acyl-CoA thioesterase-1 and -2 (ACOT-1 and -2) was investigated. Human recombinant ACOT-1 and -2 (ACOT-1 and -2) were both able to efficiently hydrolyse a variety of 2-APA-CoA substrates. Studies with the model substrates R- and S-2-methylmyristoyl-CoA showed that both enzymes were able to efficiently hydrolyse both of the epimeric substrates with (2R)- and (2S)- methyl groups. ACOT-1 is located in the cytosol and is able to hydrolyse 2-APA-CoA esters exported from the mitochondria and peroxisomes for inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase-1 and -2 in the endoplasmic reticulum. It is a prime candidate to be the enzyme responsible for the pharmacological action of chiral inverted drugs. ACOT-2 activity may be important in 2-APA toxicity effects and for the regulation of mitochondrial free coenzyme A levels. These results support the idea that 2-APA drugs undergo chiral inversion via a common pathway.

Enzymatic and transcriptional regulation of the cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA hydrolase ACOT12

Acyl-CoA thioesterase 12 (ACOT12) is the major enzyme known to hydrolyze the thioester bond of acetyl-CoA in the cytosol in the liver. ACOT12 contains a catalytic thioesterase domain at the N terminus and a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer (START) domain at the C terminus. We investigated the effects of lipids (phospholipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids, and sterols) on ACOT12 thioesterase activity and found that the activity was inhibited by phosphatidic acid (PA) in a noncompetitive manner. In contrast, the enzymatic activity of a mutant form of ACOT12 lacking the START domain was not inhibited by the lipids. These results suggest that the START domain is important for regulation of ACOT12 activity by PA. We also found that PA could bind to thioesterase domain, but not to the START domain, and had no effect on ACOT12 dissociation. ACOT12 is detectable in the liver but not in hepatic cell lines such as HepG2, Hepa-1, and Fa2N-4. ACOT12 mRNA and protein levels in rat primary hepatocytes decreased following treatment with insulin. These results suggest that cytosolic acetyl-CoA levels in the liver are controlled by lipid metabolites and hormones, which result in allosteric enzymatic and transcriptional regulation of ACOT12.

Expression and distribution of acyl-CoA thioesterases in the white adipose tissue of rats

Acyl-CoA thioesterases (Acots) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fatty acyl-CoAs to free fatty acids and coenzyme A, and have the potential to regulate the intracellular levels of these molecules. In this study, we show that a cytosolic isoform, Acot1, is expressed and distributed in immature adipocytes located in the perivascular region of the white adipose tissue (WAT) of rats. Immunoblot analyses detected Acot1 in all of the WATs examined, while immunohistochemistry revealed positively stained layered structures surrounding the adventitia of blood vessels in the subcutaneous WAT. When the subcutaneous WAT was digested with collagenase and centrifuged, Acot1 was recovered in the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), and not in the large mature adipocytes. In the SVF, undigested cells attached to short tubular fragments of blood vessels showed positive immunostaining, as well as a proportion of the dispersed cells. These fibroblast-like cells contained fine particulate lipid droplets, stained by oil-red O dye, in their cytoplasm, or expressed fatty acid-binding protein 4, an adipocyte marker. After induction of adipocyte differentiation following a 15-day preculture without insulin, the dedifferentiated cells showed increased Acot1 expression with a diffuse distribution throughout the cytosol. These findings suggest that Acot1 expression is transiently upregulated at an early stage of adipocyte maturation, possibly to maintain cytosolic acyl-CoAs below a certain level until the cells acquire their full capability for fat storage.

Quercetin induces hepatic lipid omega-oxidation and lowers serum lipid levels in mice

