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Yan H, He L, Lv D, Yang J, Yuan Z. The Role of the Dysregulated JNK Signaling Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases and Its Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Comprehensive Review. Biomolecules 2024; 14:243. [PMID: 38397480 PMCID: PMC10887252 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
JNK is named after c-Jun N-terminal kinase, as it is responsible for phosphorylating c-Jun. As a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, JNK is also known as stress-activated kinase (SAPK) because it can be activated by extracellular stresses including growth factor, UV irradiation, and virus infection. Functionally, JNK regulates various cell behaviors such as cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and metabolic reprogramming. Dysregulated JNK signaling contributes to several types of human diseases. Although the role of the JNK pathway in a single disease has been summarized in several previous publications, a comprehensive review of its role in multiple kinds of human diseases is missing. In this review, we begin by introducing the landmark discoveries, structures, tissue expression, and activation mechanisms of the JNK pathway. Next, we come to the focus of this work: a comprehensive summary of the role of the deregulated JNK pathway in multiple kinds of diseases. Beyond that, we also discuss the current strategies for targeting the JNK pathway for therapeutic intervention and summarize the application of JNK inhibitors as well as several challenges now faced. We expect that this review can provide a more comprehensive insight into the critical role of the JNK pathway in the pathogenesis of human diseases and hope that it also provides important clues for ameliorating disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Yan
- Department of Ultrasound, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; (H.Y.); (L.H.)
| | - Lanfang He
- Department of Ultrasound, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; (H.Y.); (L.H.)
| | - De Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Zhu Yuan
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
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2
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Gałgańska H, Jarmuszkiewicz W, Gałgański Ł. Carbon dioxide and MAPK signalling: towards therapy for inflammation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:280. [PMID: 37817178 PMCID: PMC10566067 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01306-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, although necessary to fight infections, becomes a threat when it exceeds the capability of the immune system to control it. In addition, inflammation is a cause and/or symptom of many different disorders, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Comorbidities and advanced age are typical predictors of more severe cases of seasonal viral infection, with COVID-19 a clear example. The primary importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the course of COVID-19 is evident in the mechanisms by which cells are infected with SARS-CoV-2; the cytokine storm that profoundly worsens a patient's condition; the pathogenesis of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, that contribute to a worsened prognosis; and post-COVID-19 complications, such as brain fog and thrombosis. An increasing number of reports have revealed that MAPKs are regulated by carbon dioxide (CO2); hence, we reviewed the literature to identify associations between CO2 and MAPKs and possible therapeutic benefits resulting from the elevation of CO2 levels. CO2 regulates key processes leading to and resulting from inflammation, and the therapeutic effects of CO2 (or bicarbonate, HCO3-) have been documented in all of the abovementioned comorbidities and complications of COVID-19 in which MAPKs play roles. The overlapping MAPK and CO2 signalling pathways in the contexts of allergy, apoptosis and cell survival, pulmonary oedema (alveolar fluid resorption), and mechanical ventilation-induced responses in lungs and related to mitochondria are also discussed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Gałgańska
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gałgański
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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3
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Muhammad T, Wan Y, Lv Y, Li H, Naushad W, Chan WY, Lu G, Chen ZJ, Liu H. Maternal obesity: A potential disruptor of female fertility and current interventions to reduce associated risks. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13603. [PMID: 37452501 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, obesity has achieved epidemic levels in reproductive-aged women with a myriad of consequences. Obesity is susceptible to several reproductive complications that eventually affect fertility rates. These complications originate from the deteriorated quality of oocytes from mothers with obesity, which increases the probability of chromosomal aneuploidy, elevated reactive oxygen species production, compromised embryonic developmental competency, and eventually reduced fertility. Maternal obesity is linked to pregnancy complications such as implantation error, abortion, miscarriage, and early pregnancy loss. This review highlights the adverse effects of maternal obesity on female fertility, with a focus on the mechanistic link between maternal obesity and oocyte quality and discusses possible measures to reduce its associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Muhammad
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Yanling Wan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yue Lv
