Increased serum leptin protects from adiposity despite the increased glucose uptake in white adipose tissue in mice lacking p85alpha phosphoinositide 3-kinase

Unveiling the role of PIK3R1 in cancer: A comprehensive review of regulatory signaling and therapeutic implications

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is responsible for phosphorylating phosphoinositides to generate secondary signaling molecules crucial for regulating various cellular processes, including cell growth, survival, and metabolism. The PI3K is a heterodimeric enzyme complex comprising of a catalytic subunit (p110α, p110β, or p110δ) and a regulatory subunit (p85). The binding of the regulatory subunit, p85, with the catalytic subunit, p110, forms an integral component of the PI3K enzyme. PIK3R1 (phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1) belongs to class IA of the PI3K family. PIK3R1 exhibits structural complexity due to alternative splicing, giving rise to distinct isoforms, prominently p85α and p55α. While the primary p85α isoform comprises multiple domains, including Src homology 3 (SH3) domains, a Breakpoint Cluster Region Homology (BH) domain, and Src homology 2 (SH2) domains (iSH2 and nSH2), the shorter isoform, p55α, lacks certain domains present in p85α. In this review, we will highlight the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing PI3K signaling along with the impact of PIK3R1 alterations on cellular processes. We will further delve into the clinical significance of PIK3R1 mutations in various cancer types and their implications for prognosis and treatment outcomes. Additionally, we will discuss the evolving landscape of targeted therapies aimed at modulating PI3K-associated pathways. Overall, this review will provide insights into the dynamic interplay of PIK3R1 in cancer, fostering advancements in precision medicine and the development of targeted interventions.

Divergent roles of the regulatory subunits of class IA PI3K

The regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), known as p85, is a critical component in the insulin signaling pathway. Extensive research has shed light on the diverse roles played by the two isoforms of p85, namely p85α and p85β. The gene pik3r1 encodes p85α and its variants, p55α and p50α, while pik3r2 encodes p85β. These isoforms exhibit various activities depending on tissue types, nutrient availability, and cellular stoichiometry. Whole-body or liver-specific deletion of pik3r1 have shown to display increased insulin sensitivity and improved glucose homeostasis; however, skeletal muscle-specific deletion of p85α does not exhibit any significant effects on glucose homeostasis. On the other hand, whole-body deletion of pik3r2 shows improved insulin sensitivity with no significant impact on glucose tolerance. Meanwhile, liver-specific double knockout of pik3r1 and pik3r2 leads to reduced insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. In the context of obesity, upregulation of hepatic p85α or p85β has been shown to improve glucose homeostasis. However, hepatic overexpression of p85α in the absence of p50α and p55α results in increased insulin resistance in obese mice. p85α and p85β have distinctive roles in cancer development. p85α acts as a tumor suppressor, but p85β promotes tumor progression. In the immune system, p85α facilitates B cell development, while p85β regulates T cell differentiation and maturation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the distinct functions attributed to p85α and p85β, highlighting their significance in various physiological processes, including insulin signaling, cancer development, and immune system regulation.

Identification of key genes related to intramuscular fat deposition in Beijing-You chicken by mRNA and miRNA transcriptome analysis

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important factor affecting chicken quality. However, the age-related mechanism of IMF deposition has not yet been elucidated. In this study, the IMF, phospholipids (PL), triglycerides (TG), and fatty acid (FA) content in the breast muscle of Beijing-You chicken (BJY) at 1, 56, 98, and 120 d of age was measured, and mRNA and miRNA sequencing was integrated to explore the regulatory genes of IMF deposition. The results showed that the IMF content of BJY at 1 d of age was significantly higher than that at later stage of birth (P < 0.05). The transcriptome sequencing results showed that 7, 225 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 243 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified. The cluster analysis showed that the expression of DEGs and DE-miRNAs at 1 d of age was significantly different from that at later stages of birth. Furthermore, a potential mRNA-miRNA regulatory network related to IMF deposition was established by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA); gga-miR-29c-3p-PIK3R1, gga-miR-6701-3p-PTEN, gga-miR-363-3p-PTEN, gga-miR-1563-WWP1, gga-miR-449c/d-5p-TRAF6, and gga-miR-6701-3p-BMPR1B were identified as key mRNA-miRNA pairs for the regulation of IMF deposition. These results will help elucidate the mechanism of IMF formation mediated by miRNAs in chickens, and provide a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of broiler meat quality.