Elevated circulating lipid levels are known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In order to examine the effects of quercetin on lipid metabolism, mice received a mild-high-fat diet without (control) or with supplementation of 0.33% (w/w) quercetin for 12 weeks. Gas chromatography and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance were used to quantitatively measure serum lipid profiles. Whole genome microarray analysis of liver tissue was used to identify possible mechanisms underlying altered circulating lipid levels. Body weight, energy intake and hepatic lipid accumulation did not differ significantly between the quercetin and the control group. In serum of quercetin-fed mice, triglycerides (TG) were decreased with 14% (p<0.001) and total poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were increased with 13% (p<0.01). Palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were all decreased by 9–15% (p<0.05) in quercetin-fed mice. Both palmitic acid and oleic acid can be oxidized by omega (ω)-oxidation. Gene expression profiling showed that quercetin increased hepatic lipid metabolism, especially ω-oxidation. At the gene level, this was reflected by the up-regulation of cytochrome P450 (Cyp) 4a10, Cyp4a14, Cyp4a31 and Acyl-CoA thioesterase 3 (Acot3). Two relevant regulators, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (Por, rate limiting for cytochrome P450s) and the transcription factor constitutive androstane receptor (Car; official symbol Nr1i3) were also up-regulated in the quercetin-fed mice. We conclude that quercetin intake increased hepatic lipid ω-oxidation and lowered corresponding circulating lipid levels, which may contribute to potential beneficial effects on CVD.

New players on the metabolic stage: How do you like Them Acots?

Members of the acyl-CoA thioesterase (Acot) gene family catalyze the hydrolysis of fatty acyl-CoA thioesters. Thioesterase superfamily member (Them) 1 (synonym: Acot11) is enriched in brown adipose tissue and is markedly upregulated when mice are exposed to cold ambient temperatures. In a recent study, we demonstrated that Them1^−/− mice exhibit increased energy expenditure and are resistant to diet-induced obesity and its metabolic consequences. This mini-review places these findings in the context of an emerging understanding of Them/Acot genes.

Protective effects of Acyl-coA thioesterase 1 on diabetic heart via PPARα/PGC1α signaling

Background

Using fatty acids (FAs) exclusively for ATP generation was reported to contribute to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We studied the role of substrate metabolism related genes in the heart of the diabetes to find out a novel therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

By microarray analysis of metabolic gene expression, acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 (acot1) was clearly upregulated in the myocardia of db/db mice, compared with normal control C57BL/Ks. Therefore, gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were employed in db/db mice to investigate the functions of ACOT1 in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and heart function. We found that in the hearts of db/db mice which overexpressed ACOT1, H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) were reduced, the activities of ATPases in mitochondria associated with mitochondrial function were promoted, the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) contributing to oxygen wastage for noncontractile purposes was decreased, and cardiac dysfunction was attenuated, as determined by both hemodynamic and echocardiographic detections. Consistently, ACOT1 deficiency had opposite effects, which accelerated the cardiac damage induced by diabetes. Notably, by real-time PCR, we found that overexpression of ACOT1 in diabetic heart repressed the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/PPARγ coactivator 1α (PPARα/PGC1α) signaling, as shown by decreased expression of PGC1α and the downstream genes involved in FAs use.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that ACOT1 played a crucial protective role in diabetic heart via PPARα/PGC1α signaling.

The emerging role of acyl-CoA thioesterases and acyltransferases in regulating peroxisomal lipid metabolism

The importance of peroxisomes in lipid metabolism is now well established and peroxisomes contain approximately 60 enzymes involved in these lipid metabolic pathways. Several acyl-CoA thioesterase enzymes (ACOTs) have been identified in peroxisomes that catalyze the hydrolysis of acyl-CoAs (short-, medium-, long- and very long-chain), bile acid-CoAs, and methyl branched-CoAs, to the free fatty acid and coenzyme A. A number of acyltransferase enzymes, which are structurally and functionally related to ACOTs, have also been identified in peroxisomes, which conjugate (or amidate) bile acid-CoAs and acyl-CoAs to amino acids, resulting in the production of amidated bile acids and fatty acids. The function of ACOTs is to act as auxiliary enzymes in the α- and β-oxidation of various lipids in peroxisomes. Human peroxisomes contain at least two ACOTs (ACOT4 and ACOT8) whereas mouse peroxisomes contain six ACOTs (ACOT3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12). Similarly, human peroxisomes contain one bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase (BAAT), whereas mouse peroxisomes contain three acyltransferases (BAAT and acyl-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferases 1 and 2: ACNAT1 and ACNAT2). This review will focus on the human and mouse peroxisomal ACOT and acyltransferase enzymes identified to date and discuss their cellular localizations, emerging structural information and functions as auxiliary enzymes in peroxisomal metabolic pathways.

