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Zhao L, Zhou J, Chen J, Zhang X, Zhang H, Guo L, Li D, Ning J, Wang X, Jin W, Mai K, Abraham E, Butcher R, Sun J. A chemical signal that promotes insect survival via thermogenesis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2756320. [PMID: 37214941 PMCID: PMC10197781 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2756320/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cold-activated thermogenesis of brown adipose tissues (BAT) is vital for the survival of animals under cold stress and also inhibits the development of tumours. The development of small-molecule tools that target thermogenesis pathways could lead to novel therapies against cold, obesity, and even cancer. Here, we identify a chemical signal that is produced in beetles in the winter to activate fat thermogenesis. This hormone elevates the basal body temperature by increasing cellular mitochondrial density and uncoupling in order to promote beetle survival. We demonstrate that this hormone activates UCP4- mediated uncoupled respiration through adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR). This signal serves as a novel fat-burning activator that utilizes a conserved mechanism to promote thermogenesis not only in beetles, nematode and flies, but also in mice, protecting the mice against cold and tumor growth. This hormone represents a new strategy to manipulate fat thermogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilin Zhao
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Jiao Zhou
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Junxian Chen
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | | | | | | | - Defeng Li
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Jing Ning
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Xinchen Wang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Wanzhu Jin
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Kevin Mai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida
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2
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Coulter AA, Greenway FL, Zhang D, Ghosh S, Coulter CR, James SL, He Y, Cusimano LA, Rebello CJ. Naringenin and β-carotene convert human white adipocytes to a beige phenotype and elevate hormone- stimulated lipolysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1148954. [PMID: 37143734 PMCID: PMC10153092 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Naringenin, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activator found in citrus fruits, upregulates markers of thermogenesis and insulin sensitivity in human adipose tissue. Our pharmacokinetics clinical trial demonstrated that naringenin is safe and bioavailable, and our case report showed that naringenin causes weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity. PPARs form heterodimers with retinoic-X-receptors (RXRs) at promoter elements of target genes. Retinoic acid is an RXR ligand metabolized from dietary carotenoids. The carotenoid β-carotene reduces adiposity and insulin resistance in clinical trials. Our goal was to examine if carotenoids strengthen the beneficial effects of naringenin on human adipocyte metabolism. Methods Human preadipocytes from donors with obesity were differentiated in culture and treated with 8µM naringenin + 2µM β-carotene (NRBC) for seven days. Candidate genes involved in thermogenesis and glucose metabolism were measured as well as hormone-stimulated lipolysis. Results We found that β-carotene acts synergistically with naringenin to boost UCP1 and glucose metabolism genes including GLUT4 and adiponectin, compared to naringenin alone. Protein levels of PPARα, PPARγ and PPARγ-coactivator-1α, key modulators of thermogenesis and insulin sensitivity, were also upregulated after treatment with NRBC. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted and the bioinformatics analyses of the data revealed that NRBC induced enzymes for several non-UCP1 pathways for energy expenditure including triglyceride cycling, creatine kinases, and Peptidase M20 Domain Containing 1 (PM20D1). A comprehensive analysis of changes in receptor expression showed that NRBC upregulated eight receptors that have been linked to lipolysis or thermogenesis including the β1-adrenergic receptor and the parathyroid hormone receptor. NRBC increased levels of triglyceride lipases and agonist-stimulated lipolysis in adipocytes. We observed that expression of RXRγ, an isoform of unknown function, was induced ten-fold after treatment with NRBC. We show that RXRγ is a coactivator bound to the immunoprecipitated PPARγ protein complex from white and beige human adipocytes. Discussion There is a need for obesity treatments that can be administered long-term without side effects. NRBC increases the abundance and lipolytic response of multiple receptors for hormones released after exercise and cold exposure. Lipolysis provides the fuel for thermogenesis, and these observations suggest that NRBC has therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann A. Coulter
- Computational Biology, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Frank L. Greenway
- Clinical Trials, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Dachuan Zhang
- Biostatistics, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Adjunct Faculty, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Cathryn R. Coulter
- Computational Biology, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sarah L. James
- Computational Biology, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Yanlin He
- Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Luke A. Cusimano
- Cusimano Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Candida J. Rebello
- Nutrition and Chronic Disease, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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3
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Zhang S, Jiang Y, Wang X, Zhang H, Gu P, Gong Z, Jiang W, Zhang Y, Zhu Y. The effect of Xuezhikang capsule on gene expression profile in brown adipose tissue of obese spontaneously hypertensive rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 302:115700. [PMID: 36126782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Obesity is a critical threat to global health, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential target for the treatment of obesity and comorbidities. Xuezhikang Capsule (XZK), an extract of red yeast rice, has remarkable clinical efficacy and is widely used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease. However, its modulatory effect on BAT remains unknown. AIM OF THIS STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of XZK in the obese spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model by evaluating the regulatory effect of XZK on the BAT gene profile through transcriptome sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS The SHRs were randomly