Diet composition influences the effect of high fat diets on bone in growing male mice

The effect of diet-induced obesity on bone in rodents is variable, with bone mass increases, decreases, and no impact reported. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the composition of obesogenic diet may influence bone independent of its effect on body weight. As proof-of-principle, we used a mouse model to compare the skeletal effects of a commonly used high fat 'Western' diet and a modified high fat diet. The modified high fat diet included ground English walnut and was isocaloric for macronutrients, but differed in fatty acid composition and contained nutrients (e.g. polyphenols) not present in the standard 'Western' diet. Eight-week-old mice were randomized into 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 8/group): (1) low fat control diet (LF; 10 % kcal fat); (2) high fat 'Western' diet (HF; 46 % kcal fat as soybean oil and lard); or (3) modified high fat diet supplemented with ground walnuts (HF + walnut; 46 % kcal fat as soybean oil, lard, and walnut) and maintained on their respective diets for 9 weeks. Bone response in femur was then evaluated using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, and histomorphometry. Consumption of both obesogenic diets resulted in increased weight gain but differed in impact on bone and bone marrow adiposity in distal femur metaphysis. Mice consuming the high fat 'Western' diet exhibited a tendency for lower cancellous bone volume fraction and connectivity density, and had lower osteoblast-lined bone perimeter (an index of bone formation) and higher bone marrow adiposity than low fat controls. Mice fed the modified high fat diet did not differ from mice fed control (low fat) diet in cancellous bone microarchitecture, or osteoblast-lined bone perimeter, and exhibited lower bone marrow adiposity compared to mice fed the 'Western' diet. This proof-of-principal study demonstrates that two obesogenic diets, similar in macronutrient distribution and induction of weight gain, can have different effects on cancellous bone in distal femur metaphysis. Because the composition of the diets used to induce obesity in rodents does not recapitulate a common human diet, our finding challenges the translatability of rodent studies evaluating the impact of diet-induced obesity on bone.

The Role of PIK3R1 in Metabolic Function and Insulin Sensitivity

PIK3R1 (also known as p85α) is a regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks). PI3K, a heterodimer of a regulatory subunit and a catalytic subunit, phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol into secondary signaling molecules involved in regulating metabolic homeostasis. PI3K converts phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3), which recruits protein kinase AKT to the inner leaflet of the cell membrane to be activated and to participate in various metabolic functions. PIK3R1 stabilizes and inhibits p110 catalytic activity and serves as an adaptor to interact with insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins and growth factor receptors. Thus, mutations in PIK3R1 or altered expression of PIK3R1 could modulate the activity of PI3K and result in significant metabolic outcomes. Interestingly, recent studies also found PI3K-independent functions of PIK3R1. Overall, in this article, we will provide an updated review of the metabolic functions of PIK3R1 that includes studies of PIK3R1 in various metabolic tissues using animal models, the mechanisms modulating PIK3R1 activity, and studies on the mutations of human PIK3R1 gene.

miR-F4-C12 Functions on the Regulation of Adipose Accumulation by Targeting PIK3R1 in Castrated Male Pigs