The mammalian START domain protein family in lipid transport in health and disease

Lipid transfer proteins of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer (START) domain family are defined by the presence of a conserved ∼210 amino acid sequence that folds into an α/β helix-grip structure forming a hydrophobic pocket for ligand binding. The mammalian START proteins bind diverse ligands, such as cholesterol, oxysterols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and possibly fatty acids, and have putative roles in non-vesicular lipid transport, thioesterase enzymatic activity, and tumor suppression. However, the biological functions of many members of the START domain protein family are not well established. Recent research has focused on characterizing the cell-type distribution and regulation of the START proteins, examining the specificity and directionality of lipid transport, and identifying disease states associated with dysregulation of START protein expression. This review summarizes the current concepts of the proposed physiological and pathological roles for the mammalian START domain proteins in cholesterol and lipid trafficking.

Effects of Radix aconiti lateralis preparata and Rhizoma zingiberis on energy metabolism and expression of the genes related to metabolism in rats

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of Radix aconiti lateralis preparata and Rhizoma zingiberis, two species of Chinese medicinal herbs with hot property, on energy metabolism and gene expression spectrum, and to analyze the possible mechanism of their effects.

METHODS

Forty-eight specific pathogen free Wistar rats were randomly divided into a Radix aconiti lateralis preparata group, a Rhizoma zingiberis group, and a control group. They were intragastrically treated with concentrated decoction of Radix aconiti lateralis preparata, Rhizoma zingiberis and normal saline respectively for 20 days. Toe temperature (TT), energy intake (EI), digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME) were measured. The content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and energy charge (EC) in hepatic tissue were measured with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The activity of ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the liver were detected with chemical colorimetry. The gene expression in the liver was detected with Illumina's rat Ref-12 gene array. The differential expression genes were selected, annotated and classified based on Gene Ontology (GO). Real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (Q-RT-PCR) was used to test the accuracy of results.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the TT on the 10(th) day after the beginning of administration and ATP in the Radix aconiti lateralis preparata and Rhizoma zingiberis groups increased significantly (P<0.05). EI/body mass (BM), DE/BM, ME/BM, the hepatic EC and the activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase and SDH of liver increased significantly only in the Radix aconiti lateralis preparata group (P<0.05). There were 592 differential expression genes in the Radix aconiti lateralis preparata group and 1 159 in the Rhizoma zingiberis group compared with the control group. Among the differential expression genes, genes related to metabolic processes were the most significant based on GO analysis. There were 337 strips of gene differential expression in common in both Radix aconiti lateralis preparata and Rhizoma zingiberis groups compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Herbs with hot property such as Radix aconiti lateralis preparata and Rhizoma zingiberis could improve the energy metabolism in rats, through influencing the metabolic process of sugar, lipid, and amino acid. It could also promote the production, storage, and utilization of energy by regulating the gene expression related to metabolism, which may be the main molecular mechanism of warming yang and dispelling cold for the treatment of the cold syndrome according to Chinese medicine theory.

Upregulation of fatty acyl-CoA thioesterases in the heart and skeletal muscle of rats fed a high-fat diet

In rodent models of diet-induced obesity, prolonged high-fat feeding increases the cellular uptake of fatty acids and causes lipotoxicity in the heart and skeletal muscle, where substrate overload to beta-oxidation generates mitochondrial stress. We examined the hypothesis that, because of its catalytic properties, acyl-CoA thioesterase (ACOT) would counteract these detrimental situations by modulating intracellular acyl-CoA levels. Rats were fed a low- or high-fat diet for up to 20 weeks, and the expressions of ACOT isoforms and fatty acid beta-oxidation enzymes were analyzed by western blotting. The expressions of ACOT1, ACOT2 and ACOT7 proteins in the heart and soleus muscle were significantly increased, by 2.0-7.6-fold, in rats fed the high-fat diet as compared with the low-fat diet group. These effects were accompanied by increases in carnitine palmitoyltransferase and acyl-CoA oxidase expression. However, ACOT was not induced in the extensor digitorum longus muscle or the liver. Subcellular fractionation of heart and soleus muscle homogenates confirmed expression of both the cytosolic and mitochondrial ACOT isoforms. These results underscore the functional relationship between ACOT and fatty acid oxidation, and suggest adaptive upregulation of ACOT to protect against fatty acid oversupply in the heart and skeletal muscle.