divided into four groups: the standard chow diet (STD) group, the STD supplemented with 126 mg/kg of XZK group, the high-fat diet (HFD) group, and the HFD supplemented with 126 mg/kg of XZK group. All SHRs were fed for 18 weeks. The metabolic phenotypes, including body weight, fat mass, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and serum glucose and lipid levels, was evaluated, and hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate the adipose tissue histopathological phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to determine the mechanism by which XZK improves the metabolic phenotype and the expression of key differential expression genes was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS XZK inhibited HFD-induced weight gain and adipose tissue remodeling in SHRs and prevented hypertrophy of epididymal adipocytes and maintained the brown fat phenotype. XZK intervention also improved glucose and lipid metabolism in SHRs, as suggested by a reduction in serum triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels as well as increasing in serum high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Transcriptome sequencing analysis confirmed the regulatory effect of XZK on the gene expression profile of BAT, and the expression patterns of 45 genes were reversed by the XZK intervention. Additionally, the results of the transcriptome analysis of 10 genes that are important for brown fat function were in line with the results of qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS XZK protected SHRs from HFD-induced obesity, inhibited fat accumulation and improved glucolipid metabolism. Additionally, the protective effect of XZK on the overall metabolism of obese SHRs might partly be related to its regulatory effect on the BAT gene expression profile. These findings might provide novel therapeutic strategies for obesity-related metabolic diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yuning Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiuming Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhijun Gong
- Departmentt of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210017, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Weimin Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yajie Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Biobank of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, Jiang, PR China.
| | - Yao Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, PR China.
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4
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Kempf E, Landgraf K, Stein R, Hanschkow M, Hilbert A, Abou Jamra R, Boczki P, Herberth G, Kühnapfel A, Tseng YH, Stäubert C, Schöneberg T, Kühnen P, Rayner NW, Zeggini E, Kiess W, Blüher M, Körner A. Aberrant expression of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) as a cause of monogenic severe childhood obesity. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1697-1712. [PMID: 36536132 PMCID: PMC9771800 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00703-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Here we report a heterozygous tandem duplication at the ASIP (agouti signaling protein) gene locus causing ubiquitous, ectopic ASIP expression in a female patient with extreme childhood obesity. The mutation places ASIP under control of the ubiquitously active itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase promoter, driving the generation of ASIP in patient-derived native and induced pluripotent stem cells for all germ layers and hypothalamic-like neurons. The patient's phenotype of early-onset obesity, overgrowth, red hair and hyperinsulinemia is concordant with that of mutant mice ubiquitously expressing the homolog nonagouti. ASIP represses melanocyte-stimulating hormone-mediated activation as a melanocortin receptor antagonist, which might affect eating behavior, energy expenditure, adipocyte differentiation and pigmentation, as observed in the index patient. As the type of mutation escapes standard genetic screening algorithms, we rescreened the Leipzig Childhood Obesity cohort of 1,745 patients and identified four additional patients with the identical mutation, ectopic ASIP expression and a similar phenotype. Taken together, our data indicate that ubiquitous ectopic ASIP expression is likely a monogenic cause of human obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kempf
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Landgraf
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Stein
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martha Hanschkow
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Hilbert
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rami Abou Jamra
- University Medical Center Leipzig, Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paula Boczki
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Kühnapfel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yu-Hua Tseng
- Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Stäubert
- Division of Molecular Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Division of Molecular Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - N William Rayner
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eleftheria Zeggini
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- TUM School of Medicine, Translational Genomics, Technical University of Munich and Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Körner
- University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Center for Pediatric Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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5
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Li JX, Cummins CL. Fresh insights into glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus and new therapeutic directions. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:540-557. [PMID: 35585199 PMCID: PMC9116713 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00683-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones were discovered to have use as potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapeutics in the 1940s and their continued use and development have successfully revolutionized the management of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, long-term use of glucocorticoids is severely hampered by undesirable metabolic complications, including the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These effects occur due to glucocorticoid receptor activation within multiple tissues, which results in inter-organ crosstalk that increases hepatic glucose production and inhibits peripheral glucose uptake. Despite the high prevalence of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia associated with their routine clinical use, treatment protocols for optimal management of the metabolic adverse effects are lacking or underutilized. The type, dose and potency of the glucocorticoid administered dictates the choice of hypoglycaemic intervention (non-insulin or insulin therapy) that should be provided to patients. The longstanding quest to identify dissociated glucocorticoid receptor agonists to separate the hyperglycaemic complications of glucocorticoids from their therapeutically beneficial anti-inflammatory effects is ongoing, with selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators in clinical testing. Promising areas of preclinical research include new mechanisms to disrupt glucocorticoid signalling in a tissue-selective manner and the identification of novel targets that can selectively dissociate the effects of glucocorticoids. These research arms share the ultimate goal of achieving the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids without the metabolic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carolyn L Cummins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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6