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Hanzhen Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wasifa Naushad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Gang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
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Ding R, Pan Y, Chen K, Zou T, Zhang A, Guo D, Ji P, Fan C, Ye B, Xiang M. Spatio-temporal pattern of c-Jun N-terminal kinase isoforms in the cochleae of C57BL/6J mice with presbycusis. Hear Res 2023; 434:108784. [PMID: 37172415 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is a vital component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, which regulates cell death and survival. The present study aimed to explore the Spatio-temporal changes in all JNK isoforms in the cochleae of C57/BL6J mice with age-related hearing loss. Changes in the three isoforms of JNKs in the cochleae of an animal model with presbycusis and the senescent HEI-OC1 cell line were tested by immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting. Our results demonstrated that all three JNK isoforms are distributed in the cochleae, and the expression patterns of JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3 differed in hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons, and stria vascularis, with great significance in the cochleae of adult C57BL/6J mice. The levels of JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3 showed various spatio-temporal changes in the aging mice. In a senescent hair cell model, changes in JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3 expression levels were similar to those observed in the cochleae. Our study is the first to show that JNK3 is highly expressed in the hair cells of C57BL/6J mice and further increases in conjunction with age-related hearing loss, suggesting that it may play a more critical role than previously believed in hair cell loss and spiral ganglion degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ding
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaili Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyuan Zou
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andi Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongye Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peilin Ji
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingliang Xiang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Jin L, Wang M, Yang B, Ye L, Zhu W, Zhang Q, Lou S, Zhang Y, Luo W, Liang G. A small-molecule JNK inhibitor JM-2 attenuates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109587. [PMID: 36565558 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been deemed a leading cause of end-stage liver disease. As a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Here, we identified a novel JNK inhibitor, JM-2, and evaluated its therapeutic effects against NAFLD both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS In vitro, JNK was blocked by JM-2 in PA-challenged hepatocytes. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 6 months to develop NAFLD. Mice were treated with JM-2 by intragastric administration. RESULTS In primary hepatocytes and AML-12 cells, JM-2 treatment significantly suppressed palmitic acid (PA)-induced JNK activation and PA-induced inflammation and cell apoptosis. In addition, JM-2 restricted the production of fibrosis- and lipid metabolism-related genes in PA-challenged hepatocytes. We evaluated the curative effect of JM-2 against NAFLD using a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse model. Based on our findings, JM-2 administration significantly protected the mouse liver from HFD-induced inflammation, lipid accumulation, fibrosis, and apoptosis, accompanied with reduced JNK phosphorylation in the liver tissue. CONCLUSION JM-2 affords a significant protective effect against HFD-induced NAFLD by inhibiting JNK activation and is potential to be developed as a candidate drug for NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiming Jin
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Minxiu Wang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Weiwei Zhu
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Qianhui Zhang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Shuaijie Lou
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
| | - Wu Luo
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China.
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Signaling pathways in obesity: mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:298. [PMID: 36031641 PMCID: PMC9420733 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and global public health challenge. Characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body, obesity sharply increases the risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and is linked to lower life expectancy. Although lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise) has remarkable effects on weight management, achieving long-term success at weight loss is extremely challenging, and the prevalence of obesity continues to rise worldwide. Over the past decades, the pathophysiology of obesity has been extensively investigated, and an increasing number of signal transduction pathways have been implicated in obesity, making it possible to fight obesity in a more effective and precise way. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the pathogenesis of obesity from both experimental and clinical studies, focusing on signaling pathways and their roles in the regulation of food intake, glucose homeostasis, adipogenesis, thermogenesis, and chronic inflammation. We also discuss the current anti-obesity drugs, as well as weight loss compounds in clinical trials, that target these signals. The evolving knowledge of signaling transduction may shed light on the future direction of obesity research, as we move into a new era of precision medicine.
