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McLelland GL, Lopez-Osias M, Verzijl CRC, Ellenbroek BD, Oliveira RA, Boon NJ, Dekker M, van den Hengel LG, Ali R, Janssen H, Song JY, Krimpenfort P, van Zutphen T, Jonker JW, Brummelkamp TR. Identification of an alternative triglyceride biosynthesis pathway. Nature 2023; 621:171-178. [PMID: 37648867 PMCID: PMC10482677 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the main source of stored energy in the body, providing an important substrate pool for mitochondrial beta-oxidation. Imbalances in the amount of TAGs are associated with obesity, cardiac disease and various other pathologies1,2. In humans, TAGs are synthesized from excess, coenzyme A-conjugated fatty acids by diacylglycerol O-acyltransferases (DGAT1 and DGAT2)3. In other organisms, this activity is complemented by additional enzymes4, but whether such alternative pathways exist in humans remains unknown. Here we disrupt the DGAT pathway in haploid human cells and use iterative genetics to reveal an unrelated TAG-synthesizing system composed of a protein we called DIESL (also known as TMEM68, an acyltransferase of previously unknown function) and its regulator TMX1. Mechanistically, TMX1 binds to and controls DIESL at the endoplasmic reticulum, and loss of TMX1 leads to the unconstrained formation of DIESL-dependent lipid droplets. DIESL is an autonomous TAG synthase, and expression of human DIESL in Escherichia coli endows this organism with the ability to synthesize TAG. Although both DIESL and the DGATs function as diacylglycerol acyltransferases, they contribute to the cellular TAG pool under specific conditions. Functionally, DIESL synthesizes TAG at the expense of membrane phospholipids and maintains mitochondrial function during periods of extracellular lipid starvation. In mice, DIESL deficiency impedes rapid postnatal growth and affects energy homeostasis during changes in nutrient availability. We have therefore identified an alternative TAG biosynthetic pathway driven by DIESL under potent control by TMX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian-Luca McLelland
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marta Lopez-Osias
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cristy R C Verzijl
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brecht D Ellenbroek
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rafaela A Oliveira
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas J Boon
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Dekker
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa G van den Hengel
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rahmen Ali
- Animal Modeling Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Janssen
- Electron Microscope Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ji-Ying Song
- Animal Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Krimpenfort
- Animal Modeling Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim van Zutphen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Faculty Campus Fryslân, University of Groningen, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan W Jonker
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thijn R Brummelkamp
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Aaldijk AS, Verzijl CRC, Jonker JW, Struik D. Biological and pharmacological functions of the FGF19- and FGF21-coreceptor beta klotho. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150222. [PMID: 37260446 PMCID: PMC10229096 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta klotho (KLB) is a fundamental component in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling as it serves as an obligatory coreceptor for the endocrine hormones fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Through the development of FGF19- and FGF21 mimetics, KLB has emerged as a promising drug target for treating various metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease. While rodent studies have significantly increased our understanding of KLB function, current clinical trials that test the safety and efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs raise many new scientific questions about human KLB biology. Although most KLB-targeting drugs can modulate disease activity in humans, individual patient responses differ substantially. In addition, species-specific differences in KLB tissue distribution may explain why the glucose-lowering effects that were observed in preclinical studies are not fully replicated in clinical trials. Besides, the long-term efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs might be limited by various pathophysiological conditions known to reduce the expression of KLB. Moreover, FGF19/FGF21 administration in humans is also associated with gastrointestinal side effects, which are currently unexplained. A better understanding of human KLB biology could help to improve the efficacy and safety of existing or novel KLB/FGFR-targeting drugs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of KLB biology, including genetic variants and their phenotypic associations, transcriptional regulation, protein structure, tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and function. In addition, we will highlight recent developments regarding the safety and efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs in clinical trials. These insights may direct the development and testing of existing and future KLB-targeting drugs.