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Onogi Y, Ussar S. Regulatory networks determining substrate utilization in brown adipocytes. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:493-506. [PMID: 35491296 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is often considered as a sink for nutrients to generate heat. However, when the complex hormonal and nervous inputs and intracellular signaling networks regulating substrate utilization are considered, BAT appears much more as a tightly controlled rheostat, regulating body temperature and balancing circulating nutrient levels. Here we provide an overview of key regulatory circuits, including the diurnal rhythm, determining glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid utilization and the interdependency of these nutrients in thermogenesis. Moreover, we discuss additional factors mediating sympathetic BAT activation beyond β-adrenergic signaling and the limitations of glucose-based BAT activity measurements to foster a better understanding and interpretation of BAT activity data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Onogi
- RG Adipocytes & Metabolism, Institute for Diabetes & Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Siegfried Ussar
- RG Adipocytes & Metabolism, Institute for Diabetes & Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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7
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Gu YL, Shen W, Li ZP, Zhou B, Lin ZJ, He LP. Skinny people serum factors promote the differentiation of multipotent stem cells into brown adipose tissue. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:314-317. [PMID: 35662859 PMCID: PMC9136561 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i4.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The original study by Alessio et al reported that skinny people (SP) serum can promote the formation of brown adipocytes, but not the differentiation of white adipocytes. This finding may explain why SP do not often become obese, despite consuming more calories than the body needs. More importantly, they demonstrated that circulating factors in SP serum can promote the expression of UCP-1 protein, thereby reducing fat accumulation. In this study, only male serum samples were evaluated to avoid the interference of sex hormones in experiments, but adult males also synthesize estrogen, which is produced by the cells of the testes. At the same time, adult females secrete androgens, and females synthesize androgens that are mainly produced by the adrenal cortex. We believe that the approach of excluding sex hormone interference by sex selection alone may be flawed, so we comment on the article and debate the statistical analysis of the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Long Gu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei Shen
- School of Medicine Taizhou University, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Li
- School of Medicine Taizhou University, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- School of Medicine Taizhou University, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zi-Jun Lin
- School of Medicine Taizhou University, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lian-Ping He
- School of Medicine Taizhou University, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
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8
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Johansen OS, Ma T, Gerhart-Hines Z. Leveraging GPCR signaling in thermogenic fat to counteract metabolic diseases. Mol Metab 2022; 60:101474. [PMID: 35339729 PMCID: PMC9046952 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thermogenic brown and beige adipocytes are recognized for their unique capacity to consume extraordinary levels of metabolites and lipids from the blood to fuel heat-producing catabolic processes [[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]]. In humans, the functions of thermogenic adipocytes are associated with cardiometabolic protection and improved glycemic control [[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]]. Consequently, engaging these macronutrient-consuming and energy-dissipating activities has gained attention as a promising therapeutic strategy for counteracting metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. Scope of review In this review, we highlight new advances in our understanding of the physiological role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in controlling thermogenic adipocyte biology. We further extend our discussion to the opportunities and challenges posed by pharmacologically targeting different elements of GPCR signaling in these highly specialized fat cells. Major conclusions GPCRs represent appealing candidates through which to harness adipose thermogenesis. Yet safely and effectively targeting these druggable receptors on brown and beige adipocytes has thus far proven challenging. Therefore, continued interrogation across the GPCR landscape is necessary for future leaps within the field of thermogenic fat biology to unlock the therapeutic potential of adipocyte catabolism. Brown and beige thermogenic adipocytes robustly consume and catabolize macronutrients. The catabolic activity of thermogenic adipocytes promotes organismal energy balance. Thermogenic adipocyte functions are tightly controlled by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs can be potentially targeted at multiple levels to therapeutically harness thermogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Sveidahl Johansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK
| | - Tao Ma
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK; Embark Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, DK
| | - Zachary Gerhart-Hines
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK; Embark Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, DK; Center for Adipocyte Signaling, Odense, DK.
