cAMP-inducible coactivator CRTC3 attenuates brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.

In response to cold exposure, placental mammals maintain body temperature by increasing sympathetic nerve activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Triggering of ß-adrenergic receptors on brown adipocytes stimulates thermogenesis via induction of the cAMP/PKA pathway. Although cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and its coactivators-the cAMP-regulated transcriptional coactivators (CRTCs)-mediate transcriptional effects of cAMP in most tissues, other transcription factors such as ATF2 appear critical for induction of thermogenic genes by cAMP in BAT. Brown adipocytes arise from Myf5-positive mesenchymal cells under the control of PRDM16, a coactivator that concurrently represses differentiation along the skeletal muscle lineage. Here, we show that the CREB coactivator CRTC3 is part of an inhibitory feedback pathway that antagonizes PRDM16-dependent differentiation. Mice with a knockout of CRTC3 in BAT (BKO) have increased cold tolerance and reduced adiposity, whereas mice overexpressing constitutively active CRTC3 in adipose tissue are more cold sensitive and have greater fat mass. CRTC3 reduced sympathetic nerve activity in BAT by up-regulating the expression of miR-206, a microRNA that promotes differentiation along the myogenic lineage and that we show here decreases the expression of VEGFA and neurotrophins critical for BAT innervation and vascularization. Sympathetic nerve activity to BAT was enhanced in BKO mice, leading to increases in catecholamine signaling that stimulated energy expenditure. As reexpression of miR-206 in BAT from BKO mice reversed the salutary effects of CRTC3 depletion on cold tolerance, our studies suggest that small-molecule inhibitors against this coactivator may provide therapeutic benefit to overweight individuals.

CREB pathway links PGE2 signaling with macrophage polarization.

Obesity is thought to promote insulin resistance in part via activation of the innate immune system. Increases in proinflammatory cytokine production by M1 macrophages inhibit insulin signaling in white adipose tissue. In contrast, M2 macrophages have been found to enhance insulin sensitivity in part by reducing adipose tissue inflammation. The paracrine hormone prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) enhances M2 polarization in part through activation of the cAMP pathway, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here we show that PGE2 stimulates M2 polarization via the cyclic AMP-responsive element binding (CREB)-mediated induction of Krupple-like factor 4 (KLF4). Targeted disruption of CREB or the cAMP-regulated transcriptional coactivators 2 and 3 (CRTC2/3) in macrophages down-regulated M2 marker gene expression and promoted insulin resistance in the context of high-fat diet feeding. As re-expression of KLF4 rescued M2 marker gene expression in CREB-depleted cells, our results demonstrate the importance of the CREB/CRTC pathway in maintaining insulin sensitivity in white adipose tissue via its effects on the innate immune system.

Identification of a mitochondrial defect gene signature reveals NUPR1 as a key regulator of liver cancer progression.

UNLABELLED: Many cancer cells require more glycolytic adenosine triphosphate production due to a mitochondrial respiratory defect. However, the roles of mitochondrial defects in cancer development and progression remain unclear. To address the role of transcriptomic regulation by mitochondrial defects in liver cancer cells, we performed gene expression profiling for three different cell models of mitochondrial defects: cells with chemical respiratory inhibition (rotenone, thenoyltrifluoroacetone, antimycin A, and oligomycin), cells with mitochondrial DNA depletion (Rho0), and liver cancer cells harboring mitochondrial defects (SNU354 and SNU423). By comparing gene expression in the three models, we identified 10 common mitochondrial defect-related genes that may be responsible for retrograde signaling from cancer cell mitochondria to the intracellular transcriptome. The concomitant expression of the 10 common mitochondrial defect genes is significantly associated with poor prognostic outcomes in liver cancers, suggesting their functional and clinical relevance. Among the common mitochondrial defect genes, we found that nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) is one of the key transcription regulators. Knockdown of NUPR1 suppressed liver cancer cell invasion, which was mediated in a Ca(2+) signaling-dependent manner. In addition, by performing an NUPR1-centric network analysis and promoter binding assay, granulin was identified as a key downstream effector of NUPR1. We also report association of the NUPR1-granulin pathway with mitochondrial defect-derived glycolytic activation in human liver cancer. CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial respiratory defects and subsequent retrograde signaling, particularly the NUPR1-granulin pathway, play pivotal roles in liver cancer progression.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 regulates hepatic glucose production in a FoxO1-dependent manner.