Evolutionary divergence and functions of the human acyl-CoA thioesterase gene ( ACOT ) family

The acyl-CoA thioesterase gene (ACOT) family encodes enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of acyl-CoA thioester compounds, also known as activated fatty acids, to their corresponding non-esterified (free) fatty acid and coenzyme A (CoASH). These enzymes play a very important role in lipid metabolism by maintaining cellular levels and proper ratios of free and activated fatty acids, as well as CoASH. Within the acyl-CoA family there are two distinct subgroups, type I and type II. Despite catalysing the same reaction, the two groups are not structurally similar and do not share sequence homology, strongly suggesting convergent evolution. This suggestion is further supported if one compares the human with the mouse and rat ACOT gene families. To date, four human type I ACOTs have been identified which belong to the α/β-hydrolase fold enzyme superfamily. Type II ACOTs fall into the 'hot dog' fold superfamily. There are currently six human type II genes; however, two homologous proteins, thioesterase superfamily members 4 (THEM4) and 5 (THEM5) share common type II structural features and, in the case of THEM4, acyl-CoA thioesterase activity -- suggesting that the family may be larger than previously realised. Although recent studies have greatly expanded the current understanding of these proteins and their physiological importance, there are a number of members whose functions are relatively unexplored and which warrant further investigation.

Regulated expression of acyl-CoA thioesterases in the differentiation of cultured rat brown adipocytes

Acyl-CoA thioesterases (ACOTs) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fatty acyl-CoAs to free fatty acids and CoA-SH. In this study, we show that the expression profile of the ACOT isoforms changes remarkably during the differentiation of cultured rat brown adipocytes. Immunocytochemistry suggested that cytosolic ACOT1 was present in the preadipocytes, while mitochondrial ACOT2 was additionally expressed as the cells differentiated, concurrent with the accumulation of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. Western blotting confirmed that, in contrast to ACOT1, the ACOT2 expression level was very low in the preadipocytes. However, after differentiation, the ACOT1 level fell to one-half of the baseline level and ACOT2 increased 18-fold. ACOT2 expression in the differentiated adipocytes was further enhanced by treatment with lipids or troglitazone. These changes in the ACOT2 expression level correlated well with changes in the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2, a mitochondrial β-oxidation enzyme. These results indicate that, in differentiating brown adipocytes, cytosolic ACOT1 becomes downregulated as the cellular use of acyl-CoA increases, while mitochondrial ACOT2 is upregulated as the β-oxidation capacity increases. ACOT isoform expression may be regulated during brown adipocyte differentiation to support the fat storage and combustion characteristics of this cell type.

Biochemistry and genetics of inherited disorders of peroxisomal fatty acid metabolism

In humans, peroxisomes harbor a complex set of enzymes acting on various lipophilic carboxylic acids, organized in two basic pathways, alpha-oxidation and beta-oxidation; the latter pathway can also handle omega-oxidized compounds. Some oxidation products are crucial to human health (primary bile acids and polyunsaturated FAs), whereas other substrates have to be degraded in order to avoid neuropathology at a later age (very long-chain FAs and xenobiotic phytanic acid and pristanic acid). Whereas total absence of peroxisomes is lethal, single peroxisomal protein deficiencies can present with a mild or severe phenotype and are more informative to understand the pathogenic factors. The currently known single protein deficiencies equal about one-fourth of the number of proteins involved in peroxisomal FA metabolism. The biochemical properties of these proteins are highlighted, followed by an overview of the known diseases.

Functional and structural properties of mammalian acyl-coenzyme A thioesterases

Acyl-coenzyme A thioesterases (Acots) play important cellular roles in mammalian fatty acid metabolism through modulation of cellular concentrations of activated fatty acyl-CoAs. Acots catalyse the hydrolysis of the thioester bond present within acyl-CoA ester molecules to yield coenzyme A (CoASH) and the corresponding non-esterified fatty acid. Acyl-CoA thioesterases are expressed ubiquitously in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and, in higher order organisms, the enzymes are expressed and localised in a tissue-dependent manner within the cytosol, mitochondria, peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Recent studies have led to advances in the functional and structural characterization of many mammalian Acot family members. These include the structure determination of both type-I and type-II Acot family members, structural elucidation of the START domain of ACOT11, identification of roles in arachidonic acid and inflammatory prostaglandin production by Acot7, and inclusion of a 13th Acot family member. Here, we review and analyse the current literature on mammalian Acots with respect to their characterization and summarize the current knowledge on the structure, function and regulation of this enzyme family.