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9
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Sveidahl Johansen O, Ma T, Hansen JB, Markussen LK, Schreiber R, Reverte-Salisa L, Dong H, Christensen DP, Sun W, Gnad T, Karavaeva I, Nielsen TS, Kooijman S, Cero C, Dmytriyeva O, Shen Y, Razzoli M, O'Brien SL, Kuipers EN, Nielsen CH, Orchard W, Willemsen N, Jespersen NZ, Lundh M, Sustarsic EG, Hallgren CM, Frost M, McGonigle S, Isidor MS, Broholm C, Pedersen O, Hansen JB, Grarup N, Hansen T, Kjær A, Granneman JG, Babu MM, Calebiro D, Nielsen S, Rydén M, Soccio R, Rensen PCN, Treebak JT, Schwartz TW, Emanuelli B, Bartolomucci A, Pfeifer A, Zechner R, Scheele C, Mandrup S, Gerhart-Hines Z. Lipolysis drives expression of the constitutively active receptor GPR3 to induce adipose thermogenesis. Cell 2021; 184:3502-3518.e33. [PMID: 34048700 PMCID: PMC8238500 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Thermogenic adipocytes possess a therapeutically appealing, energy-expending capacity, which is canonically cold-induced by ligand-dependent activation of β-adrenergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here, we uncover an alternate paradigm of GPCR-mediated adipose thermogenesis through the constitutively active receptor, GPR3. We show that the N terminus of GPR3 confers intrinsic signaling activity, resulting in continuous Gs-coupling and cAMP production without an exogenous ligand. Thus, transcriptional induction of Gpr3 represents the regulatory parallel to ligand-binding of conventional GPCRs. Consequently, increasing Gpr3 expression in thermogenic adipocytes is alone sufficient to drive energy expenditure and counteract metabolic disease in mice. Gpr3 transcription is cold-stimulated by a lipolytic signal, and dietary fat potentiates GPR3-dependent thermogenesis to amplify the response to caloric excess. Moreover, we find GPR3 to be an essential, adrenergic-independent regulator of human brown adipocytes. Taken together, our findings reveal a noncanonical mechanism of GPCR control and thermogenic activation through the lipolysis-induced expression of constitutively active GPR3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Sveidahl Johansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Embark Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Adipocyte Signaling, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tao Ma
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Embark Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bondo Hansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Embark Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Kruse Markussen
- Center for Adipocyte Signaling, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Functional Genomics and Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Renate Schreiber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Laia Reverte-Salisa
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hua Dong
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Wenfei Sun
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thorsten Gnad
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Iuliia Karavaeva
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Svava Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sander Kooijman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cheryl Cero
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Oksana Dmytriyeva
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yachen Shen
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Razzoli
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Shannon L O'Brien
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Bio-Imaging Center, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eline N Kuipers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Carsten Haagen Nielsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Nienke Willemsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Naja Zenius Jespersen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Lundh
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elahu Gosney Sustarsic
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Mørch Hallgren
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Frost
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Seth McGonigle
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marie Sophie Isidor
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christa Broholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oluf Pedersen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bo Hansen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Grarup
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Hansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjær
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James G Granneman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - M Madan Babu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; Department of Structural Biology and Center for Data Driven Discovery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Davide Calebiro
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Bio-Imaging Center, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Søren Nielsen
- Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikael Rydén
- Department of Medicine (H7), Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Raymond Soccio
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Patrick C N Rensen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jonas Thue Treebak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thue Walter Schwartz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Embark Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brice Emanuelli
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexander Pfeifer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rudolf Zechner
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Camilla Scheele
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Mandrup
- Center for Adipocyte Signaling, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Functional Genomics and Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Zachary Gerhart-Hines
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Embark Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Adipocyte Signaling, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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10
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Obesity-induced changes in human islet G protein-coupled receptor expression: Implications for metabolic regulation. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 228:107928. [PMID: 34174278 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of cell surface receptors that are the targets for many different classes of pharmacotherapy. The islets of Langerhans are central to appropriate glucose homeostasis through their secretion of insulin, and islet function can be modified by ligands acting at the large number of GPCRs that islets express. The human islet GPCRome is not a static entity, but one that is altered under pathophysiological conditions and, in this review, we have compared expression of GPCR mRNAs in human islets obtained from normal weight range donors, and those with a weight range classified as obese. We have also considered the likely outcomes on islet function that the altered GPCR expression status confers and the possible impact that adipokines, secreted from expanded fat depots, could have at those GPCRs showing altered expression in obesity.