UNLABELLED: Postprandial insulin plays a critical role in suppressing hepatic glucose production to maintain euglycemia in mammals. Insulin-dependent activation of protein kinase B (Akt) regulates this process, in part, by inhibiting FoxO1-dependent hepatic gluconeogenesis by direct phosphorylation and subsequent cytoplasmic exclusion. Previously, it was demonstrated that protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1)-dependent arginine modification of FoxO1 interferes with Akt-dependent phosphorylation, both in cancer cells and in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, suggesting that this additional modification of FoxO1 might be critical in its transcriptional activity. In this study, we attempted to directly test the effect of arginine methylation of FoxO1 on hepatic glucose metabolism. The ectopic expression of PRMT1 enhanced messenger RNA levels of FoxO1 target genes in gluconeogenesis, resulting in increased glucose production from primary hepatocytes. Phosphorylation of FoxO1 at serine 253 was reduced with PRMT1 expression, without affecting the serine 473 phosphorylation of Akt. Conversely, knockdown of PRMT1 promoted an inhibition of FoxO1 activity and hepatic gluconeogenesis by enhancing the phosphorylation of FoxO1. In addition, genetic haploinsufficiency of Prmt1 reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis and blood-glucose levels in mouse models, underscoring the importance of this factor in hepatic glucose metabolism in vivo. Finally, we were able to observe an amelioration of the hyperglycemic phenotype of db/db mice with PRMT1 knockdown, showing a potential importance of this protein as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes. CONCLUSION: Our data strongly suggest that the PRMT1-dependent regulation of FoxO1 is critical in hepatic glucose metabolism in vivo.

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α-induced activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase results in attenuation of hepatic steatosis.

UNLABELLED: There is increasing evidence that the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα) plays an important role in the regulation of metabolic pathways, particularly of fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism; however, the role of RORα in the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis has not been studied. Here, we report that RORα attenuates hepatic steatosis, probably via activation of the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and repression of the liver X receptor α (LXRα). First, RORα and its activator, cholesterol sulfate (CS), induced phosphorylation of AMPK, which was accompanied by the activation of serine-threonine kinase liver kinase B1 (LKB1). Second, the activation of RORα, either by transient transfection or CS treatment, decreased the TO901317-induced transcriptional expression of LXRα and its downstream target genes, such as the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthase. RORα interacted physically with LXRα and inhibited the LXRα response element in the promoter of LXRα, indicating that RORα interrupts the autoregulatory activation loop of LXRα. Third, infection with adenovirus encoding RORα suppressed the lipid accumulation that had been induced by a free-fatty-acid mixture in cultured cells. Furthermore, we observed that the level of expression of the RORα protein was decreased in the liver of mice that were fed a high-fat diet. Restoration of RORα via tail-vein injection of adenovirus (Ad)-RORα decreased the high-fat-diet-induced hepatic steatosis. Finally, we synthesized thiourea derivatives that activated RORα, thereby inducing activation of AMPK and repression of LXRα. These compounds decreased hepatic triglyceride levels and lipid droplets in the high-fat-diet-fed mice. CONCLUSION: We found that RORα induced activation of AMPK and inhibition of the lipogenic function of LXRα, which may be key phenomena that provide the beneficial effects of RORα against hepatic steatosis.