Acetate formation in the energy metabolism of parasitic helminths and protists

Formation and excretion of acetate as a metabolic end product of energy metabolism occurs in many protist and helminth parasites, such as the parasitic helminths Fasciola hepatica, Haemonchus contortus and Ascaris suum, and the protist parasites, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis as well as Trypanosoma and Leishmania spp. In all of these parasites acetate is a main end product of their energy metabolism, whereas acetate formation does not occur in their mammalian hosts. Acetate production might therefore harbour novel targets for the development of new anti-parasitic drugs. In parasites, acetate is produced from acetyl-CoA by two different reactions, both involving substrate level phosphorylation, that are catalysed by either a cytosolic acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) or an organellar acetate:succinate CoA-transferase (ASCT). The ACS reaction is directly coupled to ATP synthesis, whereas the ASCT reaction yields succinyl-CoA for ATP formation via succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS). Based on recent work on the ASCTs of F. hepatica, T. vaginalis and Trypanosoma brucei we suggest the existence of three subfamilies of enzymes within the CoA-transferase family I. Enzymes of these three subfamilies catalyse the ASCT reaction in eukaryotes via the same mechanism, but the subfamilies share little sequence homology. The CoA-transferases of the three subfamilies are all present inside ATP-producing organelles of parasites, those of subfamily IA in the mitochondria of trypanosomatids, subfamily IB in the mitochondria of parasitic worms and subfamily IC in hydrogenosome-bearing parasites. Together with the recent characterisation among non-parasitic protists of yet a third route of acetate formation involving acetate kinase (ACK) and phosphotransacetylase (PTA) that was previously unknown among eukaryotes, these recent developments provide a good opportunity to have a closer look at eukaryotic acetate formation.

Thioesterase superfamily member 2 (Them2)/acyl-CoA thioesterase 13 (Acot13): a homotetrameric hotdog fold thioesterase with selectivity for long-chain fatty acyl-CoAs

Them2 (thioesterase superfamily member 2) is a 140-amino-acid protein of unknown biological function that comprises a single hotdog fold thioesterase domain. On the basis of its putative association with mitochondria, accentuated expression in oxidative tissues and interaction with StarD2 (also known as phosphatidylcholine-transfer protein, PC-TP), a regulator of fatty acid metabolism, we explored whether Them2 functions as a physiologically relevant fatty acyl-CoA thioesterase. In solution, Them2 formed a stable homotetramer, which denatured in a single transition at 59.3 degrees C. Them2 exhibited thioesterase activity for medium- and long-chain acyl-CoAs, with Km values that decreased exponentially as a function of increasing acyl chain length. Steady-state kinetic parameters for Them2 were characteristic of long-chain mammalian acyl-CoA thioesterases, with minimal values of Km and maximal values of kcat/Km observed for myristoyl-CoA and palmitoyl-CoA. For these acyl-CoAs, substrate inhibition was observed when concentrations approached their critical micellar concentrations. The acyl-CoA thioesterase activity of Them2 was optimized at physiological temperature, ionic strength and pH. For both myristoyl-CoA and palmitoyl-CoA, the addition of StarD2 increased the kcat of Them2. Enzymatic activity was decreased by the addition of phosphatidic acid/phosphatidylcholine small unilamellar vesicles. Them2 expression, which was most pronounced in mouse heart, was associated with mitochondria and was induced by activation of PPARalpha (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha). We conclude that, under biological conditions, Them2 probably functions as a homotetrameric long-chain acyl-CoA thioesterase. Accordingly, Them2 has been designated as the 13th member of the mammalian acyl-CoA thioesterase family, Acot13.

Crystal structure of human mitochondrial acyl-CoA thioesterase (ACOT2)

Acyl-CoA thioesterases (ACOTs) catalyze the hydrolysis of CoA esters to free CoA and carboxylic acids and have important functions in lipid metabolism and other cellular processes. Type I ACOTs are found only in animals and contain an alpha/beta hydrolase domain, through currently no structural information is available on any of these enzymes. We report here the crystal structure at 2.1A resolution of human mitochondrial ACOT2, a type I enzyme. The structure contains two domains, N and C domains. The C domain has the alpha/beta hydrolase fold, with the catalytic triad Ser294-His422-Asp388. The N domain contains a seven-stranded beta-sandwich, which has some distant structural homologs in other proteins. The active site is located in a large pocket at the interface between the two domains. The structural information has significant relevance for other type I ACOTs and related enzymes.