Simple Summary

MicroRNAs play crucial roles in regulating adipogenesis and fat storage; their role in regulating castrated male pig adipose growth is worth elucidating. Four nine-fold differentially expressed miRNAs were selected to investigate their functions on the regulation of adipose development based on our previous study. In 3T3-L1 cells and backfat tissues of castrated and intact male pigs, miR-F4-C12 was identified as involved in the adipose development using qRT-PCR and oil O staining. PIK3R1 was proposed by the TargetScan, miRDB and starBase as a target of miR-F4-C12 and verified through a dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. These results revealed that miR-F4-C12 may regulate adipose accumulation in castrated male pigs by targeting PIK3R1. Our data provide a valuable foundation to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in adipose tissue metabolism to castration-induced sex hormone deficiency.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute small regulatory molecules for a wide array of biological activities (18~24 nucleotides in length), including adipogenesis and adipose deposition. Their effect is, however, incompletely defined in inducing fat accumulation in castrated male pigs. Based on our study, four nine-times miRNAs were selected to examine their functions in adipose formation activities. In 3T3-L1 cells and backfat tissues of castrated and intact male pigs, miR-F4-C12 was identified as a factor in adipose development utilizing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Further, miR-F4-C12 was identified to promote fat development, suggesting that miR-F4-C12 was involved in adipogenesis. Moreover, phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) was proposed by the TargetScan, miRDB and starBase as a target of miR-F4-C12 and verified through a two-luciferase reporter assay. The over-expression of miR-F4-C12 dramatically decreases the PIK3R1 protein level in 3T3-L1 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of PIK3R1 in castrated pigs are reduced relative to intact pigs, providing further evidence that PIK3R1 is involved in regulating adipose accumulation. These results suggest that miR-F4-C12 involves adipose development and may regulate subcutaneous adipose tissue accumulation by targeting PIK3R1 in castrated male pigs.

From Obesity to Hippocampal Neurodegeneration: Pathogenesis and Non-Pharmacological Interventions

High-caloric diet and physical inactivity predispose individuals to obesity and diabetes, which are risk factors of hippocampal neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits. Along with the adipose-hippocampus crosstalk, chronically inflamed adipose tissue secretes inflammatory cytokine could trigger neuroinflammatory responses in the hippocampus, and in turn, impairs hippocampal neuroplasticity under obese and diabetic conditions. Hence, caloric restriction and physical exercise are critical non-pharmacological interventions to halt the pathogenesis from obesity to hippocampal neurodegeneration. In response to physical exercise, peripheral organs, including the adipose tissue, skeletal muscles, and liver, can secret numerous exerkines, which bring beneficial effects to metabolic and brain health. In this review, we summarized how chronic inflammation in adipose tissue could trigger neuroinflammation and hippocampal impairment, which potentially contribute to cognitive deficits in obese and diabetic conditions. We also discussed the potential mechanisms underlying the neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of caloric restriction and physical exercise by counteracting neuroinflammation, plasticity deficits, and cognitive impairments. This review provides timely insights into how chronic metabolic disorders, like obesity, could impair brain health and cognitive functions in later life.

Exogenous GDF11, but not GDF8, reduces body weight and improves glucose homeostasis in mice

Insulin resistance is associated with aging in mice and humans. We have previously shown that administration of recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) to aged mice alters aging phenotypes in the brain, skeletal muscle, and heart. While the closely related protein GDF8 has a role in metabolism, limited data are available on the potential metabolic effects of GDF11 or GDF8 in aging. To determine the metabolic effects of these two ligands, we administered rGDF11 or rGDF8 protein to young or aged mice fed a standard chow diet, short-term high-fat diet (HFD), or long-term HFD. Under nearly all of these diet conditions, administration of exogenous rGDF11 reduced body weight by 3-17% and significantly improved glucose tolerance in aged mice fed a chow (~30% vs. saline) or HF (~50% vs. saline) diet and young mice fed a HFD (~30%). On the other hand, exogenous rGDF8 showed signifcantly lesser effect or no effect at all on glucose tolerance compared to rGDF11, consistent with data demonstrating that GFD11 is a more potent signaling ligand than GDF8. Collectively, our results show that administration of exogenous rGDF11, but not rGDF8, can reduce diet-induced weight gain and improve metabolic homeostasis.