Suppressor of MEK null (SMEK)/protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit (PP4C) is a key regulator of hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Fasting promotes hepatic gluconeogenesis to maintain glucose homeostasis. The cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcriptional coactivator 2 (CRTC2) is responsible for transcriptional activation of gluconeogenic genes and is critical for conveying the opposing hormonal signals of glucagon and insulin in the liver. Here, we show that suppressor of MEK null 1 (SMEK1) and SMEK2 [protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) regulatory subunits 3a and 3b, respectively] are directly involved in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism in mice. Expression of hepatic SMEK1/2 is up-regulated during fasting or in mouse models of insulin-resistant conditions in a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma Coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)-dependent manner. Overexpression of SMEK promotes elevations in plasma glucose with increased hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression, whereas depletion of the SMEK proteins reduces hyperglycemia and enhances CRTC2 phosphorylation; the effect is blunted by S171A CRTC2, which is refractory to salt-inducible kinase (SIK)-dependent inhibition. Taken together, we would propose that mammalian SMEK/PP4C proteins are involved in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism through dephosphorylation of CRTC2.

A Novel Acremonium Species Isolated from Air Samples in Korea.

The aim of this study was to characterize a new fungal species, Acremonium conglutinatum, isolated from air samples collected in Wando, South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions revealed its unique position within the genus Acremonium. The isolated strain displayed distinct morphological characteristics, including ellipsoid or bent-ellipsoid conidia formed in clusters on the phialides. These features differentiate the new species from closely related species within the genus. This study describes the morphological and molecular characteristics of A. conglutinatum and emphasizes its phylogenetic relationships with other Acremonium spp. The identification of this novel species contributes to our understanding of the diversity and ecological role of Acremonium.

Orphan nuclear receptor DAX-1 acts as a novel corepressor of liver X receptor alpha and inhibits hepatic lipogenesis.

DAX-1 (dosage-sensitive sex reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenital critical region on X chromosome, gene 1) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that can repress diverse nuclear receptors and has a key role in adreno-gonadal development. Our previous report has demonstrated that DAX-1 can inhibit hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha transactivity and negatively regulate gluconeogenic gene expression (Nedumaran, B., Hong, S., Xie, Y. B., Kim, Y. H., Seo, W. Y., Lee, M. W., Lee, C. H., Koo, S. H., and Choi, H. S. (2009) J. Biol. Chem. 284, 27511-27523). Here, we further expand the role of DAX-1 in hepatic energy metabolism. Transfection assays have demonstrated that DAX-1 can inhibit the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptor liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha). Physical interaction between DAX-1 and LXRalpha was confirmed Immunofluorescent staining in mouse liver shows that LXRalpha and DAX-1 are colocalized in the nucleus. Domain mapping analysis shows that the entire region of DAX-1 is involved in the interaction with the ligand binding domain region of LXRalpha. Competition analyses demonstrate that DAX-1 competes with the coactivator SRC-1 for repressing LXRalpha transactivity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that endogenous DAX-1 recruitment on the SREBP-1c gene promoter was decreased in the presence of LXRalpha agonist. Overexpression of DAX-1 inhibits T7-induced LXRalpha target gene expression, whereas knockdown of endogenous DAX-1 significantly increases T7-induced LXRalpha target gene expression in HepG2 cells. Finally, overexpression of DAX-1 in mouse liver decreases T7-induced LXRalpha target gene expression, liver triglyceride level, and lipid accumulation. Overall, this study suggests that DAX-1, a novel corepressor of LXRalpha, functions as a negative regulator of lipogenic enzyme gene expression in liver.

Activation of the adipocyte CREB/CRTC pathway in obesity.