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Busquets O, Espinosa-Jiménez T, Ettcheto M, Olloquequi J, Bulló M, Carro E, Cantero JL, Casadesús G, Folch J, Verdaguer E, Auladell C, Camins A. JNK1 and JNK3: divergent functions in hippocampal metabolic-cognitive function. Mol Med 2022; 28:48. [PMID: 35508978 PMCID: PMC9066854 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim The appearance of alterations in normal metabolic activity has been increasingly considered a risk factor for the development of sporadic and late-onset neurodegenerative diseases. In this report, we induced chronic metabolic stress by feeding of a high-fat diet (HFD) in order to study its consequences in cognition. We also studied the effects of a loss of function of isoforms 1 and 3 of the c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNK), stress and cell death response elements. Methods Animals were fed either with conventional chow or with HFD, from their weaning until their sacrifice at 9 months. Before sacrifice, body weight, intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance test (IP-GTT and IP‑ITT) were performed to evaluate peripheral biometrics. Additionally, cognitive behavioral tests and analysis of spine density were performed to assess cognitive function. Molecular studies were carried out to confirm the effects of metabolic stressors in the hippocampus relative to cognitive loss. Results Our studies demonstrated that HFD in Jnk3−/− lead to synergetic responses. Loss of function of JNK3 led to increased body weight, especially when exposed to an HFD and they had significantly decreased response to insulin. These mice also showed increased stress in the endoplasmic reticulum and diminished cognitive capacity. However, loss of function of JNK1 promoted normal or heightened energetic metabolism and preserved cognitive function even when chronically metabolically stressed. Conclusions Downregulation of JNK3 does not seem to be a suitable target for the modulation of energetic-cognitive dysregulations while loss of function of JNK1 seems to promote a good metabolic-cognitive profile, just like resistance to the negative effects of chronic feeding with HFD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00471-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Busquets
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacy and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, University Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neurosciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, 10461, USA
| | - Triana Espinosa-Jiménez
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacy and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacy and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, University Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Olloquequi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Mònica Bulló
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, University Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan de Reus, 43204, Reus, Spain.,CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Carro
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Cantero
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Gemma Casadesús
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Jaume Folch
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, University Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Biology Faculty, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacy and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centre for Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
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Sarangi M, Dus M. Crème de la Créature: Dietary Influences on Behavior in Animal Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:746299. [PMID: 34658807 PMCID: PMC8511460 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.746299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, alterations in cognitive, motivated, and affective behaviors have been described with consumption of processed diets high in refined sugars and saturated fats and with high body mass index, but the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of these changes remain poorly understood. Animal models have provided an opportunity to answer these questions and illuminate the ways in which diet composition, especially high-levels of added sugar and saturated fats, contribute to brain physiology, plasticity, and behavior. Here we review findings from invertebrate (flies) and vertebrate models (rodents, zebrafish) that implicate these diets with changes in multiple behaviors, including eating, learning and memory, and motivation, and discuss limitations, open questions, and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Dus
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Huang Y, Lin X, Lin S. Neuropeptide Y and Metabolism Syndrome: An Update on Perspectives of Clinical Therapeutic Intervention Strategies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695623. [PMID: 34307371 PMCID: PMC8299562 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Through the past decade of research, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome have been suggested to involve not only the peripheral tissues, but also central metabolic regulation imbalances. The hypothalamus, and the arcuate nucleus in particular, is the control center for metabolic homeostasis and energy balance. Neuropeptide Y neurons are particularly abundantly expressed in the arcuate of the hypothalamus, where the blood-brain barrier is weak, such as to critically integrate peripheral metabolic signals with the brain center. Herein, focusing on metabolic syndrome, this manuscript aims to provide an overview of the regulatory effects of Neuropeptide Y on metabolic syndrome and discuss clinical intervention strategy perspectives for neurometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinqiong Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xiahong Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.,Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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10
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Garg R, Kumariya S, Katekar R, Verma S, Goand UK, Gayen JR. JNK signaling pathway in metabolic disorders: An emerging therapeutic target. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 901:174079. [PMID: 33812885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic Syndrome is a multifactorial disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, etc. Various stress stimuli such as reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased cytokines, or free fatty acids are known to aggravate progressive development of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Although the exact mechanism contributing to altered metabolism is unclear. Evidence suggests stress kinase role to be a crucial one in metabolic syndrome. Stress kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase activation (JNK) is involved in various metabolic manifestations including obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease as well as cardiometabolic disorders. It emerged as a foremost mediator in regulating metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue as well as pancreatic β cells. It has three isoforms each having a unique and tissue-specific role in altered metabolism. Current findings based on genetic manipulation or chemical inhibition studies identified JNK isoforms to play a central role in the regulation of whole-body metabolism, suggesting it to be a novel therapeutic target. Hence, it is imperative to elucidate its role in metabolic syndrome onset and progression. The purpose of this review is to elucidate in vitro and in vivo implications of JNK signaling along with the therapeutic strategy to inhibit specific isoform. Since metabolic syndrome is an array of diseases and complex pathway, carefully examining each tissue will be important for specific treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Garg
