Secreted nucleobindin-2 inhibits 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation

Nesfatin-1 and nesfatin-1-like peptide attenuate hepatocyte lipid accumulation and nucleobindin-1 disruption modulates lipid metabolic pathways

Nesfatin-1 (NESF-1) has been shown to modulate lipid metabolism. We have identified a nesfatin-1-like-peptide (NLP) processed from a related precursor nucleobindin 1 (NUCB1). Here we determined if NLP, like NESF-1, regulates lipid accumulation in vitro, and tested if the disruption of nucb1 gene affects hepatic lipid metabolism genes in mice. Hepatocytes (HepG2/C3A cells) express NLP and NESF-1 and both peptides significantly reduced lipogenic enzyme mRNAs and enhanced beta-oxidation enzyme mRNAs. Lipid contents in oleic acid induced HepG2/C3A cells were attenuated by NESF-1 and NLP. The inhibitory effect on cellular lipid content was blocked by compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK. The disruption of nucb1 gene affected lipid metabolism-related enzyme mRNAs, endogenous nucb2 mRNA and AMPK phosphorylation. The lipid-lowering effects identified here highlights the potential of nucleobindins and peptides processed from them to address lipid disorders, and its possible benefits in metabolic disease management.

Nucleobindin-derived nesfatin-1 and nesfatin-1-like peptide stimulate pro-opiomelanocortin synthesis in murine AtT-20 corticotrophs through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway

Nucleobindin (NUCB)-derived peptides, nesfatin-1 (NES-1) and nesfatin-1-like peptide (NLP) have several physiological roles in vertebrates. While NES-1 is implicated in stress, whether NUCB1/NLP and NUCB2/NES-1 have any effect on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) remains unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine if NES-1 and/or NLP affect POMC synthesis in mouse corticotrophs. Immunocytochemistry was employed to target NUCB colocalization with POMC in immortalized mouse tumoral corticotrophs (AtT-20 cells). The ability of NES-1 and NLP to modulate POMC mRNA and protein in AtT-20 cells was assessed by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Moreover, cell-signaling molecules mediating the effect of NES-1 and NLP on POMC synthesis in mouse tumoral corticotrophs were studied using pharmacological blockers. Mouse tumoral corticotrophs showed immunoreactivity for both NUCB1/NLP and NUCB2/NES-1. Both NES-1 and NLP exerted a stimulatory effect on POMC transcript abundance and protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This effect was comparable to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF, positive control) stimulation of POMC. Incubation of mouse tumoral corticotrophs with NES-1 or NLP upregulated the phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). The stimulatory effect of these peptides on POMC transcript abundance and protein expression was blocked by the PKA inhibitor, H89, and an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA). These pharmacological studies indicate that NES-1 and NLP act through the cAMP/PKA/CREB cellular pathway to stimulate POMC synthesis. Our results provide molecular evidence to support a stimulatory role for nucleobindin-derived peptides on POMC synthesis from corticotrophs. Collectively, this research indicates that corticotrophs produce NUCBs, and the encoded peptides NES-1 and NLP could elicit a direct action to stimulate the pituitary stress hormone. This stimulatory effect is mediated by an uncharacterized G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that utilizes the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway.

Nesfatin-1 in lipid metabolism and lipid-related diseases

Nesfatin-1, an anorexic neuropeptide discovered in 2006, is widely distributed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. It has been shown to be involved in the regulation of food intake and lipid metabolism, inhibiting fat accumulation, accelerating lipid decomposition, and in general, inhibiting the development of lipid-related diseases, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Potential mechanisms of Nesfatin-1 action in lipid metabolism and lipid-related diseases will be discussed as well as its role as a biomarker in cardiovascular disease. This review expected to provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and prevention of clinically related diseases.

Endogenous NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 Regulates Energy Homeostasis Under Physiological Conditions in Male Rats

Nesfatin-1 is the proteolytic cleavage product of Nucleobindin 2, which is expressed both in a number of brain nuclei (e. g., the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus) and peripheral tissues. While Nucleobindin 2 acts as a calcium binding protein, nesfatin-1 was shown to affect energy homeostasis upon central nervous administration by decreasing food intake and increasing thermogenesis. In turn, Nucleobindin 2 mRNA expression is downregulated in starvation and upregulated in the satiated state. Still, knowledge about the physiological role of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1 in the control of energy homeostasis is limited and since its receptor has not yet been identified, rendering pharmacological blockade impossible. To overcome this obstacle, we tested and successfully established an antibody-based experimental model to antagonize the action of nesfatin-1. This model was then employed to investigate the physiological role of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1. To this end, we applied nesfatin-1 antibody into the paraventricular nucleus of satiated rats to antagonize the presumably high endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1 levels in this feeding condition. In these animals, nesfatin-1 antibody administration led to a significant decrease in thermogenesis, demonstrating the important role of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1in the regulation of energy expenditure. Additionally, food and water intake were significantly increased, confirming and complementing previous findings. Moreover, neuropeptide Y was identified as a major downstream target of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1.