Nafamostat is hydrolysed by human liver cytosolic long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase

Although the authors recently reported that nafamostat, a clinically used serine protease inhibitor, was mainly hydrolysed by carboxylesterase in human liver microsomes, the involvement of human liver cytosol has not been elucidated. The current study examined the in vitro metabolism of nafamostat with human liver cytosols. Kinetic analysis indicated that the Vmax and Km values in the liver cytosols were 9.82 nmolmin(-1) mg(-1) protein and 197 microM for a liver sample HL-1, and 15.1 nmolmin(-1) mg(-1) protein and 157 microM for HL-2, respectively. The Vmax/Km values in both cytosols were at least threefold higher than those in the corresponding microsomes. The liver cytosolic activity for nafamostat hydrolysis was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) (43% inhibition at 100 microM), whereas diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) and bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) failed to inhibit the activity. Furthermore, the hydrolytic activity was also reduced by palmitoyl-CoA (67% inhibition at 100 microM) but not by acetyl-CoA. Effects of PMSF, DFP and BNPP on cytosolic palmitoyl-CoA hydrolytic activity were comparable with those of the cytosolic nafamostat hydrolytic activity. In addition, the palmitoyl-CoA hydrolytic activity was competitively inhibited by nafamostat with the apparent Ki value of 164 microM for the liver cytosol from HL-2. These results suggest that an isoform of long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase may be responsible for the nafamostat hydrolysis in human liver cytosol.

Hereditary and acquired diseases of acyl-coenzyme A metabolism

Coenzyme A (CoA) sequestration, toxicity or redistribution (CASTOR) is predicted to occur in many hereditary and acquired conditions in which the degradation of organic acyl esters of CoA is impaired. The resulting accumulation of CoA esters and reduction of acetyl-CoA and free CoA (CoASH) will then trigger a cascade of reactions leading to clinical disease. Most conditions detected by expanded neonatal screening are CASTOR diseases. We review acyl-CoA metabolism, including CoASH synthesis, transesterification of acyl-CoAs to glycine, glutamate or l-carnitine and hydrolysis of CoA esters. Because acyl-CoAs do not cross biological membranes, their main toxicity is intracellular, primarily within mitochondria. Treatment measures directed towards removal of circulating metabolites do not address this central problem of intracellular acyl-CoA accumulation. Treatments usually involve the restriction of dietary precursors and administration of agents like l-carnitine and glycine, which can accept the transfer of acyl groups from acyl-CoA, liberating CoASH. Many hereditary CASTOR patients are chronically ill, with persistent symptoms and continuously abnormal metabolites in blood and urine despite good compliance with treatment. Conversely, asymptomatic patients are also common in hereditary CASTOR conditions. Future challenges include the understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms in CASTOR diseases, the discovery of reliable predictors of outcome in individual patients and the establishment of therapeutic trials with sufficient numbers of patients to permit solid therapeutic conclusions.

Proteomics characterization of mouse kidney peroxisomes by tandem mass spectrometry and protein correlation profiling

The peroxisome represents a ubiquitous single membrane-bound key organelle that executes various metabolic pathways such as fatty acid degradation by alpha- and beta-oxidation, ether-phospholipid biosynthesis, metabolism of reactive oxygen species, and detoxification of glyoxylate in mammals. To fulfil this vast array of metabolic functions, peroxisomes accommodate approximately 50 different enzymes at least as identified until now. Interest in peroxisomes has been fueled by the discovery of a group of genetic diseases in humans, which are caused by either a defect in peroxisome biogenesis or the deficient activity of a distinct peroxisomal enzyme or transporter. Although this research has greatly improved our understanding of peroxisomes and their role in mammalian metabolism, deeper insight into biochemistry and functions of peroxisomes is required to expand our knowledge of this low abundance but vital organelle. In this work, we used classical subcellular fractionation in combination with MS-based proteomics methodologies to characterize the proteome of mouse kidney peroxisomes. We could identify virtually all known components involved in peroxisomal metabolism and biogenesis. Moreover through protein localization studies by using a quantitative MS screen combined with statistical analyses, we identified 15 new peroxisomal candidates. Of these, we further investigated five candidates by immunocytochemistry, which confirmed their localization in peroxisomes. As a result of this joint effort, we believe to have compiled the so far most comprehensive protein catalogue of mammalian peroxisomes.