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sanjana Kumariya
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Roshan Katekar
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Saurabh Verma
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Umesh K Goand
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Jiaur R Gayen
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, 226031, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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11
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Mazzoli A, Sardi C, Breasson L, Theilig F, Becattini B, Solinas G. JNK1 ablation improves pancreatic β-cell mass and function in db/db diabetic mice without affecting insulin sensitivity and adipose tissue inflammation. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:94-107. [PMID: 33615154 PMCID: PMC7876705 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cJun N‐terminal Kinases (JNK) emerged as a major link between obesity and insulin resistance, but their role in the loss of pancreatic β‐cell mass and function driving the progression from insulin resistance to type‐2 diabetes and in the complications of diabetes was not investigated to the same extent. Furthermore, it was shown that pan‐JNK inhibition exacerbates kidney damage in the db/db model of obesity‐driven diabetes. Here we investigate the role of JNK1 in the db/db model of obesity‐driven type‐2 diabetes. Mice with systemic ablation of JNK1 (JNK1−/−) were backcrossed for more than 10 generations in db/+ C57BL/KS mice to generate db/db‐JNK1−/− mice and db/db control mice. To define the role of JNK1 in the loss of β‐cell mass and function occurring during obesity‐driven diabetes we performed comprehensive metabolic phenotyping, evaluated steatosis and metabolic inflammation, performed morphometric and cellular composition analysis of pancreatic islets, and evaluated kidney function in db/db‐JNK1−/− mice and db/db controls. db/db‐JNK1−/− mice and db/db control mice developed insulin resistance, fatty liver, and metabolic inflammation to a similar extent. However, db/db‐JNK1−/− mice displayed better glucose tolerance and improved insulin levels during glucose tolerance test, higher pancreatic insulin content, and larger pancreatic islets with more β‐cells than db/db mice. Finally, albuminuria, kidney histopathology, kidney inflammation and oxidative stress in db/db‐JNK1−/− mice and in db/db mice were similar. Our data indicate that selective JNK1 ablation improves glucose tolerance in db/db mice by reducing the loss of functional β‐cells occurring in the db/db mouse model of obesity‐driven diabetes, without significantly affecting metabolic inflammation, steatosis, and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, we have found that, differently from what previously reported for pan‐JNK inhibitors, selective JNK1 ablation does not exacerbate kidney dysfunction in db/db mice. We conclude that selective JNK1 inactivation may have a superior therapeutic index than pan‐JNK inhibition in obesity‐driven diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Mazzoli
- The Wallenberg Laboratory and Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine Institute of Medicine University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Claudia Sardi
- The Wallenberg Laboratory and Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine Institute of Medicine University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Ludovic Breasson
- The Wallenberg Laboratory and Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine Institute of Medicine University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Franziska Theilig
- Institute of Anatomy Christian Albrechts-University Kiel Kiel Germany
| | - Barbara Becattini
- The Wallenberg Laboratory and Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine Institute of Medicine University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Giovanni Solinas
- The Wallenberg Laboratory and Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine Institute of Medicine University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
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12
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Abstract
Obesity, which has long since reached epidemic proportions worldwide, is associated with long-term stress to a variety of organs and results in diseases including type 2 diabetes. In the brain, overnutrition induces hypothalamic stress associated with the activation of several signalling pathways, together with central insulin and leptin resistance. This central action of nutrient overload appears very rapidly, suggesting that nutrition-induced hypothalamic stress is a major upstream initiator of obesity and associated diseases. The cellular response to nutrient overload includes the activation of the stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3, which are widely expressed in the brain. Here, we review recent findings on the regulation and effects of these kinases, with particular focus on the hypothalamus, a key brain region in the control of energy and glucose homeostasis. JNK1 blocks the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, reducing energy expenditure and promoting obesity. Recently, opposing roles have been identified for JNK1 and JNK3 in hypothalamic agouti gene-related protein (AgRP) neurons: while JNK1 activation in AgRP neurons induces feeding and weight gain and impairs insulin and leptin signalling, JNK3 (also known as MAPK10) deletion in the same neuronal population produces very similar effects. The opposing roles of these kinases, and the unknown role of hypothalamic JNK2, reflect the complexity of JNK biology. Future studies should address the specific function of each kinase, not only in different neuronal subsets, but also in non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system. Decoding the puzzle of brain stress kinases will help to define the central stimuli and mechanisms implicated in the control of energy balance. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Nogueiras
- Department of Physiology, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Sabio