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Verzijl CRC, van de Peppel IP, Eilers RE, Bloks VW, Wolters JC, Koehorst M, Kloosterhuis NJ, Havinga R, Jalving M, Struik D, Jonker JW. Pharmacological inhibition of MEK1/2 signaling disrupts bile acid metabolism through loss of Shp and enhanced Cyp7a1 expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114270. [PMID: 36680812 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS-MAPK signaling pathway is one of the most frequently dysregulated pathways in human cancer. Small molecule inhibitors directed against this pathway have clinical activity in patients with various cancer types and can improve patient outcomes. However, the use of these drugs is associated with adverse effects, which can result in dose reduction or treatment interruption. A better molecular understanding of on-target, off-tumor effects may improve toxicity management. In the present study, we aimed to identify early initiating biological changes in the liver upon pharmacological inhibition of the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway. To this end, we tested the effect of MEK inhibitor PD0325901 using mice and human hepatocyte cell lines. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with either vehicle or PD0325901 for six days, followed by transcriptome analysis of the liver and phenotypic characterization. Pharmacological MEK inhibition altered the expression of 423 genes, of which 78 were upregulated and 345 were downregulated. We identified Shp, a transcriptional repressor, and Cyp7a1, the rate-limiting enzyme in converting cholesterol to bile acids, as the top differentially expressed genes. PD0325901 treatment also affected other genes involved in bile acid regulation, which was associated with changes in the composition of plasma bile acids and composition and total levels of fecal bile acids and elevated predictive biomarkers of early liver toxicity. In conclusion, short-term pharmacological MEK inhibition results in profound changes in bile acid metabolism, which may explain some of the clinical adverse effects of pharmacological inhibition of the RAS-MAPK pathway, including gastrointestinal complications and hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy R C Verzijl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo P van de Peppel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roos E Eilers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W Bloks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Justina C Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Koehorst
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Niels J Kloosterhuis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Havinga
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mathilde Jalving
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dicky Struik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan W Jonker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Verzijl CRC, Oldoni F, Loaiza N, Wolters JC, Rimbert A, Tian E, Yang W, Struik D, Smit M, Kloosterhuis NJ, Fernandez AJ, Samara NL, Ten Hagen KG, Dalal K, Chernish A, McCluggage P, Tabak LA, Jonker JW, Kuivenhoven JA. A novel role for GalNAc-T2 dependent glycosylation in energy homeostasis. Mol Metab 2022; 60:101472. [PMID: 35304331 PMCID: PMC9019398 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE GALNT2, encoding polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (GalNAc-T2), was initially discovered as a regulator of high-density lipoprotein metabolism. GalNAc-T2 is known to exert these effects through post-translational modification, i.e., O-linked glycosylation of secreted proteins with established roles in plasma lipid metabolism. It has recently become clear that loss of GALNT2 in rodents, cattle, nonhuman primates, and humans should be regarded as a novel congenital disorder of glycosylation that affects development and body weight. The role of GALNT2 in metabolic abnormalities other than plasma lipids, including insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis, is poorly understood. METHODS GWAS data from the UK Biobank was used to study variation in the GALNT2 locus beyond changes in high-density lipoprotein metabolism. Experimental data were obtained through studies in Galnt2-/- mice and wild-type littermates on both control and high-fat diet. RESULTS First, we uncovered associations between GALNT2 gene variation, adiposity, and body mass index in humans. In mice, we identify the insulin receptor as a novel substrate of GalNAc-T2 and demonstrate that Galnt2-/- mice exhibit decreased adiposity, alterations in insulin signaling and a shift in energy substrate utilization in the inactive phase. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies a novel role for GALNT2 in energy homeostasis, and our findings suggest that the local effects of GalNAc-T2 are mediated through posttranslational modification of the insulin receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy R C Verzijl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Federico Oldoni
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Natalia Loaiza
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Justina C Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Antoine Rimbert
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - E Tian
- Developmental Glycobiology Section, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Weiming Yang
- Section on Biological Chemistry, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dicky Struik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Smit
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Niels J Kloosterhuis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Amy J Fernandez
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nadine L Samara
- Structural Biochemistry Unit, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Developmental Glycobiology Section, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kelly G Ten Hagen
- Developmental Glycobiology Section, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kruti Dalal
- Section on Biological Chemistry, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aliona Chernish
- Section on Biological Chemistry, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peggy McCluggage
- Section on Biological Chemistry, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lawrence A Tabak
- Section on Biological Chemistry, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Johan W Jonker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Albert Kuivenhoven