Cdc42: A Novel Regulator of Insulin Secretion and Diabetes-Associated Diseases

Cdc42, a member of the Rho GTPases family, is involved in the regulation of several cellular functions including cell cycle progression, survival, transcription, actin cytoskeleton organization and membrane trafficking. Diabetes is a chronic and metabolic disease, characterized as glycometabolism disorder induced by insulin deficiency related to β cell dysfunction and peripheral insulin resistance (IR). Diabetes could cause many complications including diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic retinopathy and diabetic foot. Furthermore, hyperglycemia can promote tumor progression and increase the risk of malignant cancers. In this review, we summarized the regulation of Cdc42 in insulin secretion and diabetes-associated diseases. Organized researches indicate that Cdc42 is a crucial member during the progression of diabetes, and Cdc42 not only participates in the process of insulin synthesis but also regulates the insulin granule mobilization and cell membrane exocytosis via activating a series of downstream factors. Besides, several studies have demonstrated Cdc42 as participating in the pathogenesis of IR and DN and even contributing to promote cancer cell proliferation, survival, invasion, migration, and metastasis under hyperglycemia. Through the current review, we hope to cast light on the mechanism of Cdc42 in diabetes and associated diseases and provide new ideas for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Leptin, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Leptin, an adipokine that is implicated in the control of food intake via appetite suppression, may also stimulate oxidative stress, inflammation, thrombosis, arterial stiffness, angiogenesis and atherogenesis. These leptin-induced effects may predispose to the development of cardiovascular diseases. In the present review we discuss the evidence linking leptin levels with the presence, severity and/or prognosis of both coronary artery disease and non-cardiac vascular diseases such as stroke, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) as well as with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Leptin levels have been positively associated with the presence, severity, extent and lesion complexity of coronary atherosclerosis as well as with the presence, severity and poor clinical outcomes of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. But conflicting results also exist. Furthermore, leptin was reported to independently predict common carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque instability. A link between hyperleptinemia and PAD has been reported, whereas limited data were available on the potential association between leptin and AAA. Elevated leptin concentrations have also been related to CKD incidence and progression as well as with insulin resistance, T2DM, micro- and macrovascular diabetic complications. Statins and antidiabetic drugs (including sitagliptin, metformin, pioglitazone, liraglutide and empagliflozin) may affect leptin levels. Further research is needed to establish the potential use (if any) of leptin as a therapeutic target in these diseases.

Mice Carrying a Dominant-Negative Human PI3K Mutation Are Protected From Obesity and Hepatic Steatosis but Not Diabetes

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a central role in insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, cell growth, cell development, and apoptosis. A heterozygous missense mutation (R649W) in the p85α regulatory subunit gene of PI3K (PIK3R1) has been identified in patients with SHORT (Short stature, Hyperextensibility/Hernia, Ocular depression, Rieger anomaly, and Teething delay) syndrome, a disorder characterized by postnatal growth retardation, insulin resistance, and partial lipodystrophy. Knock-in mice with the same heterozygous mutation mirror the human phenotype. In this study, we show that Pik3r1 R649W knock-in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) have reduced weight gain and adipose accumulation. This is accompanied by reduced expression of several genes involved in lipid metabolism. Interestingly, despite the lower level of adiposity, the HFD knock-in mice are more hyperglycemic and more insulin-resistant than HFD-fed control mice. Likewise, when crossed with genetically obese ob/ob mice, the ob/ob mice carrying the heterozygous R649W mutation were protected from obesity and hepatic steatosis but developed a severe diabetic state. Together, our data demonstrate a central role of PI3K in development of obesity and fatty liver disease, separating these effects from the role of PI3K in insulin resistance and the resultant hyperglycemia.