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Han MS, Perry RJ, Camporez JP, Scherer PE, Shulman GI, Gao G, Davis RJ. A feed-forward regulatory loop in adipose tissue promotes signaling by the hepatokine FGF21. Genes Dev 2020; 35:133-146. [PMID: 33334822 PMCID: PMC7778269 DOI: 10.1101/gad.344556.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Han et al. demonstrate that JNK signaling in adipocytes causes an increased circulating concentration of the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) that regulates systemic metabolism. This regulatory loop represents a novel signaling paradigm that connects autocrine and endocrine signaling modes of the same hormone in different tissues. The cJun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway is activated by metabolic stress and promotes the development of metabolic syndrome, including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. This integrated physiological response involves cross-talk between different organs. Here we demonstrate that JNK signaling in adipocytes causes an increased circulating concentration of the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) that regulates systemic metabolism. The mechanism of organ crosstalk is mediated by a feed-forward regulatory loop caused by JNK-regulated FGF21 autocrine signaling in adipocytes that promotes increased expression of the adipokine adiponectin and subsequent hepatic expression of the hormone FGF21. The mechanism of organ cross-talk places circulating adiponectin downstream of autocrine FGF21 expressed by adipocytes and upstream of endocrine FGF21 expressed by hepatocytes. This regulatory loop represents a novel signaling paradigm that connects autocrine and endocrine signaling modes of the same hormone in different tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Sook Han
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Rachel J Perry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - João-Paulo Camporez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Philipp E Scherer
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Gerald I Shulman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Roger J Davis
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
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14
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Ferrer B, Prince LM, Tinkov AA, Santamaria A, Bowman AB, Aschner M. Chronic exposure to methylmercury disrupts ghrelin actions in C57BL/6J mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 147:111918. [PMID: 33301842 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxic pollutant widely present in the environment. Initial symptoms of MeHg may include loss of body weight. However, the mechanisms by which MeHg induces body weight changes have yet to be fully elucidated. Body weight is regulated by multiple mechanisms. Whereas multiple peripheral peptides lead to food intake cessation, ghrelin is the only recognized peripheral hormone that stimulates food intake. It exerts its action on Neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide neurons in the hypothalamus. To test if MeHg affects ghrelin signaling C57BL/6J mice (males and females) were exposed to 5 ppm MeHg via drinking water during a month. On days 15 and 30 of MeHg exposure ghrelin was administered intraperitoneally and changes in body weight and food intake were recorded. In addition, changes in ghrelin-induced signaling pathways in hypothalamus were also analyzed. Here, we show that in males, MeHg enhanced ghrelin-induced body weight gain by activating the AMP-activated Kinase (AMPK)/Uncoupled protein 2 (UCP2) signaling pathway. In contrast, in females, MeHg inhibited ghrelin-induced mTOR signaling activation and decreased Npy mRNA expression, thus mitigating the ghrelin-induced weight gain. Combined, our novel results demonstrate, for the first time, that MeHg disrupts the physiological functions of ghrelin differently in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ferrer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Lisa M Prince
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems and Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia.
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia.
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15
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Huang R, Song T, Su H, Lai Z, Qin W, Tian Y, Dong X, Wang L. High-fat diet enhances starvation-induced hyperactivity via sensitizing hunger-sensing neurons in Drosophila. eLife 2020; 9:e53103. [PMID: 32324135 PMCID: PMC7274782 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of the central nervous system to regulate food intake can be disrupted by sustained metabolic challenges such as high-fat diet (HFD), which may contribute to various metabolic disorders. Previously, we showed that a group of octopaminergic (OA) neurons mediated starvation-induced hyperactivity, an important aspect of food-seeking behavior (Yu et al., 2016). Here we find that HFD specifically enhances this behavior. Mechanistically, HFD increases the excitability of these OA neurons to a hunger hormone named adipokinetic hormone (AKH), via increasing the accumulation of AKH receptor (AKHR) in these neurons. Upon HFD, excess dietary lipids are transported by a lipoprotein LTP to enter these OA+AKHR+ neurons via the cognate receptor LpR1, which in turn suppresses autophagy-dependent degradation of AKHR. Taken together, we uncover a mechanism that links HFD, neuronal autophagy, and starvation-induced hyperactivity, providing insight in the reshaping of neural circuitry under metabolic challenges and the progression of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Huang
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University & Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College, Chongqing UniversityChongqingChina
- Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | | | - Haifeng Su
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Zeliang Lai
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University & Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College, Chongqing UniversityChongqingChina
- Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Wusa Qin
- Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Yinjun Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xuan Dong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Liming Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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16
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Abstract
Obesity is associated with a chronic state of low-grade inflammation and progressive tissue infiltration by immune cells and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. It is established that interleukin 6 (IL6) regulates multiple aspects of metabolism, including glucose disposal, lipolysis, oxidative metabolism, and energy expenditure. IL6 is secreted by many tissues, but the role of individual cell types is unclear. We tested the role of specific cells using a mouse model with conditional expression of the Il6 gene. We found that IL6 derived from adipocytes increased, while IL6 derived from myeloid cells and muscle suppressed, macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue. These opposite actions were associated with a switch of IL6 signaling from a canonical mode (myeloid cells) to a noncanonical trans-signaling mode (adipocytes and muscle) with increased expression of the ADAM10/17 metalloprotease that promotes trans-signaling by the soluble IL6 receptor α. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the source of IL6 production plays a major role in the physiological regulation of metabolism.