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11
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Neuroendocrine control of appetite and metabolism. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:505-516. [PMID: 33837263 PMCID: PMC8102538 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00597-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Body homeostasis is predominantly controlled by hormones secreted by endocrine organs. The central nervous system contains several important endocrine structures, including the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Conventionally, neurohormones released by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland (hypophysis) have received much attention owing to the unique functions of the end hormones released by their target peripheral organs (e.g., glucocorticoids released by the adrenal glands). Recent advances in mouse genetics have revealed several important metabolic functions of hypothalamic neurohormone-expressing cells, many of which are not readily explained by the action of the corresponding classical downstream hormones. Notably, the newly identified functions are better explained by the action of conventional neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate and GABA) that constitute a neuronal circuit. In this review, we discuss the regulation of appetite and metabolism by hypothalamic neurohormone-expressing cells, with a focus on the distinct contributions of neurohormones and neurotransmitters released by these neurons.
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12
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A physiological glucocorticoid rhythm is an important regulator of brown adipose tissue function. Mol Metab 2021; 47:101179. [PMID: 33548499 PMCID: PMC7907824 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Brown adipose tissue (BAT) displays a strong circadian rhythm in metabolic activity, but it is unclear how this rhythm is regulated. As circulating levels of corticosterone coincide with the rhythm of triglyceride-derived fatty acid (FA) uptake by BAT, we investigated whether corticosterone regulates BAT circadian rhythm. Methods Corticosterone levels were flattened by implanting mice with subcutaneous corticosterone-releasing pellets, resulting in constant circulating corticosterone levels. Results Flattened corticosterone rhythm caused a complete loss of circadian rhythm in triglyceride-derived fatty acid uptake by BAT. This effect was independent of glucocorticoid receptor expression in (brown) adipocytes and was not caused by deregulation of clock gene expression or overexposure to glucocorticoids, but rather seemed mediated by reduced sympathetic innervation of BAT. In a mouse model of hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome, long-term experimental flattening of corticosterone − and thus rhythm in BAT function − resulted in adiposity. Conclusions This study highlights that a physiological rhythm in glucocorticoids is an important regulator of BAT function and essential for the maintenance of metabolic health. Flattening of corticosterone rhythm blunts circadian activity of brown adipose tissue. Disturbed corticosterone rhythm − rather than overexposure− is responsible for blunted brown adipose tissue activity. The metabolic effect of flattened corticosterone levels is independent of adipocyte glucocorticoid receptor expression. Long-term flattening of corticosterone levels results in increased adiposity in a female mouse model for metabolic syndrome.
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13
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A compendium of G-protein-coupled receptors and cyclic nucleotide regulation of adipose tissue metabolism and energy expenditure. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:473-512. [PMID: 32149342 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
With the ever-increasing burden of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, it is generally acknowledged that there remains a need for developing new therapeutics. One potential mechanism to combat obesity is to raise energy expenditure via increasing the amount of uncoupled respiration from the mitochondria-rich brown and beige adipocytes. With the recent appreciation of thermogenic adipocytes in humans, much effort is being made to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate the browning of adipose tissue. In this review, we focus on the ligand-receptor signaling pathways that influence the cyclic nucleotides, cAMP and cGMP, in adipocytes. We chose to focus on G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), guanylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase regulation of adipocytes because they are the targets of a large proportion of all currently available therapeutics. Furthermore, there is a large overlap in their signaling pathways, as signaling events that raise cAMP or cGMP generally increase adipocyte lipolysis and cause changes that are commonly referred to as browning: increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression and respiration.