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type II diabetes. Increases in adipose tissue mass trigger insulin resistance via the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from adipocytes and macrophages. CREB and the CRTC coactivators have been found to promote insulin resistance in obesity, although the mechanism is unclear. Here we show that high fat diet feeding activates the CREB/CRTC pathway in adipocytes by decreasing the expression of SIK2, a Ser/Thr kinase that phosphorylates and inhibits CRTCs. SIK2 levels are regulated by the adipogenic factor C/EBPα, whose expression is reduced in obesity. Exposure to PPARγ agonist rescues C/EBPα expression and restores SIK2 levels. CRTC2/3 promote insulin resistance via induction of the chemokines CXCL1/2. Knockout of CRTC2/3 in adipocytes reduces CXCL1/2 expression and improves insulin sensitivity. As administration of CXCL1/2 reverses salutary effects of CRTC2/3 depletion, our results demonstrate the importance of the CREB/CRTC pathway in modulating adipose tissue function.

Transcriptional co-activator regulates melanocyte differentiation and oncogenesis by integrating cAMP and MAPK/ERK pathways.

The cyclic AMP pathway promotes melanocyte differentiation by activating CREB and the cAMP-regulated transcription co-activators 1-3 (CRTC1-3). Differentiation is dysregulated in melanomas, although the contributions of CRTC proteins is unclear. We report a selective differentiation impairment in CRTC3 KO melanocytes and melanoma cells, due to downregulation of oculo-cutaneous albinism II (OCA2) and block of melanosome maturation. CRTC3 stimulates OCA2 expression by binding to CREB on a conserved enhancer, a regulatory site for pigmentation and melanoma risk. CRTC3 is uniquely activated by ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser391 and by low levels of cAMP. Phosphorylation at Ser391 is constitutively elevated in human melanoma cells with hyperactivated ERK1/2 signaling; knockout of CRTC3 in this setting impairs anchorage-independent growth, migration, and invasiveness, whereas CRTC3 overexpression supports cell survival in response to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor vemurafenib. As melanomas expressing gain-of-function mutations in CRTC3 are associated with reduced survival, our results suggest that CRTC3 inhibition may provide therapeutic benefit in this setting.

Mitogenic Signals Stimulate the CREB Coactivator CRTC3 through PP2A Recruitment.

The second messenger 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) stimulates gene expression via the cAMP-regulated transcriptional coactivator (CRTC) family of cAMP response element-binding protein coactivators. In the basal state, CRTCs are phosphorylated by salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) and sequestered in the cytoplasm by 14-3-3 proteins. cAMP signaling inhibits the SIKs, leading to CRTC dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Here we show that although all CRTCs are regulated by SIKs, their interactions with Ser/Thr-specific protein phosphatases are distinct. CRTC1 and CRTC2 associate selectively with the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, whereas CRTC3 interacts with B55 PP2A holoenzymes via a conserved PP2A-binding region (amino acids 380-401). CRTC3-PP2A complex formation was induced by phosphorylation of CRTC3 at S391, facilitating the subsequent activation of CRTC3 by dephosphorylation at 14-3-3 binding sites. As stimulation of mitogenic pathways promoted S391 phosphorylation via the activation of ERKs and CDKs, our results demonstrate how a ubiquitous phosphatase enables cross talk between growth factor and cAMP signaling pathways at the level of a transcriptional coactivator.

TGF beta1 induces prolonged mitochondrial ROS generation through decreased complex IV activity with senescent arrest in Mv1Lu cells.

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta1) is a well-characterized cytokine that suppresses epithelial cell growth. We report here that TGF beta1 arrested lung epithelial Mv1Lu cells at G1 phase of the cell cycle with acquisition of senescent phenotypes in the presence of 10% serum, whereas it gradually induced apoptosis with lower concentrations of serum. The senescent arrest was accompanied by prolonged generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and persistent disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim). We demonstrated that the sustained ROS overproduction was derived from mitochondrial respiratory defect via decreased complex IV activity and was involved in the arrest. Moreover, we verified that hepatocyte growth factor released Mv1Lu cells from the arrest by protecting mitochondrial respiration, thereby preventing both the DeltaPsim disruption and the ROS generation. Our present results suggest the TGF beta1-induced senescent arrest as another plausible mechanism to suppress cellular growth in vivo and provide a new biochemical association between the mitochondrial functional defects and the cytokine-induced senescent arrest, emphasizing the importance of maintenance of mitochondrial function in cellular protection from the arrest.