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17
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Role of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases (JNKs) in Epilepsy and Metabolic Cognitive Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010255. [PMID: 31905931 PMCID: PMC6981493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that the regulatory function of the different c-Jun N-terminal kinases isoforms (JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3) play an essential role in neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and metabolic-cognitive alterations. Accordingly, JNKs have emerged as suitable therapeutic strategies. In fact, it has been demonstrated that some unspecific JNK inhibitors exert antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects, albeit they usually show high toxicity or lack therapeutic value. In this sense, natural specific JNK inhibitors, such as Licochalcone A, are promising candidates. Nonetheless, research on the understanding of the role of each of the JNKs remains mandatory in order to progress on the identification of new selective JNK isoform inhibitors. In the present review, a summary on the current gathered data on the role of JNKs in pathology is presented, as well as a discussion on their potential role in pathologies like epilepsy and metabolic-cognitive injury. Moreover, data on the effects of synthetic small molecule inhibitors that modulate JNK-dependent pathways in the brain and peripheral tissues is reviewed.
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18
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Neural JNK3 regulates blood flow recovery after hindlimb ischemia in mice via an Egr1/Creb1 axis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4223. [PMID: 31530804 PMCID: PMC6748991 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases related to impaired blood flow such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) impact nearly 10 million people in the United States alone, yet patients with clinical manifestations of PAD (e.g., claudication and limb ischemia) have limited treatment options. In ischemic tissues, stress kinases such as c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), are activated. Here, we show that inhibition of the JNK3 (Mapk10) in the neural compartment strikingly potentiates blood flow recovery from mouse hindlimb ischemia. JNK3 deficiency leads to upregulation of growth factors such as Vegfa, Pdgfb, Pgf, Hbegf and Tgfb3 in ischemic muscle by activation of the transcription factors Egr1/Creb1. JNK3 acts through Forkhead box O3 (Foxo3a) to suppress the activity of Egr1/Creb1 transcription regulators in vitro. In JNK3-deficient cells, Foxo3a is suppressed which leads to Egr1/Creb1 activation and upregulation of downstream growth factors. Collectively, these data suggest that the JNK3-Foxo3a-Egr1/Creb1 axis coordinates the vascular remodeling response in peripheral ischemia. Stress kinases are activated in peripheral ischemic tissues in the presence of vascular diseases. Here the authors show that inhibition of the neural JNK3 kinase improves recovery from hind limb ischemia in animals through activation of the transcription factors Egr1/Creb1 and upregulation of growth factors.
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19
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JNK and cardiometabolic dysfunction. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190267. [PMID: 31270248 PMCID: PMC6639461 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) describes the cluster of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases that are generally characterized by impaired glucose tolerance, intra-abdominal adiposity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. CMS currently affects more than 25% of the world’s population and the rates of diseases are rapidly rising. These CMS conditions represent critical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the underlying signaling involved in disease onset and progression. The c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs) are a family of stress signaling kinases that have been recently indicated in CMS. The purpose of this review is to examine the in vivo implications of JNK as a potential therapeutic target for CMS. As the constellation of diseases associated with CMS are complex and involve multiple tissues and environmental triggers, carefully examining what is known about the JNK pathway will be important for specificity in treatment strategies.