Central nesfatin-1 activates lipid mobilization in adipose tissue and fatty acid oxidation in muscle via the sympathetic nervous system

Little is known about the influence of central nesfatin-1 on lipid metabolism under diabetic conditions. The main objective of this study was to characterize the mechanisms by which central nesfatin-1 regulates lipid metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and whether the sympathetic nervous system is involved. Male Kunming mice were fed high-fat diets (HFDs) and were treated twice with low-dose STZ (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [IP]) to generate the T2DM model. Pharmacological adrenergic blockage (phentolamine 10 mg/kg, propranolol 0.017 mmol) and surgical denervation of sympathetic nervous system of the hindlimb and inguinal fat were used to block nerve conduction to determine whether the effect of central nesfatin-1 required the hypothalamic-sympathetic nervous system axis. Plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and insulin levels were measured. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels in skeletal muscle and hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglycerides lipase (HSL/ATGL) levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) were measured using western blot. mRNA expression of AMPK was measured. We found that there were significantly fewer NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) in T2DM mice. Central nesfatin-1 administration decreased levels of plasma FFA significantly and activated AMPK to enhance fatty-acid oxidation in skeletal muscle in T2DM mice. In addition, HSL and ATGL were significantly activated during triglyceride mobilization in WAT triggered by central nesfatin-1 administration. Adrenergic blockade and morphological denervation of the sciatic and femoral nerves reduced these changes. Taken together, these data suggest that central nesfatin-1 regulates peripheral lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes via the sympathetic nervous system.

Nesfatin-1 promotes brown adipocyte phenotype

Nesfatin-1, an 82 amino acid gastric peptide, is involved in regulation of food uptake and in multiple metabolic activities. Whether nesfatin-1 modulates the differentiation and lipid metabolism of brown adipocytes remains unknown. In the present study, we found that nesfatin-1 mRNA and protein were detectable in isolated brown adipocytes and gradually decreased during differentiation (95% CI 0.6057 to 1.034, p = 0.0001). The decrease in nesfatin-1 was associated with a significant reduction in p-S6. Exposure to nesfatin-1 promoted differentiation of brown adipocytes as revealed by a significant increase in UCP1 mRNA (p = 0.03) and lipolysis-related ATGL mRNA (p = 0.04). Nesfatin-1 attenuated phosphorylation of S6K and S6 during brown adipocyte differentiation. Activation of mTOR by leucine or deletion of TSC1 decreased expression of brown adipocyte-related genes UCP1, UCP3, PGC1α and PRDM16, as well as COX8B and ATP5B. Both leucine and TSC1 deletion blocked nesfatin-1-induced up-regulation of UCP1, PGC1α, COX8B and ATP5B in differentiated brown adipocytes. In conclusion, nesfatin-1 promotes the differentiation of brown adipocytes likely through the mTOR dependent mechanism.

AMPK-dependent modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism by nesfatin-1

The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanism by which peripheral nesfatin-1 regulates hepatic lipid metabolism. Continuous peripheral infusion of nesfatin-1 reduced adiposity and plasma levels of triglyceride and cholesterol. In mice fed high fat diet, peripheral nesfatin-1 significantly decreased hepatic steatosis measured by triglyceride content and oil red staining area and diameter. These alterations were associated with a significant reduction in lipogenesis-related transcriptional factors PPARγ and SREBP1, as well as rate-limited enzyme genes such as acaca, fasn, gpam, dgat1 and dgat2. In primary hepatocytes, nesfatin-1 inhibited both basal and oleic acid stimulated triglyceride accumulation, which was accompanied by a decrement in lipogenesis-related genes and an increase in β-oxidation-related genes. In cultured hepatocytes, nesfatin-1 increased levels of AMPK phosphorylation. Inhibition of AMPK by compound C blocked the reduction of triglyceride content elicited by nesfatin-1. Our studies demonstrate that nesfatin-1 attenuates lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by an AMPK-dependent mechanism.

Regulation of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production in rat's stomach and adipose tissue is dependent on age, testosterone levels and lactating status

Nesfatin-1, which is derived from the NEFA/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) precursor, was recently identified as an anorexigenic peptide that is produced in several tissues including the hypothalamus. Currently, no data exist regarding the regulation of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production in peripheral tissues, such as gastric mucosa and adipose tissue, through different periods of development. The aim of the present work was to study the variations on circulating levels, mRNA expression and tissue content in gastric mucosa and adipose tissue of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 with age and specially in two clue periods of maturation, weaning and puberty. The weaning period affected NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production in gastric tissue. The testosterone changes associated with the initiation of puberty regulated NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production via adipose tissue and gastric NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production. In conclusion, the production of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 by the stomach and adipose tissue fluctuates with age to regulate energy homeostasis during different states of development.

