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Swan J, Szabó Z, Peters J, Kummu O, Kemppi A, Rahtu-Korpela L, Konzack A, Hakkola J, Pasternack A, Ritvos O, Kerkelä R, Magga J. Inhibition of activin receptor 2 signalling ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in western diet/L-NAME induced cardiometabolic disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116683. [PMID: 38705130 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Blockade of activin 2 receptor (ACVR2) signaling has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and aid in weight loss. Inhibition of ACVR2 signaling restores cardiac function in multiple heart failure models. However, its potential in the treatment of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease remains unknown. Here, we investigated targeting ACVR2 signaling in cardiometabolic disease manifested with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). METHODS Mice were fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with the administration of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in drinking water, which causes hypertensive stress. For the last eight weeks, the mice were treated with the soluble ACVR2B decoy receptor (sACVR2B-Fc). RESULTS sACVR2B-Fc protected against the development of comorbidities associated with cardiometabolic disease. This was most pronounced in the liver where ACVR2 blockade attenuated the development of MASLD including cessation of pro-fibrotic activation. It also significantly reduced total plasma cholesterol levels, impeded brown adipose tissue whitening, and improved cardiac diastolic function. In vitro, ACVR2 ligands activin A, activin B and GDF11 induced profibrotic signaling and the proliferation of human cardiac fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Blockade of ACVR2B exerts broad beneficial effects for therapy of cardiometabolic disease. By reducing obesity, ameliorating cardiovascular deterioration and restraining MASLD, blockade of ACVR2B signaling proves a potential target in MASLD and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Swan
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland.
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Juliana Peters
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Outi Kummu
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Anna Kemppi
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Lea Rahtu-Korpela
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Anja Konzack
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Jukka Hakkola
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Risto Kerkelä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Johanna Magga
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland; Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 5, Oulu 90220, Finland.
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Xiong H, Ye J, Luo Q, Li W, Xu N, Yang H. Exosomal EIF5A derived from Lewis lung carcinoma induced adipocyte wasting in cancer cachexia. Cell Signal 2023; 112:110901. [PMID: 37743008 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a systemic inflammation-driven syndrome, characterized by muscle atrophy and adipose tissue wasting, with progressive weight loss leading to serious impairment of physiological function. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from cancer cells play a significant role in adipocyte lipolysis, yet the mechanism remain uneclucidated. In this study, EVs derived from Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells were extracted and characterized. 3T3-L1 and HIB1B adipocytes were cultured with conditioned medium or EVs from LLC, and LLC cells were used to establish a cancer cachexia mouse model. EVs derived from LLC cells were taken up by 3T3-L1 and HIB1B adipocytes, and derived exosomal EIF5A protein-induced lipolysis of adipocytes. High level of EIF5A was expressed in EVs from LLC cells, exosomal EIF5A is linked to lipid metabolism. Elevated expression of EIF5A is associated with shorter overall survival in lung cancer patients. Western blots, glycerol release and Oil red O staining assays were used to evaluate lipolysis of adipocytes. The reduction of lipolysis in 3T3-L1 and HIB1B adipocytes is achieved through silencing EIF5A or treating with pharmacologic inhibitor GC7 in vitro, and suppressing the expression of EIF5A in LLC cells by infected with shRNA or GC7 treatment partly alleviated white and brown adipose tissue lipolysis in vivo. Mechanistically, EIF5A directly binds with G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1) mRNA to promote its translation and then activates cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway to induce lipolysis. This study demonstrates that exosomal EIF5A from LLC cells, with hypusinated EIF5A, has a lipolytic effect on adipocyte and adipose tissues in cancer cachexia model. Exosomal EIF5A could be involved in lipolysis and these findings indicate that a novel regulator and potential target for cachexia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Xiong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Ye
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianqian Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Costa J, Braga PC, Rebelo I, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Mitochondria Quality Control and Male Fertility. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:827. [PMID: 37372112 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are pivotal to cellular homeostasis, performing vital functions such as bioenergetics, biosynthesis, and cell signalling. Proper maintenance of these processes is crucial to prevent disease development and ensure optimal cell function. Mitochondrial dynamics, including fission, fusion, biogenesis, mitophagy, and apoptosis, maintain mitochondrial quality control, which is essential for overall cell health. In male reproduction, mitochondria play a pivotal role in germ cell development and any defects in mitochondrial quality can have serious consequences on male fertility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also play a crucial role in sperm capacitation, but excessive ROS levels can trigger oxidative damage. Any imbalance between ROS and sperm quality control, caused by non-communicable diseases or environmental factors, can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, cell damage, and apoptosis, which in turn affect sperm concentration, quality, and motility. Therefore, assessing mitochondrial functionality and quality control is essential to gain valuable insights into male infertility. In sum, proper mitochondrial functionality is essential for overall health, and particularly important for male fertility. The assessment of mitochondrial functionality and quality control can provide crucial information for the study and management of male infertility and may lead to the development of new strategies for its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Costa
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia C Braga
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Rebelo
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Rendell MS. Obesity and diabetes: the final frontier. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:81-94. [PMID: 36710450 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2168643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity is a key target in the treatment and prevention of diabetes and independently to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. We reviewed the options now available and anticipated to deal with obesity. AREAS COVERED We considered the epidemiology, genetics, and causation of obesity and the relationship to diabetes, and the dietary, pharmaceutical, and surgical management of the condition. The literature search covered both popular media via Google Search and the academic literature as indexed on PubMed with search terms including obesity, childhood obesity, adipocytes, insulin resistance, mechanisms of satiety, bariatric surgery, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Although bariatric surgery has been the primary approach to treating obese individuals, the emergence of agents impacting the brain satiety centers now promises effective, non-invasive treatment of obesity for individuals with and without diabetes. The GLP-1 receptor agonists have assumed the primary role in treating obesity with significant weight loss. Long-term results with semaglutide and tirzepatide are now approaching the success seen with bariatric surgery. Future agents combining the benefits of satiety control and thermogenesis to dissipate caloric excess are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Rendell