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Pramfalk C, Jakobsson T, Verzijl CRC, Minniti ME, Obensa C, Ripamonti F, Olin M, Pedrelli M, Eriksson M, Parini P. Generation of new hepatocyte-like in vitro models better resembling human lipid metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158659. [PMID: 32058035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to human hepatocytes in vivo, which solely express acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) 2, both ACAT1 and ACAT2 (encoded by SOAT1 and SOAT2) are expressed in primary human hepatocytes and in human hepatoma cell lines. Here, we aimed to create hepatocyte-like cells expressing the ACAT2, but not the ACAT1, protein to generate a model that - at least in this regard - resembles the human condition in vivo and to assess the effects on lipid metabolism. Using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats technology, we knocked out SOAT1 in HepG2 and Huh7.5 cells. The wild type and SOAT2-only-cells were cultured with fetal bovine or human serum and the effects on lipoprotein and lipid metabolism were studied. In SOAT2-only-HepG2 cells, increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) in the cell media were detected; this was likely dependent of the increased expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism (e.g. MTP, APOB, HMGCR, LDLR, ACACA, and DGAT2). Opposite effects were observed in SOAT2-only-Huh7.5 cells. Our study shows that the expression of SOAT1 in hepatocyte-like cells contributes to the distorted phenotype observed in HepG2 and Huh7.5 cells. As not only parameters of lipoprotein and lipid metabolism but also some markers of differentiation/maturation increase in the SOAT2-only-HepG2 cells cultured with HS, this cellular model represent an improved model for studies of lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pramfalk
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Patient Area Nephrology and Endocrinology, Inflammation and Infection Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Jakobsson
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cristy R C Verzijl
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mirko E Minniti
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Clara Obensa
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Federico Ripamonti
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Olin
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Matteo Pedrelli
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mats Eriksson
- Patient Area Nephrology and Endocrinology, Inflammation and Infection Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Metabolism Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paolo Parini
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Patient Area Nephrology and Endocrinology, Inflammation and Infection Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Metabolism Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Verzijl CRC, Van De Peppel IP, Struik D, Jonker JW. Pegbelfermin (BMS-986036): an investigational PEGylated fibroblast growth factor 21 analogue for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:125-133. [PMID: 31899984 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1708898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide and is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. NAFLD refers to a spectrum of disorders ranging from asymptomatic hepatic steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver, NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which increases the risk of developing more severe forms of liver disease such as progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Currently, there are no food and drug administration (FDA) approved drugs to treat NASH. Pegbelfermin (BMS-986036) is a PEGylated fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogue that is under investigation for the treatment of NASH.Areas covered: We reviewed the (pre)clinical pegbelfermin studies and compared these with other studies that assessed FGF21 and FGF21 analogues in the treatment of NASH.Expert opinion: With no FDA approved treatments available for NASH, there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Pegbelfermin is a systemic treatment with pleiotropic effects on various tissues. Short-term adverse effects are limited, but more research is required to study potential long-term safety issues. In a phase 2a trial, pegbelfermin has shown promising improvements in several NASH related outcomes. However, clinical trials demonstrating long-term benefits on hard outcomes such as liver histology, cirrhosis development, or survival are required for further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy R C Verzijl
- Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo P Van De Peppel
- Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dicky Struik
- Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan W Jonker
- Section of Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Kroon J, Koorneef LL, van den Heuvel JK, Verzijl CRC, van de Velde NM, Mol IM, Sips HCM, Hunt H, Rensen PCN, Meijer OC. Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist CORT125281 Activates Brown Adipose Tissue and Alters Lipid Distribution in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159:535-546. [PMID: 28938459 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids influence a wide range of metabolic processes in the human body, and excessive glucocorticoid exposure is known to contribute to the development of metabolic disease. We evaluated the utility of the novel glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist CORT125281 for its potential to overcome adiposity, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia and compared this head-to-head with the classic GR antagonist RU486 (mifepristone). We show that, although RU486 displays cross-reactivity to the progesterone and androgen receptor, CORT125281 selectively inhibits GR transcriptional activity. In a mouse model for diet-induced obesity, rhythmicity of circulating corticosterone levels was disturbed. CORT125281 restored this disturbed rhythmicity, in contrast to RU486, which further inhibited endogenous corticosterone levels and suppressed adrenal weight. Both CORT125281 and RU486 reduced body weight gain and fat mass. In addition, CORT125281, but not RU486, lowered plasma levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids and strongly stimulated triglyceride-derived fatty acid uptake by brown adipose tissue depots. In combination with reduced lipid content in brown adipocytes, this indicates that CORT125281 enhances metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue depots. CORT125281 was also found to increase liver lipid accumulation. Taken together, CORT125281 displayed a wide range of beneficial metabolic activities that are in part distinct from RU486, but clinical utility may be limited due to liver lipid accumulation. This warrants further evaluation of GR antagonists or selective modulators that are not accompanied by liver lipid accumulation while preserving their beneficial metabolic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kroon
- 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
| | - Lisa L Koorneef
- 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
| | - Jose K van den Heuvel
- 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
| | - Cristy R C Verzijl
- 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
| | - Nienke M van de Velde
- 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
| | - Isabel M Mol
- 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
| | - Hetty C M Sips
- 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
| | - Hazel Hunt
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, California
| | - 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
| | - Onno C Meijer
- 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
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