Sequence analysis of the first C2 subgenogroup strain of enterovirus 71 isolated in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an important causative agent of hand-foot-and-mouth disease with severe neurological complications, which may lead to death in children. Large outbreaks caused by EV71 have frequently occurred in Asia-Pacific region. OBJECTIVES: In Korea, the outbreaks have been caused by EV71 subgenogroups C3, and C4. Only genogroup C, especially subgenogroup C1, C3, C4, and C5, has been detected by the national enterovirus surveillance system in Korea. This study reports the first isolation of EV71 A1451 strain, which belongs to subgenogroup C2. STUDY DESIGN: EV71 was isolated from a Korean patient with meningoencephalitis. Complete genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of the strain. RESULTS: Comparative genome analysis of the A1451 strain indicated that this novel C2 strain is associated with the Taiwan strains, which are recombinant virus combined with subgenogroup C2 and B3. CONCLUSIONS: Because the subgenogroup B3 was not previously detected in Korea, the A1451 strain is regarded as an imported recombinant virus. Periodic surveillance of EV71 is required to control the spread of this disease and its introduction from overseas.

A survey on the status of hepatitis e virus infection among slaughterhouse workers in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among high-risk groups overseas is high, but studies in these groups are rare in South Korea. We conducted the present study from April to November 2012 to obtain data on the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for HEV among slaughterhouse workers in South Korea. METHODS: Slaughterhouse workers from 80 workplaces nationwide were surveyed in South Korea in 2012. The subjects comprised 1848 cases: 1434 slaughter workers and 414 residual products handlers. By visiting 80 slaughterhouses, which were mixed with 75 of which also performed residual products handling, we conducted a questionnaire survey for risk factors and obtained blood samples in order to determine the seropositivity and seroprevalence of HEV. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM were measured using HEV IgG and IgM enzyme-linked immunospecific assay kits and HEV antigen was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The seropositivity of anti-HEV IgG was 33.5% (slaughter workers 32.8% and residual products handlers 36.2%), and among the seropositive individuals the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgM was 0.5% (slaughter workers 0.5%, residual products handlers 0.7%). The response rate of HEV-antigen as measured by RT-PCR was 0.2%. Risk factors significantly related to anti-HEV IgG seropositivity were age, sex , and working duration (slaughter workers only). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant risk factors (sex, age, and working duration) for HEV identified in our study. All three positive cases for HEV-antigen by RT-PCR were related to pig slaughter but without statistical significance. To prevent HEV, an educational program and working guidelines may be needed for high risk groups.

Salt-Inducible Kinase 1 Terminates cAMP Signaling by an Evolutionarily Conserved Negative-Feedback Loop in ß-Cells.

Pancreatic ß-cells are critical in the regulation of glucose homeostasis by controlled secretion of insulin in mammals. Activation of protein kinase A by cAMP is shown to be responsible for enhancing this pathway, which is countered by phosphodiesterase (PDE) that converts cAMP to AMP and turns off the signal. Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) were also known to inhibit cAMP signaling, mostly by promoting inhibitory phosphorylation on CREB-regulated transcription coactivators. Here, we showed that SIK1 regulates insulin secretion in ß-cells by modulating PDE4D and cAMP concentrations. Haploinsufficiency of SIK1 led to the improved glucose tolerance due to the increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Depletion of SIK1 promoted higher cAMP concentration and increased insulin secretion from primary islets, suggesting that SIK1 controls insulin secretion through the regulation of cAMP signaling. By using a consensus phosphorylation site of SIK1, we identified PDE4D as a new substrate for this kinase family. In vitro kinase assay as well as mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the predicted Ser(136) and the adjacent Ser(141) of PDE4D are critical in SIK1-mediated phosphorylation. We found that overexpression of either SIK1 or PDE4D in ß-cells reduced insulin secretion, while inhibition of PDE4 activity by rolipram or knockdown of PDE4D restored it, showing indeed that SIK1-dependent phosphorylation of PDE4D is critical in reducing cAMP concentration and insulin secretion from ß-cells. Taken together, we propose that SIK1 serves as a part of a self-regulatory circuit to modulate insulin secretion from pancreatic ß-cells by controlling cAMP concentration through modulation of PDE4D activity.