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14
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Liu T, Mi L, Xiong J, Orchard P, Yu Q, Yu L, Zhao XY, Meng ZX, Parker SCJ, Lin JD, Li S. BAF60a deficiency uncouples chromatin accessibility and cold sensitivity from white fat browning. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2379. [PMID: 32404872 PMCID: PMC7221096 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Brown and beige fat share a remarkably similar transcriptional program that supports fuel oxidation and thermogenesis. The chromatin-remodeling machinery that governs genome accessibility and renders adipocytes poised for thermogenic activation remains elusive. Here we show that BAF60a, a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes, serves an indispensable role in cold-induced thermogenesis in brown fat. BAF60a maintains chromatin accessibility at PPARγ and EBF2 binding sites for key thermogenic genes. Surprisingly, fat-specific BAF60a inactivation triggers more pronounced cold-induced browning of inguinal white adipose tissue that is linked to induction of MC2R, a receptor for the pituitary hormone ACTH. Elevated MC2R expression sensitizes adipocytes and BAF60a-deficient adipose tissue to thermogenic activation in response to ACTH stimulation. These observations reveal an unexpected dichotomous role of BAF60a-mediated chromatin remodeling in transcriptional control of brown and beige gene programs and illustrate a pituitary-adipose signaling axis in the control of thermogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Adipocytes, Brown/drug effects
- Adipocytes, Brown/metabolism
- Adipocytes, Brown/ultrastructure
- Adipose Tissue, Beige/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/drug effects
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue, White/drug effects
- Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/pharmacology
- Animals
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Binding Sites/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Chromatin/genetics
- Chromatin/metabolism
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/deficiency
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/genetics
- Cold Temperature
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha/metabolism
- Thermogenesis/drug effects
- Thermogenesis/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyu Liu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lin Mi
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jing Xiong
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Peter Orchard
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Qi Yu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lei Yu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xu-Yun Zhao
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Zhuo-Xian Meng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Chronic Disease Research Institute of School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Stephen C J Parker
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jiandie D Lin
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Siming Li
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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15
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Borghi F, Silva C, da Silva PC, Ferrucci DL, Morais CL, Conceição-Vertamatti AG, Carvalho HF, Fonseca MDC, Vieira AS, Grassi-Kassisse DM. The influence of hypertensive environment on adipose tissue remodeling measured by fluorescence lifetime imaging in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 506:110758. [PMID: 32057944 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of information correlating low adiposity with hypertension experienced by Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHR) or overweight and normotension in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). We aimed to investigate this lipodystrophy phenomenon by measuring fluorescence lifetime (FLIM), optical redox ratio (ORR), serum levels of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and/or hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) hormones axes between Wistar, WKY and SHR before and after establishment of hypertension. Under high blood pressure, we evaluated serum adipokines. Brown adipose tissue was characterized as lower ORR and shorter FLIM compared to white adipose tissue. HPT axis showed a crucial role in the SHR adipose tissue configuration by attenuating whitening. The increased adiposity in WKY may act as a preventive agent for hypertension, since SHR, with low adiposity, establishes the disease. The hypertensive environment can highlight key adipokines that may result in new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of adiposity dysfunctions and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipy Borghi
- LABEEST, Laboratory of Stress Study, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina Silva
- LABEEST, Laboratory of Stress Study, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscila Cristina da Silva
- LABEEST, Laboratory of Stress Study, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Danilo Lopes Ferrucci
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Lidiane Morais
- LABEEST, Laboratory of Stress Study, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Gabriela Conceição-Vertamatti
- LABEEST, Laboratory of Stress Study, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Hernandes Faustino Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus de Castro Fonseca
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Schwambach Vieira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Dora Maria Grassi-Kassisse
- LABEEST, Laboratory of Stress Study, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Di Somma M, Schaafsma W, Grillo E, Vliora M, Dakou E, Corsini M, Ravelli C, Ronca R, Sakellariou P, Vanparijs J, Castro B, Mitola S. Natural Histogel-Based Bio-Scaffolds for Sustaining Angiogenesis in Beige Adipose Tissue. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111457. [PMID: 31752157 PMCID: PMC6912328 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the treatment of obesity and its related disorders, one of the measures adopted is weight reduction by controlling nutrition and increasing physical activity. A valid alternative to restore the physiological function of the human body could be the increase of energy consumption by inducing the browning of adipose tissue. To this purpose, we tested the ability of Histogel, a natural mixture of glycosaminoglycans isolated from animal Wharton jelly, to sustain the differentiation of adipose derived mesenchymal cells (ADSCs) into brown-like cells expressing UCP-1. Differentiated cells show a higher energy metabolism compared to undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, Histogel acts as a pro-angiogenic matrix, induces endothelial cell proliferation and sprouting in a three-dimensional gel in vitro, and stimulates neovascularization when applied in vivo on top of the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane or injected subcutaneously in mice. In addition to the pro-angiogenic activity of Histogel, also the ADSC derived beige cells contribute to activating endothelial cells. These data led us to propose Histogel as a promising scaffold for the modulation of the thermogenic behavior of adipose tissue. Indeed, Histogel simultaneously supports the acquisition of brown tissue markers and activates the vasculature process necessary for the correct function of the thermogenic tissue. Thus, Histogel represents a valid candidate for the development of bioscaffolds to increase the amount of brown adipose tissue in patients with metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Di Somma
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.S.); (E.G.); (M.V.); (M.C.); (C.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Wandert Schaafsma
- Histocell, S.L.Parque Tecnológico 801A, 2o 48160 Derio—BIZKAIA, Spain; (W.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.S.); (E.G.); (M.V.); (M.C.); (C.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Maria Vliora
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.S.); (E.G.); (M.V.); (M.C.); (C.R.); (R.R.)