Immune response in the adipose tissue of lean mice infected with the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum

The adipose tissue can make important contributions to immune function. Nevertheless, only a limited number of reports have investigated in lean hosts the immune response elicited in this tissue upon infection. Previous studies suggested that the intracellular protozoan Neospora caninum might affect adipose tissue physiology. Therefore, we investigated in mice challenged with this protozoan if immune cell populations within adipose tissue of different anatomical locations could be differently affected. Early in infection, parasites were detected in the adipose tissue and by 7 days of infection increased numbers of macrophages, regulatory T (Treg) cells and T-bet(+) cells were observed in gonadal, mesenteric, omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Increased expression of interferon-γ was also detected in gonadal adipose tissue of infected mice. Two months after infection, parasite DNA was no longer detected in these tissues, but T helper type 1 (Th1) cell numbers remained above control levels in the infected mice. Moreover, the Th1/Treg cell ratio was higher than that of controls in the mesenteric and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, chronically infected mice presented a marked increase of serum leptin, a molecule that plays a role in energy balance regulation as well as in promoting Th1-type immune responses. Altogether, we show that an apicomplexa parasitic infection influences immune cellular composition of adipose tissue throughout the body as well as adipokine production, still noticed at a chronic phase of infection when parasites were already cleared from that particular tissue. This strengthens the emerging view that infections can have long-term consequences for the physiology of adipose tissue.

Adipose tissue insulin sensitivity and macrophage recruitment: Does PI3K pick the pathway?

In the United States, obesity is a burgeoning health crisis, with over 30% of adults and nearly 20% of children classified as obese. Insulin resistance, a common metabolic complication associated with obesity, significantly increases the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. With the seminal finding that obese adipose tissue harbors cytokine secreting immune cells, obesity-related research over the past decade has focused on understanding adipocyte–macrophage crosstalk and its impact on systemic insulin sensitivity. Indeed, adipose tissue has emerged as a central mediator of obesity- and diet-induced insulin resistance. In this mini-review, we focus on a potential role of adipose tissue phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) as a point of convergence of cellular signaling pathways that integrates nutrient sensing and inflammatory signaling to regulate tissue insulin sensitivity.

Protection from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver tumourigenesis in high fat-fed insulin receptor substrate-1-knockout mice despite insulin resistance

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Epidemiological studies have revealed that obesity and diabetes mellitus are independent risk factors for the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the debate continues on whether insulin resistance as such is directly associated with NASH and liver tumourigenesis. Here, we investigated the incidence of NASH and liver tumourigenesis in Irs1 ( -/- ) mice subjected to a long-term high-fat (HF) diet. Our hypothesis was that hepatic steatosis, rather than insulin resistance may be related to the pathophysiology of these conditions.

METHODS

Mice (8 weeks old, C57Bl/6J) were given free access to standard chow (SC) or an HF diet. The development of NASH and liver tumourigenesis was evaluated after mice had been on the above-mentioned diets for 60 weeks. Similarly, Irs1 ( -/- ) mice were also subjected to an HF diet for 60 weeks.

RESULTS

Long-term HF diet loading, which causes obesity and insulin resistance, was sufficient to induce NASH and liver tumourigenesis in the C57Bl/6J mice. Obesity and insulin resistance were reduced by switching mice from the HF diet to SC, which also protected these mice against the development of NASH and liver tumourigenesis. However, compared with wild-type mice fed the HF diet, Irs1 ( -/- ) mice fed the HF diet were dramatically protected against NASH and liver tumourigenesis despite the presence of severe insulin resistance and marked postprandial hyperglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

IRS-1 inhibition might protect against HF diet-induced NASH and liver tumourigenesis, despite the presence of insulin resistance.

Attenuated Pik3r1 expression prevents insulin resistance and adipose tissue macrophage accumulation in diet-induced obese mice

Obese white adipose tissue (AT) is characterized by large-scale infiltration of proinflammatory macrophages, in parallel with systemic insulin resistance; however, the cellular stimulus that initiates this signaling cascade and chemokine release is still unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) regulatory subunits on AT macrophage (ATM) infiltration in obesity. Here, we find that the Pik3r1 regulatory subunits (i.e., p85α/p55α/p50α) are highly induced in AT from high-fat diet-fed obese mice, concurrent with insulin resistance. Global heterozygous deletion of the Pik3r1 regulatory subunits (αHZ), but not knockout of Pik3r2 (p85β), preserves whole-body, AT, and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, despite severe obesity. Moreover, ATM accumulation, proinflammatory gene expression, and ex vivo chemokine secretion in obese αHZ mice are markedly reduced despite endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, hypoxia, adipocyte hypertrophy, and Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase activation. Furthermore, bone marrow transplant studies reveal that these improvements in obese αHZ mice are independent of reduced Pik3r1 expression in the hematopoietic compartment. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that Pik3r1 expression plays a critical role in mediating AT insulin sensitivity and, more so, suggest that reduced PI3K activity is a key step in the initiation and propagation of the inflammatory response in obese AT.