Nesfatin-1 as a new potent regulator in reproductive system

Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered anorexigenic peptide which is distributed in several brain areas implicated in the feeding and metabolic regulation. Recently, it has been reported that nesfatin-1 is expressed not only in brain, but also in peripheral organs such as digestive organs, adipose tissues, heart, and reproductive organs. Nesfatin-1 is markedly expressed in the pancreas, stomach and duodenum. Eventually, the nesfatin-1 expression in the digestive organs may be regulated by nutritional status, which suggests a regulatory role of peripheral nesfatin-1 in energy homeostasis. Nesfatin-1 is also detected in the adipose tissues of humans and rodents, indicating that nesfatin-1 expression in the fat may regulate food intake independently, rather than relying on leptin. In addition, nesfatin-1 is expressed in the heart as a cardiac peptide. It suggests that nesfatin-1 may regulate cardiac function and encourage clinical potential in the presence of nutrition-dependent physio-pathologic cardiovascular diseases. Currently, only a few studies demonstrate that nesfatin-1 is expressed in the reproductive system. However, it is not clear yet what function of nesfatin-1 is in the reproductive organs. Here, we summarize the expression of nesfatin-1 and its roles in brain and peripheral organs and discuss the possible roles of nesfatin-1 expressed in reproductive organs, including testis, epididymis, ovary, and uterus. We come to the conclusion that nesfatin-1 as a local regulator in male and female reproductive organs may regulate the steroidogenesis in the testis and ovary and the physiological activity in epididymis and uterus.

Nesfatin-1 in human and murine cardiomyocytes: synthesis, secretion, and mobilization of GLUT-4

Nesfatin-1, a satiety-inducing peptide identified in hypothalamic regions that regulate energy balance, is an integral regulator of energy homeostasis and a putative glucose-dependent insulin coadjuvant. We investigated its production by human cardiomyocytes and its effects on glucose uptake, in the main cardiac glucose transporter GLUT-4 and in intracellular signaling. Quantitative RT-PCR, Western blots, confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, and ELISA of human and murine cardiomyocytes and/or cardiac tissue showed that cardiomyocytes can synthesize and secrete nesfatin-1. Confocal microscopy of cultured cardiomyocytes after GLUT-4 labeling showed that nesfatin-1 mobilizes this glucose transporter to cell peripherals. The rate of 2-deoxy-D-[(3)H]glucose incorporation demonstrated that nesfatin-1 induces glucose uptake by HL-1 cells and cultured cardiomyocytes. Nesfatin-1 induced dose- and time-dependent increases in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT, and AS160. In murine and human cardiac tissue, nesfatin-1 levels varied with diet and coronary health. In conclusion, human and murine cardiomyocytes can synthesize and secrete nesfatin-1, which is able to induce glucose uptake and the mobilization of the glucose transporter GLUT-4 in these cells. Nesfatin-1 cardiac levels are regulated by diet and coronary health.

Peripheral effects of nesfatin-1 on glucose homeostasis

Aims/hypothesis

The actions of peripherally administered nesfatin-1 on glucose homeostasis remain controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanisms by which peripheral nesfatin-1 regulates glucose metabolism.

Methods

The effects of nesfatin-1 on glucose metabolism were examined in mice by continuous infusion of the peptide via osmotic pumps. Changes in AKT phosphorylation and Glut4 were investigated by Western blotting and immnuofluorescent staining. Primary myocytes, adipocytes and hepatocytes were isolated from male mice.

Results

Continuous peripheral infusion of nesfatin-1 altered glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice fed either normal or high fat diet, while central administration of nesfatin-1 demonstrated no effect. Nesfatin-1 increases insulin secretion in vivo, and in vitro in cultured min6 cells. In addition, nesfatin-1 up-regulates the phosphorylation of AKT in pancreas and min6 islet cells. In mice fed normal diet, peripheral nesfatin-1 significantly increased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver; similar effects were observed in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in mice fed high fat diet. At basal conditions and after insulin stimulation, peripheral nesfatin-1 markedly increased GLUT4 membrane translocation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in mice fed either diet. In vitro studies showed that nesfatin-1 increased both basal and insulin-stimulated levels of AKT phosphorylation in cells derived from skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver.

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrate that nesfatin-1 alters glucose metabolism by mechanisms which increase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity via altering AKT phosphorylation and GLUT 4 membrane translocation in the skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver.

Recent progress in research on the distribution and function of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in peripheral tissues

Nesfatin-1 is a polypeptide derived from the posttranslational processing of the N-terminal fragment of nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), that was originally identified as an anorexigenic hypothalamic neuropeptide. A number of reports have recently shown that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is widely expressed in various peripheral tissues, including those of the gastrointestinal tract where it may participate in various pathophysiological processes. One of its roles may be regulation of energy homeostasis. As a result, nesfatin-1 may be a novel target for exploring the underlying mechanisms and the treatment of metabolic syndromes.