Mitochondrial dysfunction via disruption of complex II activity during iron chelation-induced senescence-like growth arrest of Chang cells.

When cells are deprived of iron, their growth is invariably inhibited. However, the mechanism involved remains largely unclear. Recently, we have reported that subcytotoxic concentration of deferoxamine mesylate (DFO), an iron chelator, specifically inhibited transition of Chang cell, a normal hepatocyte cell line, from G1 to S phase, which was accompanied by irreversible appearance of senescent biomarkers. To investigate factors responsible for the irreversible arrest, we examined mitochondrial activities because they require several irons for their proper structure and function. After exposure to 1 M DFO, total cellular ATP level was irreversibly decreased with concurrent disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), implying that it might be one of the crucial factors involved in the arrest. DFO did not directly inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory activities in vitro. Among the respiratory activities, complex II activity was specifically inhibited through a down-regulation of the expression of its iron-sulfur subunit. We also observed that mitochondrial morphology was drastically changed to highly elongated form. Our results suggest that mitochondrial function is sensitive to cellular iron level and iron deprivation might be involved in inducing the senescent arrest. In addition, complex II, which is a part of both oxidative phosphorylation and the Krebs cycle, could be one of the critical factors that regulate mitochondrial function by responding to iron levels.

Arginine methylation of CRTC2 is critical in the transcriptional control of hepatic glucose metabolism.

Fasting glucose homeostasis is maintained in part through cAMP (adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate)-dependent transcriptional control of hepatic gluconeogenesis by the transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) and its coactivator CRTC2 (CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivator 2). We showed that PRMT6 (protein arginine methyltransferase 6) promotes fasting-induced transcriptional activation of the gluconeogenic program involving CRTC2. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that PRMT6 associated with CRTC2. In cells, PRMT6 mediated asymmetric dimethylation of multiple arginine residues of CRTC2, which enhanced the association of CRTC2 with CREB on the promoters of gluconeogenic enzyme-encoding genes. In mice, ectopic expression of PRMT6 promoted higher blood glucose concentrations, which were associated with increased expression of genes encoding gluconeogenic factors, whereas knockdown of hepatic PRMT6 decreased fasting glycemia and improved pyruvate tolerance. The abundance of hepatic PRMT6 was increased in mouse models of obesity and insulin resistance, and adenovirus-mediated depletion of PRMT6 restored euglycemia in these mice. We propose that PRMT6 is involved in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism in a CRTC2-dependent manner.

SIK2 is critical in the regulation of lipid homeostasis and adipogenesis in vivo.