- The Association of Diabetes Investigators, Newport Coast, CA, USA
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Wang X, Yin L, Wen Y, Yuan S. Mitochondrial regulation during male germ cell development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:91. [PMID: 35072818 PMCID: PMC11072027 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04134-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria tailor their morphology to execute their specialized functions in different cell types and/or different environments. During spermatogenesis, mitochondria undergo continuous morphological and distributional changes with germ cell development. Deficiencies in these processes lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal spermatogenesis, thereby causing male infertility. In recent years, mitochondria have attracted considerable attention because of their unique role in the regulation of piRNA biogenesis in male germ cells. In this review, we describe the varied characters of mitochondria and focus on key mitochondrial factors that play pivotal roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis, from primordial germ cells to spermatozoa, especially concerning metabolic shift, stemness and reprogramming, mitochondrial transformation and rearrangement, and mitochondrial defects in human sperm. Further, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lisha Yin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Laboratory Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Kumari R, Irudayam MJ, Al Abdallah Q, Jones TL, Mims TS, Puchowicz MA, Pierre JF, Brown CW. SMAD2 and SMAD3 differentially regulate adiposity and the growth of subcutaneous white adipose tissue. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22018. [PMID: 34731499 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101244r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue is the primary site of energy storage, playing important roles in health. While adipose research largely focuses on obesity, fat also has other critical functions, producing adipocytokines and contributing to normal nutrient metabolism, which in turn play important roles in satiety and total energy homeostasis. SMAD2/3 proteins are downstream mediators of activin signaling, which regulate critical preadipocyte and mature adipocyte functions. Smad2 global knockout mice exhibit embryonic lethality, whereas global loss of Smad3 protects mice against diet-induced obesity. The direct contributions of Smad2 and Smad3 in adipose tissues, however, are unknown. Here, we sought to determine the primary effects of adipocyte-selective reduction of Smad2 or Smad3 on diet-induced adiposity using Smad2 or Smad3 "floxed" mice intercrossed with Adiponectin-Cre mice. Additionally, we examined visceral and subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation efficiency in vitro. Almost all wild type subcutaneous preadipocytes differentiated into mature adipocytes. In contrast, visceral preadipocytes differentiated poorly. Exogenous activin A suppressed differentiation of preadipocytes from both depots. Smad2 conditional knockout (Smad2cKO) mice did not exhibit significant effects on weight gain, irrespective of diet, whereas Smad3 conditional knockout (Smad3cKO) male mice displayed a trend of reduced body weight on high-fat diet. On both diets, Smad3cKO mice displayed an adipose depot-selective phenotype, with a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat mass but not visceral fat mass. Our data suggest that Smad3 is an important contributor to the maintenance of subcutaneous white adipose tissue in a sex-selective fashion. These findings have implications for understanding SMAD-mediated, depot selective regulation of adipocyte growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumari
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maria Johnson Irudayam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Qusai Al Abdallah
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tamekia L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Children's Foundation Research Institute, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tahliyah S Mims
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michelle A Puchowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joseph F Pierre
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Cancer cachexia: molecular mechanism and pharmacological management. Biochem J 2021; 478:1663-1688. [PMID: 33970218 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20201009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cachexia often occurs in malignant tumors and is a multifactorial and complex symptom characterized by wasting of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, resulting in weight loss, poor life quality and shorter survival. The pathogenic mechanism of cancer cachexia is complex, involving a variety of molecular substrates and signal pathways. Advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer cachexia have provided a platform for the development of new targeted therapies. Although recent outcomes of early-phase trials have showed that several drugs presented an ideal curative effect, monotherapy cannot be entirely satisfactory in the treatment of cachexia-associated symptoms due to its complex and multifactorial pathogenesis. Therefore, the lack of definitive therapeutic strategies for cancer cachexia emphasizes the need to develop a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Increasing evidences show that the progression of cachexia is associated with metabolic alternations, which mainly include excessive energy expenditure, increased proteolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we provided an overview of the key mechanisms of cancer cachexia, with a major focus on muscle atrophy, adipose tissue wasting, anorexia and fatigue and updated the latest progress of pharmacological management of cancer cachexia, thereby further advancing the interventions that can counteract cancer cachexia.
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Park YJ, Pang MG. Mitochondrial Functionality in Male Fertility: From Spermatogenesis to Fertilization. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010098. [PMID: 33445610 PMCID: PMC7826524 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are structurally and functionally distinct organelles that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), to provide energy to spermatozoa. They can also produce reactive oxidation species (ROS). While a moderate concentration of ROS is critical for tyrosine phosphorylation in cholesterol efflux, sperm–egg interaction, and fertilization, excessive ROS generation is associated with male infertility. Moreover, mitochondria participate in diverse processes ranging from spermatogenesis to fertilization to regulate male fertility. This review aimed to summarize the roles of mitochondria in male fertility depending on the sperm developmental stage (from male reproductive tract to female reproductive tract). Moreover, mitochondria are also involved in testosterone production, regulation of proton secretion into the lumen to maintain an acidic condition in the epididymis, and sperm DNA condensation during epididymal maturation. We also established the new signaling pathway using previous proteomic data associated with male fertility, to understand the overall role of mitochondria in male fertility. The pathway revealed that male infertility is associated with a loss of mitochondrial proteins in spermatozoa, which induces low sperm motility, reduces OXPHOS activity, and results in male infertility.