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20
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Busquets O, Eritja À, López BM, Ettcheto M, Manzine PR, Castro-Torres RD, Verdaguer E, Olloquequi J, Vázquez-Carrera M, Auladell C, Folch J, Camins A. Role of brain c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 in the control of the insulin receptor and its relationship with cognitive performance in a high-fat diet pre-clinical model. J Neurochem 2019; 149:255-268. [PMID: 30734928 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance has negative consequences on the physiological functioning of the nervous system. The appearance of type 3 diabetes in the brain leads to the development of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease. The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), a subfamily of the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases, are enzymes composed by three different isoforms with differential modulatory activity against the insulin receptor (IR) and its substrate. This research focused on understanding the regulatory role of JNK2 on the IR, as well as study the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) in the brain. Our observations determined how JNK2 ablation did not induce compensatory responses in the expression of the other isoforms but led to an increase in JNKs total activity. HFD-fed animals also showed an increased activity profile of the JNKs. These animals also displayed endoplasmic reticulum stress and up-regulation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 protein. Consequently, a reduction in insulin sensitivity was detected and it is correlated with a decrease on the signalling of the IR. Moreover, cognitive impairment was observed in all groups but only wild-type genotype animals fed with HFD showed neuroinflammatory responses. In conclusion, HFD and JNK2 absence cause alterations in normal cognitive activity by altering the signalling of the IR. These affectations are related to the appearance of endoplasmic reticulum stress and an increase in the levels of inhibitory proteins like PTP1B and suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 protein. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14502.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Busquets
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àuria Eritja
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca M López
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia R Manzine
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Gerontology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rubén D Castro-Torres
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, C.U.C.B.A., Universidad de Guadalajara y División de Neurociencias, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Olloquequi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Manuel Vázquez-Carrera
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Folch
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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p53 in AgRP neurons is required for protection against diet-induced obesity via JNK1. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3432. [PMID: 30143607 PMCID: PMC6109113 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05711-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
p53 is a well-known tumor suppressor that has emerged as an important player in energy balance. However, its metabolic role in the hypothalamus remains unknown. Herein, we show that mice lacking p53 in agouti-related peptide (AgRP), but not proopiomelanocortin (POMC) or steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) neurons, are more prone to develop diet-induced obesity and show reduced brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic activity. AgRP-specific ablation of p53 resulted in increased hypothalamic c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity before the mice developed obesity, and central inhibition of JNK reversed the obese phenotype of these mice. The overexpression of p53 in the ARC or specifically in AgRP neurons of obese mice decreased body weight and stimulated BAT thermogenesis, resulting in body weight loss. Finally, p53 in AgRP neurons regulates the ghrelin-induced food intake and body weight. Overall, our findings provide evidence that p53 in AgRP neurons is required for normal adaptations against diet-induced obesity. Emerging studies suggest that p53 is an important regulator of energy metabolism, yet there is little known about the metabolic function of this tumor suppressor in the hypothalamus. Here, authors illustrate that p53, specifically in AgRP neurons, is required for adaptation to diet-induced obesity.
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Abstract
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone, which contributes to the homeostatic regulation of energy balance and metabolism through humoral and neural pathways. Leptin acts on the neurons in certain brain areas such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and brain stem to regulate food intake, thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and homeostasis of glucose/lipid metabolism. The pathologically increased circulating leptin is a biomarker of leptin resistance, which is common in obese individuals. Leptin resistance is defined by a reduced sensitivity or a failure in response of the brain to leptin, showing a decrease in the ability of leptin to suppress appetite or enhance energy expenditure, which causes an increased food intake and finally leads to overweight, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other metabolic disorders. Leptin resistance is a challenge for clinical treatment or drug discovery of obesity. Until recently, emerging evidence has been showing novel mechanisms of the leptin resistance. Here, we summarized the advances and controversy of leptin resistance and associated diseases, for better understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of leptin as well as the new strategies for treating obesity and metabolic disorders.