Interacting proteins dictate function of the minimal START domain phosphatidylcholine transfer protein/StarD2

The Star (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein)-related transfer (START) domain superfamily is characterized by a distinctive lipid-binding motif. START domains typically reside in multidomain proteins, suggesting their function as lipid sensors that trigger biological activities. Phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP, also known as StarD2) is an example of a START domain minimal protein that consists only of the lipid-binding motif. PC-TP, which binds phosphatidylcholine exclusively, is expressed during embryonic development and in several tissues of the adult mouse, including liver. Although it catalyzes the intermembrane exchange of phosphatidylcholines in vitro, this activity does not appear to explain the various metabolic alterations observed in mice lacking PC-TP. Here we demonstrate that PC-TP function may be mediated via interacting proteins. Yeast two-hybrid screening using libraries prepared from mouse liver and embryo identified Them2 (thioesterase superfamily member 2) and the homeodomain transcription factor Pax3 (paired box gene 3), respectively, as PC-TP-interacting proteins. These were notable because the START domain superfamily contains multidomain proteins in which the START domain coexists with thioesterase domains in mammals and with homeodomain transcription factors in plants. Interactions were verified in pulldown assays, and colocalization with PC-TP was confirmed within tissues and intracellularly. The acyl-CoA thioesterase activity of purified recombinant Them2 was markedly enhanced by recombinant PC-TP. In tissue culture, PC-TP coactivated the transcriptional activity of Pax3. These findings suggest that PC-TP functions as a phosphatidylcholine-sensing molecule that engages in diverse regulatory activities that depend upon the cellular expression of distinct interacting proteins.

An arachidonic acid generation/export system involved in the regulation of cholesterol transport in mitochondria of steroidogenic cells

Recent studies demonstrated the importance of the mitochondrial ATP in the regulation of a novel long-chain fatty acid generation/export system in mitochondria of diabetic rat heart. In steroidogenic systems, mitochondrial ATP and intramitochondrial arachidonic acid (AA) generation are important for steroidogenesis. Here, we report that mitochondrial ATP is necessary for the generation and export of AA, steroid production and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein induction supported by cyclic 3'-5'-adenosine monophosphate in steroidogenic cells. These results demonstrate that ATP depletion affects AA export and provide new evidence of the existence of the fatty acid generation and export system involved in mitochondrial cholesterol transport.

Structural basis for recruitment of tandem hotdog domains in acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 and its role in inflammation

Acyl-CoA thioesterases (Acots) catalyze the hydrolysis of fatty acyl-CoA to free fatty acid and CoA and thereby regulate lipid metabolism and cellular signaling. We present a comprehensive structural and functional characterization of mouse acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 (Acot7). Whereas prokaryotic homologues possess a single thioesterase domain, mammalian Acot7 contains a pair of domains in tandem. We determined the crystal structures of both the N- and C-terminal domains of the mouse enzyme, and inferred the structure of the full-length enzyme using a combination of chemical cross-linking, mass spectrometry, and molecular modeling. The quaternary arrangement in Acot7 features a trimer of hotdog fold dimers. Both domains of Acot7 are required for activity, but only one of two possible active sites in the dimer is functional. Asn-24 and Asp-213 (from N- and C-domains, respectively) were identified as the catalytic residues through site-directed mutagenesis. An enzyme with higher activity than wild-type Acot7 was obtained by mutating the residues in the nonfunctional active site. Recombinant Acot7 was shown to have the highest activity toward arachidonoyl-CoA, suggesting a function in eicosanoid metabolism. In line with the proposal, Acot7 was shown to be highly expressed in macrophages and up-regulated by lipopolysaccharide. Overexpression of Acot7 in a macrophage cell line modified the production of prostaglandins D2 and E2. Together, the results link the molecular and cellular functions of Acot7 and identify the enzyme as a candidate drug target in inflammatory disease.