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Perakakis N, Kokkinos A, Peradze N, Tentolouris N, Ghaly W, Tsilingiris D, Alexandrou A, Mantzoros CS. Metabolic regulation of activins in healthy individuals and in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2020; 36:e3297. [PMID: 32026536 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Follistatin binds and inactivates activins, which are potent inhibitors of muscle growth and metabolism and are currently being developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We have recently reported that follistatin is regulated by glucose (and not lipids) and can prospectively predict the metabolic improvements observed after bariatric surgery. We utilized novel assays herein to investigate whether activins are regulated by glucose or lipids, whether their circulating levels change after bariatric surgery and whether these changes are predictors of metabolic outcomes up to 12 months later. DESIGN AND METHODS Activin A, B, AB and their ratios to follistatin were measured in (a) healthy humans (n = 32) undergoing oral or intravenous lipid or glucose intake over 6 h, (b) morbidly obese individuals with or without type 2 diabetes undergoing three different types of bariatric surgery (gastric banding, Roux-en-Y bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) in two clinical studies (n = 14 for the first and n = 27 for the second study). RESULTS Glucose intake downregulates circulating activin A, B and AB, indicating the presence of a feedback loop. Activin A decreases (~30%), activin AB increases (~25%) and activin B does not change after bariatric surgery. The changes in activin AB and its ratio to follistatin 3 months after bariatric surgery can predict the BMI reduction and the improvement in insulin and HOMA-IR observed 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION Activins are implicated in glucose regulation in humans as part of a feedback loop with glucose or insulin and predict metabolic outcomes prospectively after bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Perakakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alexander Kokkinos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Natia Peradze
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Wael Ghaly
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Alexandrou
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
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Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is a core element of many different, systemic and chronic diseases that usually involve an important autoimmune component. The clinical phase of inflammatory diseases is often the culmination of a long series of pathologic events that started years before. The systemic characteristics and related mechanisms could be investigated through the multi-omic comparative analysis of many inflammatory diseases. Therefore, it is important to use molecular data to study the genesis of the diseases. Here we propose a new methodology to study the relationships between inflammatory diseases and signalling molecules whose dysregulation at molecular levels could lead to systemic pathological events observed in inflammatory diseases. RESULTS We first perform an exploratory analysis of gene expression data of a number of diseases that involve a strong inflammatory component. The comparison of gene expression between disease and healthy samples reveals the importance of members of gene families coding for signalling factors. Next, we focus on interested signalling gene families and a subset of inflammation related diseases with multi-omic features including both gene expression and DNA methylation. We introduce a phylogenetic-based multi-omic method to study the relationships between multi-omic features of inflammation related diseases by integrating gene expression, DNA methylation through sequence based phylogeny of the signalling gene families. The models of adaptations between gene expression and DNA methylation can be inferred from pre-estimated evolutionary relationship of a gene family. Members of the gene family whose expression or methylation levels significantly deviate from the model are considered as the potential disease associated genes. CONCLUSIONS Applying the methodology to four gene families (the chemokine receptor family, the TNF receptor family, the TGF- β gene family, the IL-17 gene family) in nine inflammation related diseases, we identify disease associated genes which exhibit significant dysregulation in gene expression or DNA methylation in the inflammation related diseases, which provides clues for functional associations between the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiao
- Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Krzysztof Bartoszek
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pietro Lio’
- Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Song W, Ghosh AC, Cheng D, Perrimon N. Endocrine Regulation of Energy Balance by Drosophila TGF-β/Activins. Bioessays 2018; 40:e1800044. [PMID: 30264417 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family of secreted proteins regulates a variety of key events in normal development and physiology. In mammals, this family, represented by 33 ligands, including TGF-β, activins, nodal, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), regulate biological processes as diverse as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metabolism, homeostasis, immune response, wound repair, and endocrine functions. In Drosophila, only 7 members of this family are present, with 4 TGF-β/BMP and 3 TGF-β/activin ligands. Studies in the fly have illustrated the role of TGF-β/BMP ligands during embryogenesis and organ patterning, while the TGF-β/activin ligands have been implicated in the control of wing growth and neuronal functions. In this review, we focus on the emerging roles of Drosophila TGF-β/activins in inter-organ communication via long-distance regulation, especially in systemic lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis, and discuss findings relevant to metabolic diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Song
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Room 1612, Hubei Province, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave Louis Pasteur, NRB 339, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arpan C Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave Louis Pasteur, NRB 339, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daojun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave Louis Pasteur, NRB 339, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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13
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Grafe I, Alexander S, Peterson JR, Snider TN, Levi B, Lee B, Mishina Y. TGF-β Family Signaling in Mesenchymal Differentiation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:a022202. [PMID: 28507020 PMCID: PMC5932590 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into several lineages during development and also contribute to tissue homeostasis and regeneration, although the requirements for both may be distinct. MSC lineage commitment and progression in differentiation are regulated by members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. This review focuses on the roles of TGF-β family signaling in mesenchymal lineage commitment and differentiation into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myoblasts, adipocytes, and tenocytes. We summarize the reported findings of cell culture studies, animal models, and interactions with other signaling pathways and highlight how aberrations in TGF-β family signaling can drive human disease by affecting mesenchymal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Grafe
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Stefanie Alexander
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jonathan R Peterson
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Taylor Nicholas Snider
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Benjamin Levi
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Brendan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yuji Mishina
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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14
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Gangadharan A, Choi SE, Hassan A, Ayoub NM, Durante G, Balwani S, Kim YH, Pecora A, Goy A, Suh KS. Protein calorie malnutrition, nutritional intervention and personalized cancer care. Oncotarget 2017; 8:24009-24030. [PMID: 28177923 PMCID: PMC5410360 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients often experience weight loss caused by protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) during the course of the disease or treatment. PCM is expressed as severe if the patient has two or more of the following characteristics: obvious significant muscle wasting, loss of subcutaneous fat; nutritional intake of <50% of recommended intake for 2 weeks or more; bedridden or otherwise significantly reduced functional capacity; weight loss of >2% in 1 week, 5% in 1 month, or 7.5% in 3 months. Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a multifactorial condition of advanced PCM associated with underlying illness (in this case cancer) and is characterized by loss of muscle with or without loss of fat mass. Cachexia is defined as weight loss of more than 5% of body weight in 12 months or less in the presence of chronic disease. Hence with a chronic illness on board even a small amount of weight loss can open the door to cachexia. These nutritional challenges can lead to severe morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. In the clinic, the application of personalized medicine and the ability to withstand the toxic effects of anti-cancer therapies can be optimized when the patient is in nutritional homeostasis and is free of anorexia and cachexia. Routine assessment of nutritional status and appropriate intervention are essential components of the effort to alleviate effects of malnutrition on quality of life and survival of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Gangadharan
- The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, JT Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Sung Eun Choi
- Department of Family, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, Queens College, The City University of New York, Flushing, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Hassan
- The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, JT Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Nehad M Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Gina Durante
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Sakshi Balwani
- The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, JT Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Young Hee Kim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Pecora
- Clinical Divisions, JT Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Andre Goy
- Clinical Divisions, JT Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - K Stephen Suh
- The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, JT Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hackensack, NJ, USA
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15
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Follistatin N terminus differentially regulates muscle size and fat in vivo. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e377. [PMID: 28912572 PMCID: PMC5628274 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of follistatin (FST) represents a promising strategy for both muscular dystrophies and diabetes, as FST is a robust antagonist of myostatin and activin, which are critical regulators of skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. FST is a multi-domain protein, and deciphering the function of different domains will facilitate novel designs for FST-based therapy. Our study aims to investigate the role of the N-terminal domain (ND) of FST in regulating muscle and fat mass in vivo. Different FST constructs were created and packaged into the adeno-associated viral vector (AAV). Overexpression of wild-type FST in normal mice greatly increased muscle mass while decreasing fat accumulation, whereas overexpression of an N terminus mutant or N terminus-deleted FST had no effect on muscle mass but moderately decreased fat mass. In contrast, FST-I-I containing the complete N terminus and double domain I without domain II and III had no effect on fat but increased skeletal muscle mass. The effects of different constructs on differentiated C2C12 myotubes were consistent with the in vivo finding. We hypothesized that ND was critical for myostatin blockade, mediating the increase in muscle mass, and was less pivotal for activin binding, which accounts for the decrease in the fat tissue. An in vitro TGF-beta1-responsive reporter assay revealed that FST-I-I and N terminus-mutated or -deleted FST showed differential responses to blockade of activin and myostatin. Our study provided direct in vivo evidence for a role of the ND of FST, shedding light on future potential molecular designs for FST-based gene therapy.