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Ciobanu O, Elena Sandu R, Tudor Balseanu A, Zavaleanu A, Gresita A, Petcu EB, Uzoni A, Popa‐Wagner A. Caloric restriction stabilizes body weight and accelerates behavioral recovery in aged rats after focal ischemia. Aging Cell 2017; 16:1394-1403. [PMID: 28961383 PMCID: PMC5676058 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and hyperinsulinemia are risk factors for stroke. We tested the hypothesis that caloric restriction, which reduces the incidence of age‐related obesity and metabolic syndrome, may represent an efficient and cost‐effective strategy for preventing stroke and its devastating consequences. To this end, we placed aged, obese Sprague‐Dawley aged rats on a calorie‐restricted diet for 8 weeks prior to the experimental infarction. Stroke in this animal model caused a progressive decrease in weight that reached a minimum at day 6 for the young rats, and at day 10 for the aged, ad libitum‐fed rats. However, in aged animals that were calorie‐restricted prior to stroke, body weight did not decrease after stroke, but we noted accelerated body weight gain shortly thereafter starting at day 5 poststroke. Moreover, calorie‐restricted aged animals showed improved behavioral recovery in tasks requiring complex sensorimotor skills, or in tasks requiring cutaneous sensitivity and sensorimotor integration or spatial memory. Likewise, calorie‐restricted aged rats showed significant poststroke increases in serum glucose, insulin, and IGF1 levels, as well as CR‐specific changes in the expression of gene transcripts involved in glycogen metabolism, IGF signaling, apoptosis, arteriogenesis, and hypoxia. In conclusion, our study shows that recovery from stroke is enhanced in aged rats by a dietary regimen that reduces body weight prior to infarct.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raluca Elena Sandu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova Neurobiology of Aging Group Craiova Romania
| | - Adrian Tudor Balseanu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova Neurobiology of Aging Group Craiova Romania
| | - Alexandra Zavaleanu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova Neurobiology of Aging Group Craiova Romania
| | - Andrei Gresita
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova Neurobiology of Aging Group Craiova Romania
| | - Eugen Bogdan Petcu
- University Psychiatric Center Basel Switzerland
- Griffith University School of Medicine Gold Coast Campus Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - Adriana Uzoni
- Department of Psychiatry Aging & Psychiatric Disorders Group University of Medicine Rostock Rostock Germany
| | - Aurel Popa‐Wagner
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova Neurobiology of Aging Group Craiova Romania
- Griffith University School of Medicine Gold Coast Campus Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
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Pharmacological Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Reduces Food Intake and Sensitizes Leptin's Anorectic Signaling Actions. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41795. [PMID: 28165482 PMCID: PMC5292945 DOI: 10.1038/srep41795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The role for c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) in the control of feeding and energy balance is not well understood. Here, by use of novel and highly selective JNK inhibitors, we investigated the actions of JNK in the control of feeding and body weight homeostasis. In lean mice, intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of SR-3306, a brain-penetrant and selective pan-JNK (JNK1/2/3) inhibitor, reduced food intake and body weight. Moreover, i.p. and i.c.v. administrations of SR11935, a brain-penetrant and JNK2/3 isoform-selective inhibitor, exerted similar anorectic effects as SR3306, which suggests JNK2 or JNK3 mediates aspect of the anorectic effect by pan-JNK inhibition. Furthermore, daily i.p. injection of SR3306 (7 days) prevented the increases in food intake and weight gain in lean mice upon high-fat diet feeding, and this injection paradigm reduced high-fat intake and obesity in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. In the DIO mice, JNK inhibition sensitized leptin’s anorectic effect, and enhanced leptin-induced STAT3 activation in the hypothalamus. The underlying mechanisms likely involve the downregulation of SOCS3 by JNK inhibition. Collectively, our data suggest that JNK activity promotes positive energy balance, and the therapeutic intervention inhibiting JNK activities represents a promising approach to ameliorate diet-induced obesity and leptin resistance.
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Solinas G, Becattini B. JNK at the crossroad of obesity, insulin resistance, and cell stress response. Mol Metab 2016; 6:174-184. [PMID: 28180059 PMCID: PMC5279903 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cJun-N-terminal-kinase (JNK) plays a central role in the cell stress response, with outcomes ranging from cell death to cell proliferation and survival, depending on the specific context. JNK is also one of the most investigated signal transducers in obesity and insulin resistance, and studies have identified new molecular mechanisms linking obesity and insulin resistance. Emerging evidence indicates that whereas JNK1 and JNK2 isoforms promote the development of obesity and insulin resistance, JNK3 activity protects from excessive adiposity. Furthermore, current evidence indicates that JNK activity within specific cell types may, in specific stages of disease progression, promote cell tolerance to the stress associated with obesity and type-2 diabetes. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review provides an overview of the current literature on the role of JNK in the progression from obesity to insulin resistance, NAFLD, type-2 diabetes, and diabetes complications. MAJOR CONCLUSION Whereas current evidence indicates that JNK1/2 inhibition may improve insulin sensitivity in obesity, the role of JNK in the progression from insulin resistance to diabetes, and its complications is largely unresolved. A better understanding of the role of JNK in the stress response to obesity and type-2 diabetes, and the development of isoform-specific inhibitors with specific tissue distribution will be necessary to exploit JNK as possible drug target for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Solinas
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Barbara Becattini
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
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