Role of the liver in glucose homeostasis in PI 3-kinase p85alpha-deficient mice

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) p85alpha-deficient mice exhibit hypoglycemia as a result of increased insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Although PI3K is central to the metabolic actions of insulin, its mechanism of action in liver is not well understood. In the present study, we investigated hepatic insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis in p85alpha-deficient and wild-type mice. In the livers of p85alpha-deficient mice, p50alpha played a compensatory role in insulin-stimulated PI3K activation by binding to insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1/2. In p85alpha-deficient mice, the ratio of p50alpha over p110 catalytic subunit of PI3K in the liver was higher than in the muscles. PI3K activity associated with IRS-1/2 was not affected by the lack of p85alpha in the liver. Insulin-stimulated Akt and phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) activities in the liver were similar in p85alpha-deficient and wild-type mice. A hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study revealed that the glucose infusion rate and the rate of disappearance were higher in p85alpha-deficient mice than in wild-type mice but that endogenous glucose production tended to be higher in p85alpha-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. Consistent with this finding, the expression of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in livers after fasting was higher in p85alpha-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. After mice were fasted, the intrahepatic glucose-6-phosphate level was almost completely depleted in p85alpha-deficient mice. The glycogen content fell to nearly zero as a result of glycogenolysis shortly after the initiation of fasting in p85alpha-deficient mice. The absence of an increase in insulin-stimulated PI3K activation in the liver of p85alpha-deficient mice, unlike the muscles, may be associated with the molecular balance between the regulatory subunit and the catalytic subunit of PI3K. Gluconeogenesis was rather elevated in p85alpha-deficient mice, compared with in wild-type mice, and the liver seemed to partially compensate for the increase in glucose uptake in peripheral tissues.

Growth hormone regulation of p85alpha expression and phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity in adipose tissue: mechanism for growth hormone-mediated insulin resistance

Phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase is involved in insulin-mediated effects on glucose uptake, lipid deposition, and adiponectin secretion from adipocytes. Genetic disruption of the p85alpha regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase increases insulin sensitivity, whereas elevated p85alpha levels are associated with insulin resistance through PI 3-kinase-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Adipose tissue plays a critical role in the antagonistic effects of growth hormone (GH) on insulin actions on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism through changes in gene transcription. The objective of this study was to assess the role of the p85alpha subunit of PI 3-kinase and PI 3-kinase signaling in GH-mediated insulin resistance in adipose tissue. To do this, p85alpha mRNA and protein expression and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1-associated PI 3-kinase activity were measured in white adipose tissue (WAT) of mice with GH excess, deficiency, and sufficiency. Additional studies using 3T3-F442A cells were conducted to confirm direct effects of GH on free p85alpha protein abundance. We found that p85alpha expression 1) is decreased in WAT from mice with isolated GH deficiency, 2) is increased in WAT from mice with chronic GH excess, 3) is acutely upregulated in WAT from GH-deficient and -sufficient mice after GH administration, and 4) is directly upregulated by GH in 3T3-F442A adipocytes. The insulin-induced increase in PI 3-kinase activity was robust in mice with GH deficiency, but not in mice with GH excess. In conclusion, GH regulates p85alpha expression and PI 3-kinase activity in WAT and provides a potential explanation for 1) the insulin hypersensitivity and associated obesity and hyperadiponectinemia of GH-deficient mice and 2) the insulin resistance and associated reduced fat mass and hypoadiponectinemia of mice with GH excess.