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16
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Upadhyay A, Moss-Taylor L, Kim MJ, Ghosh AC, O'Connor MB. TGF-β Family Signaling in Drosophila. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a022152. [PMID: 28130362 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family signaling pathway is conserved and ubiquitous in animals. In Drosophila, fewer representatives of each signaling component are present compared with vertebrates, simplifying mechanistic study of the pathway. Although there are fewer family members, the TGF-β family pathway still regulates multiple and diverse functions in Drosophila. In this review, we focus our attention on several of the classic and best-studied functions for TGF-β family signaling in regulating Drosophila developmental processes such as embryonic and imaginal disc patterning, but we also describe several recently discovered roles in regulating hormonal, physiological, neuronal, innate immunity, and tissue homeostatic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambuj Upadhyay
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Lindsay Moss-Taylor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Myung-Jun Kim
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Arpan C Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Michael B O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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17
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Activin signaling mediates muscle-to-adipose communication in a mitochondria dysfunction-associated obesity model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:8596-8601. [PMID: 28739899 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1708037114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. However, whether mitochondrial perturbation in a single tissue influences mitochondrial function and metabolic status of another distal tissue remains largely unknown. We analyzed the nonautonomous role of muscular mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila Surprisingly, impaired muscle mitochondrial function via complex I perturbation results in simultaneous mitochondrial dysfunction in the fat body (the fly adipose tissue) and subsequent triglyceride accumulation, the major characteristic of obesity. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, in the context of muscle mitochondrial dysfunction, revealed that target genes of the TGF-β signaling pathway were induced in the fat body. Strikingly, expression of the TGF-β family ligand, Activin-β (Actβ), was dramatically increased in the muscles by NF-κB/Relish (Rel) signaling in response to mitochondrial perturbation, and decreasing Actβ expression in mitochondrial-perturbed muscles rescued both the fat body mitochondrial dysfunction and obesity phenotypes. Thus, perturbation of muscle mitochondrial activity regulates mitochondrial function in the fat body nonautonomously via modulation of Activin signaling.
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18
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Song W, Cheng D, Hong S, Sappe B, Hu Y, Wei N, Zhu C, O'Connor MB, Pissios P, Perrimon N. Midgut-Derived Activin Regulates Glucagon-like Action in the Fat Body and Glycemic Control. Cell Metab 2017; 25:386-399. [PMID: 28178568 PMCID: PMC5373560 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
While high-caloric diet impairs insulin response to cause hyperglycemia, whether and how counter-regulatory hormones are modulated by high-caloric diet is largely unknown. We find that enhanced response of Drosophila adipokinetic hormone (AKH, the glucagon homolog) in the fat body is essential for hyperglycemia associated with a chronic high-sugar diet. We show that the activin type I receptor Baboon (Babo) autonomously increases AKH signaling without affecting insulin signaling in the fat body via, at least, increase of Akh receptor (AkhR) expression. Further, we demonstrate that Activin-β (Actβ), an activin ligand predominantly produced in the enteroendocrine cells (EEs) of the midgut, is upregulated by chronic high-sugar diet and signals through Babo to promote AKH action in the fat body, leading to hyperglycemia. Importantly, activin signaling in mouse primary hepatocytes also increases glucagon response and glucagon-induced glucose production, indicating a conserved role for activin in enhancing AKH/glucagon signaling and glycemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Song
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Daojun Cheng
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shangyu Hong
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Benoit Sappe
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Neil Wei
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Changqi Zhu
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael B O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Pavlos Pissios
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Studies in mammals and Drosophila have demonstrated the existence and significance of secreted factors involved in communication between distal organs. In this review, primarily focusing on Drosophila, we examine the known interorgan communication factors and their functions, physiological inducers, and integration in regulating physiology. Moreover, we describe how organ-sensing screens in Drosophila can systematically identify novel conserved interorgan communication factors. Finally, we discuss how interorgan communication enabled and evolved as a result of specialization of organs. Together, we anticipate that future studies will establish a model for metazoan interorgan communication network (ICN) and how it is deregulated in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia A Droujinine
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; ,
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; ,
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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20
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Cripto is essential to capture mouse epiblast stem cell and human embryonic stem cell pluripotency. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12589. [PMID: 27586544 PMCID: PMC5025790 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Known molecular determinants of developmental plasticity are mainly transcription factors, while the extrinsic regulation of this process has been largely unexplored. Here we identify Cripto as one of the earliest epiblast markers and a key extracellular determinant of the naive and primed pluripotent states. We demonstrate that Cripto sustains mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal by modulating Wnt/β-catenin, whereas it maintains mouse epiblast stem cell (EpiSC) and human ESC pluripotency through Nodal/Smad2. Moreover, we provide unprecedented evidence that Cripto controls the metabolic reprogramming in ESCs to EpiSC transition. Remarkably, Cripto deficiency attenuates ESC lineage restriction in vitro and in vivo, and permits ESC transdifferentiation into trophectoderm lineage, suggesting that Cripto has earlier functions than previously recognized. All together, our studies provide novel insights into the current model of mammalian pluripotency and contribute to the understanding of the extrinsic regulation of the first cell lineage decision in the embryo. Stem cell plasticity is crucial for early embryo development and the differentiation of stem cells. Here, the authors show that the extracellular protein Cripto sustains mouse ESC self-renewal and maintains mouse EpiSC as well as human ESC pluripotency and controls the metabolic reprogramming in ESCs to EpiSC transition.