Cyclic AMP promotes chronic expression of target genes mainly by protein kinase A-dependent activation of CREB transcription factor machineries in the metabolic tissues. Here, we wanted to elaborate whether CREB-regulated transcription factor (CRTC)2 and its negative regulator salt-inducible kinase (SIK)2 are involved in the transcriptional control of the metabolic pathway in adipocytes. SIK2 knockout (SIK2 KO) mice exhibited higher blood glucose levels that were associated with impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Hypertriglyceridemia was apparent in SIK2 KO mice, mainly due to the increased lipolysis from white adipocytes and the decreased fatty acid uptake in the peripheral tissues. Investigation of white adipocytes revealed the increases in fat cell size and macrophage infiltration, which could be linked to the metabolic anomaly that is associated in these mice. Interestingly, SIK2 KO promoted the enhancement in the CRTC2-CREB transcriptional pathway in white adipocytes. SIK2 KO mice displayed increased expression of activating transcription factor (ATF)3 and subsequent downregulation of GLUT4 expression and reduction in high-molecular weight adiponectin levels in the plasma, leading to the reduced glucose uptake in the muscle and white adipocytes. The effect of SIK2-dependent regulation of adipocyte metabolism was further confirmed by in vitro cell cultures of 3T3 L1 adipocytes and the differentiated preadipocytes from the SIK2 or CRTC2 KO mice. Collectively, these data suggest that SIK2 is critical in regulating whole-body glucose metabolism primarily by controlling the CRTC2-CREB function of the white adipocytes.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes LIPIN2-dependent hepatic insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Diet-induced obesity (DIO) is linked to peripheral insulin resistance-a major predicament in type 2 diabetes. This study aims to identify the molecular mechanism by which DIO-triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress promotes hepatic insulin resistance in mouse models. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice and primary hepatocytes were used to evaluate the role of LIPIN2 in ER stress-induced hepatic insulin resistance. Tunicamycin, thapsigargin, and lipopolysaccharide were used to invoke acute ER stress conditions. To promote chronic ER stress, mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 8-12 weeks. To verify the role of LIPIN2 in hepatic insulin signaling, adenoviruses expressing wild-type or mutant LIPIN2, and shRNA for LIPIN2 were used in animal studies. Plasma glucose, insulin levels as well as hepatic free fatty acids, diacylglycerol (DAG), and triacylglycerol were assessed. Additionally, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and pyruvate tolerance tests were performed to evaluate the metabolic phenotype of these mice. RESULTS: LIPIN2 expression was enhanced in mouse livers by acute ER stress-inducers or by high-fat feeding. Transcriptional activation of LIPIN2 by ER stress is mediated by activating transcription factor 4, as demonstrated by LIPIN2 promoter assays, Western blot analyses, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Knockdown of hepatic LIPIN2 in DIO mice reduced fasting hyperglycemia and improved hepatic insulin signaling. Conversely, overexpression of LIPIN2 impaired hepatic insulin signaling in a phosphatidic acid phosphatase activity-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that ER stress-induced LIPIN2 would contribute to the perturbation of hepatic insulin signaling via a DAG-protein kinase C ε-dependent manner in DIO mice.

Involvement of mitophagy in oncogenic K-Ras-induced transformation: overcoming a cellular energy deficit from glucose deficiency.

Although mitochondrial impairment has often been implicated in carcinogenesis, the mechanisms of its development in cancer remain unknown. We report here that autophagy triggered by oncogenic K-Ras mediates functional loss of mitochondria during cell transformation to overcome an energy deficit resulting from glucose deficiency. When Rat2 cells were infected with a retrovirus harboring constitutively active K-Ras (V12) , mitochondrial respiration significantly declined in parallel with the acquisition of transformation characteristics. Decreased respiration was not related to mitochondrial biogenesis but was inversely associated with the increased formation of acidic vesicles enclosing mitochondria, during which autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin 1, Atg5, LC3-II and vacuolar ATPases were induced. Interestingly, blocking autophagy with conventional inhibitors (bafilomycin A, 3-methyladenin) and siRNA-mediated knockdown of autophagy-related genes recovered respiratory protein expression and respiratory activity; JNK was involved in these phenomena as an upstream regulator. The cells transformed by K-Ras (V12) maintained cellular ATP level mainly through glycolytic ATP production without induction of GLUT1, the low Km glucose transporter. Finally, K-Ras (V12) -triggered LC3-II formation was modulated by extracellular glucose levels, and LC3-II formation increased only in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues exhibiting low glucose uptake and increased K-Ras expression. Taken together, our observations suggest that mitochondrial functional loss may be mediated by oncogenic K-Ras-induced mitophagy during early tumorigenesis even in the absence of hypoxia, and that this mitophagic process may be an important strategy to overcome the cellular energy deficit triggered by insufficient glucose.