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, 38221 Trikala, Greece;
| | - Eleni Dakou
- Laboratory of Cell Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.S.); (E.G.); (M.V.); (M.C.); (C.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.S.); (E.G.); (M.V.); (M.C.); (C.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.S.); (E.G.); (M.V.); (M.C.); (C.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Paraskevi Sakellariou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, 38221 Trikala, Greece;
| | - Jef Vanparijs
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Begona Castro
- Histocell, S.L.Parque Tecnológico 801A, 2o 48160 Derio—BIZKAIA, Spain; (W.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy; (M.D.S.); (E.G.); (M.V.); (M.C.); (C.R.); (R.R.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Kokkinos A, Tsilingiris D, le Roux CW, Rubino F, Mantzoros CS. Will medications that mimic gut hormones or target their receptors eventually replace bariatric surgery? Metabolism 2019; 100:153960. [PMID: 31412266 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2019.153960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective therapeutic modality through which sustained beneficial effects on weight loss and metabolic improvement are achieved. During recent years, indications for bariatric surgery have been expanded to include cases of poorly controlled type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus in lesser extremes of body weight. A spectrum of the beneficial effects of surgery is attributed to robust changes of postprandial gut peptide responses that are observed post operatively. Consolidated knowledge regarding gut peptide physiology as well as emerging new evidence shedding light on the mode of action of previously overlooked gut hormones provide appealing potential obesity and T2DM therapeutic perspectives. The accumulation of evidence from the effect of exogenous administration of native gut peptides alone or in combinations to humans as well as the development of mimetic agents exerting agonistic effects on combinations of gut hormone receptors pave the way for future integrated gut peptide-based treatments, which may mimic the effects of bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kokkinos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Carel W le Roux
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Francesco Rubino
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Diabetes and Nutritional Science Division, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, USA
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18
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Glantschnig C, Mattijssen F, Vogl ES, Ali Khan A, Rios Garcia M, Fischer K, Müller T, Uhlenhaut H, Nawroth P, Scheideler M, Rose AJ, Pellegata N, Herzig S. The glucocorticoid receptor in brown adipocytes is dispensable for control of energy homeostasis. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e48552. [PMID: 31559673 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activity of the glucocorticoid (GC)/glucocorticoid receptor (GR) endocrine system has been linked to obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. Traditionally, the GC/GR axis has been believed to play a crucial role in adipose tissue formation and function in both, white (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). While recent studies have challenged this notion for WAT, the contribution of GC/GR signaling to BAT-dependent energy homeostasis remained unknown. Here, we have generated and characterized a BAT-specific GR-knockout mouse (GRBATKO ), for the first time allowing to genetically interrogate the metabolic impact of BAT-GR. The HPA axis in GRBATKO mice was intact, as was the ability of mice to adapt to cold. BAT-GR was dispensable for the adaptation to fasting-feeding cycles and the development of diet-induced obesity. In obesity, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and food intake remained unchanged, aligning with the absence of changes in thermogenic gene expression. Together, we demonstrate that the GR in UCP1-positive BAT adipocytes plays a negligible role in systemic metabolism and BAT function, thereby opposing a long-standing paradigm in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Glantschnig
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Frits Mattijssen
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Elena Sophie Vogl
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Asrar Ali Khan
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marcos Rios Garcia
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Fischer
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Timo Müller
- Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Metabolic Biochemistry and Genetics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Gene Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Nawroth
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Scheideler
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Adam J Rose
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Natalia Pellegata
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Herzig
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.,Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany
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19