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21
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Namwanje M, Brown CW. Activins and Inhibins: Roles in Development, Physiology, and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a021881. [PMID: 27328872 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since their original discovery as regulators of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and erythropoiesis, the TGF-β family members activin and inhibin have been shown to participate in a variety of biological processes, from the earliest stages of embryonic development to highly specialized functions in terminally differentiated cells and tissues. Herein, we present the history, structures, signaling mechanisms, regulation, and biological processes in which activins and inhibins participate, including several recently discovered biological activities and functional antagonists. The potential therapeutic relevance of these advances is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Namwanje
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
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22
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Mueller TC, Bachmann J, Prokopchuk O, Friess H, Martignoni ME. Molecular pathways leading to loss of skeletal muscle mass in cancer cachexia--can findings from animal models be translated to humans? BMC Cancer 2016; 16:75. [PMID: 26856534 PMCID: PMC4746781 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2121-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cachexia is a multi-factorial, systemic syndrome that especially affects patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, and leads to reduced treatment response, survival and quality of life. The most important clinical feature of cachexia is the excessive wasting of skeletal muscle mass. Currently, an effective treatment is still lacking and the search for therapeutic targets continues. Even though a substantial number of animal studies have contributed to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the loss of skeletal muscle mass, subsequent clinical trials of potential new drugs have not yet yielded any effective treatment for cancer cachexia. Therefore, we questioned to which degree findings from animal studies can be translated to humans in clinical practice and research. Discussion A substantial amount of animal studies on the molecular mechanisms of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia has been conducted in recent years. This extensive review of the literature showed that most of their observations could not be consistently reproduced in studies on human skeletal muscle samples. However, studies on human material are scarce and limited in patient numbers and homogeneity. Therefore, their results have to be interpreted critically. Summary More research is needed on human tissue samples to clarify the signaling pathways that lead to skeletal muscle loss, and to confirm pre-selected drug targets from animal models in clinical trials. In addition, improved diagnostic tools and standardized clinical criteria for cancer cachexia are needed to conduct standardized, randomized controlled trials of potential drug candidates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara C Mueller
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jeannine Bachmann
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Olga Prokopchuk
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc E Martignoni
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany
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Changes of the expressions of multiple metabolism genes in rat pancreatic islets after ventromedial hypothalamic lesioning. Neurosci Lett 2015; 604:64-8. [PMID: 26254162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It was recently reported that ventromedial hypothalamic lesions change the expression of cell proliferation-related genes and morphology-related genes in rat pancreatic islets. This study has examined how gene families involved in metabolism are regulated in rat pancreatic islets after VMH lesions formation. Total pancreatic islets RNA was extracted, and differences in the gene expression profiles between rats at day 3 after VMH lesioning and sham-VMH-lesioned rats were investigated using DNA microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The VMH lesions regulated the genes that are involved in functions related to metabolism in the pancreas islets. Real-time polymerase chain reaction also confirmed that gene expressions of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (Alox15) was up-regulated and pancreatic lipase (Pnlip) was downregulated at day 3 after the VMH lesions. Ventromedial hypothalamic lesions may change the expression of multiple metabolism genes in rat pancreatic islets.
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24
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Paradis F, Yue S, Grant JR, Stothard P, Basarab JA, Fitzsimmons C. Transcriptomic analysis by RNA sequencing reveals that hepatic interferon-induced genes may be associated with feed efficiency in beef heifers1. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:3331-41. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-8975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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25
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Brandt C, Hansen RH, Hansen JB, Olsen CH, Galle P, Mandrup-Poulsen T, Gehl J, Pedersen BK, Hojman P. Over-expression of Follistatin-like 3 attenuates fat accumulation and improves insulin sensitivity in mice. Metabolism 2015; 64:283-95. [PMID: 25456456 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Follistatin-like 3 (fstl3), a natural inhibitor of members of the TGF-β family, increases during resistance training in human plasma. Fstl3 primarily binds myostatin and activin A, and thereby inhibits their functions. We hypothesize that blocking myostatin and activin A signalling through systemic fstl3 over-expression protects against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. METHODS Fstl3 was over-expressed by DNA electrotransfer in tibialis anterior, quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles in female C57BL/C mice, and the mice were subsequently randomized to chow or high-fat feeding. Body weight, food intake, fat accumulation by MR scanning, and glucose, insulin and glucagon tolerance were evaluated, as was the response in body weight and metabolic parameters to 24h fasting. Effects of fstl3 on pancreatic insulin and glucagon content, and pancreatic islet morphology were determined. RESULTS Fstl3 over-expression reduced fat accumulation during high-fat feeding by 16%, and liver fat by 50%, as determined by MRI. No changes in body weight were observed, while the weight of the transfected muscles increased by 10%. No transcriptional changes were found in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Fstl3 mice displayed improved insulin sensitivity and muscle insulin signalling. In contrast, glucose tolerance was impaired in high-fat fed fstl3 mice, which was explained by increased hepatic glucagon sensitivity and glucose output, as well as a decrease in the pancreatic insulin/glucagon ratio. Accordingly, fstl3 transfection improved counter-regulation to 24h fasting. CONCLUSION Fstl3 over-expression regulates insulin and glucagon sensitivities through increased muscular insulin action, as well as increased hepatic glucagon sensitivity and pancreatic glucagon content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Brandt
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Hvass Hansen
- Research Group, Dept. of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bondo Hansen
- Immunoendocrinology lab, Section of Endocrinological Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Holkmann Olsen
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Pia Galle
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen
- Immunoendocrinology lab, Section of Endocrinological Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Bente Klarlund Pedersen
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Hojman