The p85alpha regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase potentiates c-Jun N-terminal kinase-mediated insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a defining feature of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. While the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance are multiple, recent evidence suggests that attenuation of insulin signaling by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) may be a central part of the pathobiology of insulin resistance. Here we demonstrate that the p85alpha regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), a key mediator of insulin's metabolic actions, is also required for the activation of JNK in states of insulin resistance, including high-fat diet-induced obesity and JNK1 overexpression. The requirement of the p85alpha regulatory subunit for JNK occurs independently of its role as a component of the PI3K heterodimer and occurs only in response to specific stimuli, namely, insulin and tunicamycin, a chemical that induces endoplasmic reticulum stress. We further show that insulin and p85 activate JNK by via cdc42 and MKK4. The activation of this cdc42/JNK pathway requires both an intact N terminus and functional SH2 domains within the C terminus of the p85alpha regulatory subunit. Thus, p85alpha plays a dual role in regulating insulin sensitivity and may mediate cross talk between the PI3K and stress kinase pathways.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits the amplification of glucocorticoid action in adipose tissue

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts beneficial effects on blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in obese rodents and humans, resembling the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) ligands and opposing those of glucocorticoids; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Glucocorticoids are reactivated locally by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1), which is currently considered as a promising target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Using differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we show that DHEA causes downregulation of 11beta-HSD1 and dose-dependent reduction of its oxoreductase activity. The effects of DHEA were comparable with those of the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone but not additive. Furthermore, DHEA reduced the expression of hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which stimulates the oxoreductase activity of 11beta-HSD1. These findings were confirmed in white adipose tissue and in liver from DHEA-treated C57BL/6J mice. Analysis of the transcription factors involved in the DHEA-dependent regulation of 11beta-HSD1 expression revealed a switch in CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) expression. C/EBPalpha, a potent activator of 11beta-HSD1 gene transcription, was downregulated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in liver and adipose tissue of DHEA-treated mice, whereas C/EBPbeta and C/EBPdelta, attenuating the effect of C/EBPalpha, were unchanged or elevated. Our results further suggest a protective effect of DHEA on adipose tissue by upregulating PPARalpha and downregulating leptin, thereby contributing to the reduced expression of 11beta-HSD1. In summary, we provide evidence that some of the anti-diabetic effects of DHEA may be caused through inhibition of the local amplification of glucocorticoids by 11beta-HSD1 in adipose tissue.

Adiponectin and adiponectin receptors

Metabolic syndrome is thought to result from obesity and obesity-linked insulin resistance. Obesity in adulthood is characterized by adipocyte hypertrophy. Adipose tissue participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis as an important endocrine organ that secretes a number of biologically active "adipokines."Heterozygous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma knockout mice were protected from high-fat diet induced obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and insulin resistance. Systematic gene profiling analysis of these mice revealed that adiponectin/Acrp30 was overexpressed. Functional analyses including generation of adiponectin transgenic or knockout mice have revealed that adiponectin serves as an insulin-sensitizing adipokine. In fact, obesity-linked down-regulation of adiponectin was a mechanism whereby obesity could cause insulin resistance and diabetes. Recently, we have cloned adiponectin receptors in the skeletal muscle (AdipoR1) and liver (AdipoR2), which appear to comprise a novel cell-surface receptor family. We showed that AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 serve as receptors for globular and full-length adiponectin and mediate increased AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha ligand activities, and glucose uptake and fatty-acid oxidation by adiponectin. Obesity decreased expression levels of AdipoR1/R2, thereby reducing adiponectin sensitivity, which finally leads to insulin resistance, the so-called "vicious cycle." Most recently, we showed that osmotin, which is a ligand for the yeast homolog of AdipoR (PHO36), activated AMPK via AdipoR in C2C12 myocytes. This may facilitate efficient development of adiponectin receptor agonists. Adiponectin receptor agonists and adiponectin sensitizers should serve as versatile treatment strategies for obesity-linked diseases such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.