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Luijten IHN, Cannon B, Nedergaard J. Glucocorticoids and Brown Adipose Tissue: Do glucocorticoids really inhibit thermogenesis? Mol Aspects Med 2019; 68:42-59. [PMID: 31323252 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A reduction in the thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is presently discussed as a possible determinant for the development of obesity in humans. One group of endogenous factors that could potentially affect BAT activity is the glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol). We analyse here studies examining the effects of alterations in glucocorticoid signaling on BAT recruitment and thermogenic capacity. We find that irrespective of which manipulation of glucocorticoid signaling is examined, a seemingly homogeneous picture of lowered thermogenic capacity due to glucocorticoid stimulation is apparently obtained: e.g. lowered uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) protein levels per mg protein, and an increased lipid accumulation in BAT. However, further analyses generally indicate that these effects result from a dilution effect rather than a true decrease in total capacity; the tissue may thus be said to be in a state of pseudo-atrophy. However, under conditions of very low physiological stimulation of BAT, glucocorticoids may truly inhibit Ucp1 gene expression and consequently lower total UCP1 protein levels, but the metabolic effects of this reduction are probably minor. It is thus unlikely that glucocorticoids affect organismal metabolism and induce the development of obesity through alterations of BAT activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke H N Luijten
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Barbara Cannon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Nedergaard
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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20
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Caron A, Reynolds RP, Castorena CM, Michael NJ, Lee CE, Lee S, Berdeaux R, Scherer PE, Elmquist JK. Adipocyte Gs but not Gi signaling regulates whole-body glucose homeostasis. Mol Metab 2019; 27:11-21. [PMID: 31279640 PMCID: PMC6717754 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a key regulator of the metabolic and endocrine functions of adipose tissue. Increased SNS outflow promotes fat mobilization, stimulates non-shivering thermogenesis, promotes browning, and inhibits leptin production. Most of these effects are attributed to norepinephrine activation of the Gs-coupled beta adrenergic receptors located on the surface of the adipocytes. Evidence suggests that other adrenergic receptor subtypes, including the Gi-coupled alpha 2 adrenergic receptors might also mediate the SNS effects on adipose tissue. However, the impact of acute stimulation of adipocyte Gs and Gi has never been reported. Methods We harness the power of chemogenetics to develop unique mouse models allowing the specific and spatiotemporal stimulation of adipose tissue Gi and Gs signaling. We evaluated the impact of chemogenetic stimulation of these pathways on glucose homeostasis, lipolysis, leptin production, and gene expression. Results Stimulation of Gs signaling in adipocytes induced rapid and sustained hypoglycemia. These hypoglycemic effects were secondary to increased insulin release, likely consequent to increased lipolysis. Notably, we also observed differences in gene regulation and ex vivo lipolysis in different adipose depots. In contrast, acute stimulation of Gi signaling in adipose tissue did not affect glucose metabolism or lipolysis, but regulated leptin production. Conclusion Our data highlight the significance of adipose Gs signaling in regulating systemic glucose homeostasis. We also found previously unappreciated heterogeneity across adipose depots following acute stimulation. Together, these results highlight the complex interactions of GPCR signaling in adipose tissue and demonstrate the usefulness of chemogenetic technology to better understand adipocyte function. Chemogenetic stimulation of Gs signaling in adipose tissue potently induces hypoglycemia in mice. The magnitude by which adipose Gs stimulation reduces blood glucose is similar to the hypoglycemic effects of insulin. Chemogenetic stimulation of Gs signaling in adipose tissue ex vivo stimulates lipolysis. Chemogenetic stimulation of adipose Gi signaling does not affect glycemia or lipolysis, but increases leptin levels. Our data demonstrate the usefulness of chemogenetic technology to understand adipocytes functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Caron
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Ryan P Reynolds
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Carlos M Castorena
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Natalie J Michael
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Charlotte E Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Syann Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Berdeaux
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases at the Brown Foundation, Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center-UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philipp E Scherer
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joel K Elmquist
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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