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Kim HS, Lee NK. Gene expression profiling in osteoclast precursors by insulin using microarray analysis. Mol Cells 2014; 37:827-32. [PMID: 25377254 PMCID: PMC4255103 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2014.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and destruction of mineralized bone matrix by osteoclasts is important for bone homeostasis. The increase of osteoclast differentiation by RANKL induces bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Recent studies have shown that insulin is one of main factors mediating the cross-talk between bone remodeling and energy metabolism. However, the systemic examination of insulin-induced differential gene expression profiles in osteoclasts has not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the global effects of insulin on osteoclast precursors at the level of gene transcription by microarray analysis. The number of genes that were up-regulated by ≥ 1.5 fold after insulin treatment for 6 h, 12 h, or 24 h was 76, 73, and 39; and 96, 83, and 54 genes were down-regulated, respectively. The genes were classified by 20 biological processes or 24 molecular functions and the number of genes involved in 'development processes' and 'cell proliferation and differentiation' was 25 and 18, respectively, including Inhba, Socs, Plk3, Tnfsf4, and Plk1. The microarray results of these genes were verified by real-time RT-PCR analysis. We also compared the effects of insulin and RANKL on the expression of these genes. Most genes had a very similar pattern of expressions in insulin- and RANKL-treated cells. Interestingly, Tnfsf4 and Inhba genes were affected by insulin but not by RANKL. Taken together, these results suggest a potential role for insulin in osteoclast biology, thus contributing to the understanding of the pathogenesis and development of therapeutics for numerous bone and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Na Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 336-745,
Korea
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Systemic Activin signaling independently regulates sugar homeostasis, cellular metabolism, and pH balance in Drosophila melanogaster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:5729-34. [PMID: 24706779 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1319116111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to maintain cellular and physiological metabolic homeostasis is key for the survival of multicellular organisms in changing environmental conditions. However, our understanding of extracellular signaling pathways that modulate metabolic processes remains limited. In this study we show that the Activin-like ligand Dawdle (Daw) is a major regulator of systemic metabolic homeostasis and cellular metabolism in Drosophila. We find that loss of canonical Smad signaling downstream of Daw leads to defects in sugar and systemic pH homeostasis. Although Daw regulates sugar homeostasis by positively influencing insulin release, we find that the effect of Daw on pH balance is independent of its role in insulin signaling and is caused by accumulation of organic acids that are primarily tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. RNA sequencing reveals that a number of TCA cycle enzymes and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes including genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and β-oxidation are up-regulated in the daw mutants, indicating either a direct or indirect role of Daw in regulating these genes. These findings establish Activin signaling as a major metabolic regulator and uncover a functional link between TGF-β signaling, insulin signaling, and metabolism in Drosophila.
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Döring F, Lüersen K, Schmelzer C, Hennig S, Lang IS, Görs S, Rehfeldt C, Otten W, Metges CC. Influence of maternal low protein diet during pregnancy on hepatic gene expression signature in juvenile female porcine offspring. Mol Nutr Food Res 2012. [PMID: 23197441 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201200315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that maternal nutrition status contributes to long-term changes in the metabolic phenotype of the offspring, a process known as fetal programming. METHODS AND RESULTS We have used a swine model (Sus scrofa) to analyze consequences of a maternal low protein diet (about 50% of control) during pregnancy on hepatic lipid metabolism and genome-wide hepatic gene expression profile of juvenile female offspring (mean age 85 days). We found 318 S. scrofa genes to be differentially expressed in the liver at age 85 days. In the low protein offspring group key genes of fatty acid de novo synthesis were downregulated whereas several genes of lipolysis and phospholipid biosynthesis were upregulated. qRT-PCR analysis of selected genes verified microarray data and revealed linear correlations between gene expression levels and slaughter weight. Hepatic cholesterol 7α hydroxylase protein expression tended to be lower in the low protein group. Total lipid and triglyceride content and fatty acid composition of total lipids were not different between groups. CONCLUSION A maternal low protein diet during pregnancy induces a distinct hepatic gene expression signature in juvenile female pigs which was not translated into phenotypical changes of liver lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Döring
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Molecular Prevention, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Bonomi L, Brown M, Ungerleider N, Muse M, Matzuk MM, Schneyer A. Activin B regulates islet composition and islet mass but not whole body glucose homeostasis or insulin sensitivity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 303:E587-96. [PMID: 22739106 PMCID: PMC3468507 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00177.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Based on the phenotype of the activin-like kinase-7 (ALK7)-null mouse, activins A and B have been proposed to play distinct roles in regulating pancreatic islet function and glucose homeostasis, with activin A acting to enhance islet function and insulin release while activin B antagonizes these actions. We therefore hypothesized that islets from activin B-null (BBKO) mice would have enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In addition, we hypothesized that this enhanced islet function would translate into increased whole body glucose tolerance. We tested these hypotheses by analyzing glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and islet function in BBKO mice. No differences were observed in fasting glucose or insulin levels, glucose tolerance, or insulin sensitivity compared with weight-matched young or older males. Similarly, there were no significant differences in insulin secretion comparing islets from WT or BBKO males at either age. However, BBKO islets were more sensitive to activin A, myostatin (MSTN), and follistatin (FST) treatments, so that activin A and FST inhibited and MSTN enhanced glucose stimulated insulin secretion. While mean islet area and the distribution of islet areas were not different between the genotypes, islet mass, islet number, and the proportion of α-cells/islet were significantly reduced in BBKO islets. These results indicate that activin B does not antagonize activin A to influence whole body glucose homeostasis or β-cell function but does influence islet mass and proportion of α-cells/islet. Therefore, loss of activin B signaling alone does not account for the ALK7-null phenotype, but activin B may have important roles in modulating islet mass, islet number, and the cellular composition of islets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Bonomi
- Pioneer Valley Life Science Institute, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Springfield MA, USA
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Abstract
Cancer cachexia is characterized by a significant reduction in body weight resulting predominantly from loss of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Cachexia causes reduced cancer treatment tolerance and reduced quality and length of life, and remains an unmet medical need. Therapeutic progress has been impeded, in part, by the marked heterogeneity of mediators, signaling, and metabolic pathways both within and between model systems and the clinical syndrome. Recent progress in understanding conserved, molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy/hypertrophy has provided a downstream platform for circumventing the variations and redundancy in upstream mediators and may ultimately translate into new targeted therapies.
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31
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Koncarevic A, Kajimura S, Cornwall-Brady M, Andreucci A, Pullen A, Sako D, Kumar R, Grinberg AV, Liharska K, Ucran JA, Howard E, Spiegelman BM, Seehra J, Lachey J. A novel therapeutic approach to treating obesity through modulation of TGFβ signaling. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3133-46. [PMID: 22549226 PMCID: PMC3791434 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Obesity results from disproportionately high energy intake relative to energy expenditure. Many therapeutic strategies have focused on the intake side of the equation, including pharmaceutical targeting of appetite and digestion. An alternative approach is to increase energy expenditure through physical activity or adaptive thermogenesis. A pharmacological way to increase muscle mass and hence exercise capacity is through inhibition of the activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB). Muscle mass and strength is regulated, at least in part, by growth factors that signal via ActRIIB. Administration of a soluble ActRIIB protein comprised of a form of the extracellular domain of ActRIIB fused to a human Fc (ActRIIB-Fc) results in a substantial muscle mass increase in normal mice. However, ActRIIB is also present on and mediates the action of growth factors in adipose tissue, although the function of this system is poorly understood. In the current study, we report the effect of ActRIIB-Fc to suppress diet-induced obesity and linked metabolic dysfunctions in mice fed a high-fat diet. ActRIIB-Fc induced a brown fat-like thermogenic gene program in epididymal white fat, as shown by robustly increased expression of the thermogenic genes uncoupling protein 1 and peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α. Finally, we identified multiple ligands capable of reducing thermogenesis that represent likely target ligands for the ActRIIB-Fc effects on the white fat depots. These data demonstrate that novel therapeutic ActRIIB-Fc improves obesity and obesity-linked metabolic disease by both increasing skeletal muscle mass and by inducing a gene program of thermogenesis in the white adipose tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Koncarevic
- Acceleron Pharma, Inc. Preclinical Pharmacology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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Greer SN, Metcalf JL, Wang Y, Ohh M. The updated biology of hypoxia-inducible factor. EMBO J 2012; 31:2448-60. [PMID: 22562152 PMCID: PMC3365421 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is essential for eukaryotic life and is inextricably linked to the evolution of multicellular organisms. Proper cellular response to changes in oxygen tension during normal development or pathological processes, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, is ultimately regulated by the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Over the past decade, unprecedented molecular insight has been gained into the mammalian oxygen-sensing pathway involving the canonical oxygen-dependent prolyl-hydroxylase domain-containing enzyme (PHD)-von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor protein (pVHL) axis and its connection to cellular metabolism. Here we review recent notable advances in the field of hypoxia that have shaped a more complex model of HIF regulation and revealed unique roles of HIF in a diverse range of biological processes, including immunity, development and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Greer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie L Metcalf
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Ohh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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HIF1α induced switch from bivalent to exclusively glycolytic metabolism during ESC-to-EpiSC/hESC transition. EMBO J 2012; 31:2103-16. [PMID: 22446391 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 432] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of metabolic state in stemness is poorly understood. Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and epiblast stem cells (EpiSC) are at distinct pluripotent states representing the inner cell mass (ICM) and epiblast embryos. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are similar to EpiSC stage. We now show a dramatic metabolic difference between these two stages. EpiSC/hESC are highly glycolytic, while ESC are bivalent in their energy production, dynamically switching from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration on demand. Despite having a more developed and expanding mitochondrial content, EpiSC/hESC have low mitochondrial respiratory capacity due to low cytochrome c oxidase (COX) expression. Similarly, in vivo epiblasts suppress COX levels. These data reveal EpiSC/hESC functional similarity to the glycolytic phenotype in cancer (Warburg effect). We further show that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) is sufficient to drive ESC to a glycolytic Activin/Nodal-dependent EpiSC-like stage. This metabolic switch during early stem-cell development may be deterministic.
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Abstract
Activins are secreted proteins members of the transforming growth factor-β family. They are involved in many biological responses including regulation of apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation of different cell types. Activins A, B and AB are highly expressed in adipose tissue, and in this review we will illustrate that activins have a role in several steps of physiological and pathological development of adipose tissue. Activin A has been shown to be a critical regulator of human adipocyte progenitor proliferation and a potent inhibitor of their differentiation. Activin A could also be a mediator of fibrosis observed in obese adipose tissue. Activin B/AB is proposed as a new adipokine having a role in energy balance and insulin insensitivity associated with obesity. Therefore, activin pathway could represent a potential therapeutic target both for controlling the size and the phenotype of the adipose precursor pool and for obesity-associated metabolic complications.
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Dunphy KA, Schneyer AL, Hagen MJ, Jerry DJ. The role of activin in mammary gland development and oncogenesis. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2011; 16:117-26. [PMID: 21475961 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-011-9214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
TGFβ contributes to mammary gland development and has paradoxical roles in breast cancer because it has both tumor suppressor and tumor promoter activity. Another member of the TGFβ superfamily, activin, also has roles in the developing mammary gland, but these functions, and the role of activin in breast cancer, are not well characterized. TGFβ and activin share the same intracellular signaling pathways, but divergence in their signaling pathways are suggested. The purpose of this review is to compare the spatial and temporal expression of TGFβ and activin during mammary gland development, with consideration given to their functions during each developmental period. We also review the contributions of TGFβ and activin to breast cancer resistance and susceptibility. Finally, we consider the systemic contributions of activin in regulating obesity and diabetes; and the impact this regulation has on breast cancer. Elevated levels of activin in serum during pregnancy and its influence on pregnancy associated breast cancer are also considered. We conclude that evidence demonstrates that activin has tumor suppressing potential, without definitive indication of tumor promoting activity in the mammary gland, making it a good target for development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Dunphy
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
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36
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Zamani N, Brown CW. Emerging roles for the transforming growth factor-{beta} superfamily in regulating adiposity and energy expenditure. Endocr Rev 2011; 32:387-403. [PMID: 21173384 PMCID: PMC3365795 DOI: 10.1210/er.2010-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Members of the TGF-β superfamily regulate many aspects of development, including adipogenesis. Studies in cells and animal models have characterized the effects of superfamily signaling on adipocyte development, adiposity, and energy expenditure. Although bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4 is generally considered a protein that promotes the differentiation of white adipocytes, BMP7 has emerged as a selective regulator of brown adipogenesis. Conversely, TGF-β and activin A inhibit adipocyte development, a process augmented in TGF-β-treated cells by Smads 6 and 7, negative regulators of canonical TGF-β signaling. Other superfamily members have mixed effects on adipogenesis depending on cell culture conditions, the timing of expression, and the cell type, and many of these effects occur by altering the expression or activities of proteins that control the adipogenic cascade, including members of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein family and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. BMP7, growth differentiation factor (GDF) 8, and GDF3 are versatile in their mechanisms of action, and altering their normal expression characteristics has significant effects on adiposity in vivo. In addition to their roles in adipogenesis, activins and BMP7 regulate energy expenditure by affecting the expression of genes that contribute to mitochondrial biogenesis and function. GDF8 signals through its own receptors during adipogenesis while antagonizing BMP7, an example of a ligand from one major branch of the superfamily regulating the other. With such intricate relationships that ultimately affect adiposity, TGF-β superfamily signaling holds considerable promise as a target for treating human obesity and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Zamani
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Nakatani M, Kokubo M, Ohsawa Y, Sunada Y, Tsuchida K. Follistatin-derived peptide expression in muscle decreases adipose tissue mass and prevents hepatic steatosis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 300:E543-53. [PMID: 21205933 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00430.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, plays a potent inhibitory role in regulating skeletal muscle mass. Inhibition of myostatin by gene disruption, transgenic (Tg) expression of myostatin propeptide, or injection of propeptide or myostatin antibodies causes a widespread increase in skeletal muscle mass. Several peptides, in addition to myostatin propeptide and myostatin antibodies, can bind directly to and neutralize the activity of myostatin. These include follistatin and follistatin-related gene. Overexpression of follistatin or follistatin-related gene in mice increased the muscle mass as in myostatin knockout mice. Follistatin binds to myostatin but also binds to and inhibits other members of the TGF-β superfamily, notably activins. Therefore, follistatin regulates both myostatin and activins in vivo. We previously reported the development and characterization of several follistatin-derived peptides, including FS I-I (Nakatani M, Takehara Y, Sugino H, Matsumoto M, Hashimoto O, Hasegawa Y, Murakami T, Uezumi A, Takeda S, Noji S, Sunada Y, Tsuchida K. FASEB J 22: 477-487, 2008). FS I-I retained myostatin-inhibitory activity without affecting the bioactivity of activins. Here, we found that inhibition of myostatin increases skeletal muscle mass and decreases fat accumulation in FS I-I Tg mice. FS I-I Tg mice also showed decreased fat accumulation even on a control diet. Interestingly, the adipocytes in FS I-I Tg mice were much smaller than those of wild-type mice. Furthermore, FS I-I Tg mice were resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis and had lower hepatic fatty acid levels and altered fatty acid composition compared with control mice. FS I-I Tg mice have improved glucose tolerance when placed on a high-fat diet. These data indicate that inhibiting myostatin with a follistatin-derived peptide provides a novel therapeutic option to decrease adipocyte size, prevent obesity and hepatic steatosis, and improve glucose tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Nakatani
- Division for Therapies against Intractable Diseases, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science (ICMS), Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review highlights recent findings regarding the functions of mitochondria in adipocytes, providing an understanding of their central roles in regulating substrate metabolism, energy expenditure, disposal of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and in the pathophysiology of obesity and insulin resistance, as well as roles in the mechanisms that affect adipogenesis and mature adipocyte function. RECENT FINDINGS Nutrient excess leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn leads to obesity-related pathologies, in part due to the harmful effects of ROS. The recent recognition of 'ectopic' brown adipose in humans suggests that this tissue may play an underappreciated role in the control of energy expenditure. Transcription factors, PGC-1alpha and PRDM16, which regulate brown adipogenesis, and members of the TGF-beta superfamily that modulate this process may be important new targets for antiobesity drugs. SUMMARY Mitochondria play central roles in ATP production, energy expenditure, and disposal of ROS. Excessive energy substrates lead to mitochondrial dysfunction with consequential effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. Adipocytes help to maintain the appropriate balance between energy storage and expenditure and maintaining this balance requires normal mitochondrial function. Many adipokines, including members of the TGF-beta superfamily, and transcriptional coactivators, PGC-1alpha and PRDM16, are important regulators of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Bournat
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chester W. Brown
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Magnusson B, Svensson PA, Carlsson LMS, Sjöholm K. Activin B inhibits lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 395:373-6. [PMID: 20382119 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Activin B, consisting of two inhibin betaB (INHBB) subunits, is a hormone known to affect gonadal function, reproduction and fetal development. We have reported that INHBB and activin B receptors are highly expressed in adipocytes suggesting that activin B may have local effects in adipose tissue. In this study, we investigate the effect of activin B on lipolysis, measured as release of non-esterified fatty acids and free glycerol. Recombinant activin B decreased lipolysis in a concentration-dependent manner and increased intracellular triglyceride content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. siRNA-mediated knock-down of INHBB expression increased lipolysis, and this effect was abolished by addition of recombinant activin B. In line with its inhibitory effect on lipolysis, activin B caused a down regulation of the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone sensitive lipase, key genes involved in lipolysis. In summary, we suggest that activin B is a novel adipokine that inhibits lipolysis in a paracrine or autocrine manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Magnusson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Mithraprabhu S, Mendis S, Meachem SJ, Tubino L, Matzuk MM, Brown CW, Loveland KL. Activin bioactivity affects germ cell differentiation in the postnatal mouse testis in vivo. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:980-90. [PMID: 20130270 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.079855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta superfamily ligand activin A controls juvenile testis growth by stimulating Sertoli cell proliferation. Testicular levels are highest in the first postnatal week, when Sertoli cells are proliferating and spermatogonial stem cells first form. Levels decrease sharply as Sertoli cell proliferation ceases and spermatogenic differentiation begins. We hypothesized that changing activin levels also affect germ cell maturation. We detected an acute and developmentally regulated impact of activin on Kit mRNA in cocultures of Sertoli cells and germ cells from Day 8, but not Day 4, mice. Both stereological and flow cytometry analyses identified an elevated spermatogonium:Sertoli cell ratio in Day 7 testes from Inhba(BK/BK) mice, which have decreased bioactive activin, and the germ cell markers Sycp3, Dazl, and Ccnd3 were significantly elevated in Inhba(BK/BK) mice. The flow cytometry measurements demonstrated that surface KIT protein is significantly higher in Day 7 Inhba(BK/BK) germ cells than in wild-type littermates. By Day 14, the germ cell:Sertoli cell ratio did not differ between genotypes, but the transition of type A spermatogonia into spermatocytes was altered in Inhba(BK/BK) testes. We conclude that regulated activin signaling not only controls Sertoli cell proliferation, as previously described, but also influences the in vivo progression of germ cell maturation in the juvenile testis at the onset of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridurga Mithraprabhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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