Pan-PPAR modulation effectively protects APP/PS1 mice from amyloid deposition and cognitive deficits.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that leads to neuronal death and memory dysfunction. In the past, specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ-agonists, such as pioglitazone, have been tested with limited success to improve AD pathology. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of GFT1803, a novel potent PPAR agonist that activates all the three PPAR isoforms (α/δ/γ) in the APP/PS1 mouse model in comparison to the selective PPARγ-agonist pioglitazone. Both compounds showed similar brain/plasma partitioning ratios, although whole body and brain exposure to GFT1803 was significantly lower as compared to pioglitazone, at doses used in this study. Oral treatment of APP/PS1 mice with GFT1803 decreased microglial activation, amyloid ß (Aß) plaque area, Aß levels in sodium dodecyl sulfate- and formic acid-soluble fractions in a concentration-dependent manner. With a single exception of Aß38 and Aß40 levels, measured by ELISA, these effects were not observed in mice treated with pioglitazone. Both ligands decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression to similar extent and did not affect ApoE expression. Finally, GFT1803 increased insulin-degrading enzyme expression. Analysis of spatial memory formation in the Morris water maze demonstrated that both compounds were able to partially revert the phenotype of APP/PS1 mice in comparison to wild-type mice with GFT1803 being most effective. As compared to pioglitazone, GFT1803 (pan-PPAR agonist) produced both quantitatively superior and qualitatively different therapeutic effects with respect to amyloid plaque burden, insoluble Aß content, and neuroinflammation at significantly lower whole body and brain exposure rates.

The identification of naturally occurring neoruscogenin as a bioavailable, potent, and high-affinity agonist of the nuclear receptor RORα (NR1F1).

Plants represent a tremendous structural diversity of natural compounds that bind to many different human disease targets and are potentially useful as starting points for medicinal chemistry programs. This resource is, however, still underexploited due to technical difficulties with the identification of minute quantities of active ingredients in complex mixtures of structurally diverse compounds upon raw phytomass extraction. In this work, we describe the successful identification of a novel class of potent RAR-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα or nuclear receptor NR1F1) agonists from a library of 12,000 plant extract fractions by using an optimized, robust high-throughput cell-free screening method, as well as an innovative hit compound identification procedure through further extract deconvolution and subsequent structural elucidation of the active natural compound(s). In particular, we demonstrate that neoruscogenin, a member of the steroidal sapogenin family, is a potent and high-affinity RORα agonist, as shown by its activity in RORα reporter assays and from its effect on RORα target gene expression in vitro and in vivo. Neoruscogenin represents a universal pharmacological tool for RORα research due to its specific selectivity profile versus other nuclear receptors, its excellent microsomal stability, good bioavailability, and significant peripheral exposure in mouse.

Identification of New Nonsteroidal RORα Ligands; Related Structure-Activity Relationships and Docking Studies.

A high throughput screen was developed to identify novel, nonsteroidal RORα agonists. Among the validated hit compounds, the 4-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-5-carbonyl-2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine scaffold was the most prominent. Among the numerous analogues tested, compounds 8 and 9 showed the highest activity. Key structure-activity relationships (SAR) were established, where benzyl and urea moieties were both identified as very important elements to maintain the activity. Most notably, the SAR were consistent with the binding mode of the compound 8 (S-isomer) in the RORα docking model that was developed in this program. As predicted by the model, the urea moiety is engaged in the formation of key hydrogen bonds with the backbone of Tyr380 and Asp382. The benzyl group is located in a wide hydrophobic pocket. The structural relationships reported in this letter will help in further optimization of this compound series and will provide novel synthetic probes helpful for elucidation of complex RORα physiopathology.

Constitutive activation of LXR in macrophages regulates metabolic and inflammatory gene expression: identification of ARL7 as a direct target.

Ligand activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) has been shown to impact both lipid metabolism and inflammation. One complicating factor in studies utilizing synthetic LXR agonists is the potential for pharmacologic and receptor-independent effects. Here, we describe an LXR gain-of-function system that does not depend on the addition of exogenous ligand. We generated transgenic mice expressing a constitutively active VP16-LXRα protein from the aP2 promoter. These mice exhibit increased LXR signaling selectively in adipose and macrophages. Analysis of gene expression in primary macrophages derived from two independent VP16-LXRα transgenic lines confirmed the ability of LXR to drive expression of genes involved in cholesterol efflux and fatty acid synthesis. Moreover, VP16-LXRα expression also suppressed the induction of inflammatory genes by lipopolysaccharide to a comparable degree as synthetic agonist. We further utilized VP16-LXRα-expressing macrophages to identify and validate new targets for LXRs, including the gene encoding ADP-ribosylation factor-like 7 (ARL7). ARL7 has previously been shown to transport cholesterol to the membrane for ABCA1-associated removal and thus may be integral to the LXR-dependent efflux pathway. We show that the ARL7 promoter contains a functional LXRE and can be transactivated by LXRs in a sequence-specific manner, indicating that ARL7 is a direct target of LXR. These findings provide further support for an important role of LXRs in the coordinated regulation of lipid metabolic and inflammatory gene programs in macrophages.

The farnesoid X receptor induces fetuin-B gene expression in human hepatocytes.

FXR (farnesoid X receptor), a nuclear receptor activated by BAs (bile acids), is a key factor in the regulation of BA, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The recent development of synthetic FXR agonists and knockout mouse models has accelerated the discovery of FXR target genes. In the present study, we identify human fetuin-B as a novel FXR target gene. Treatment with FXR agonists increased fetuin-B expression in human primary hepatocytes and in the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. In contrast, fetuin-B expression was not responsive to FXR agonist treatment in murine primary hepatocytes. Fetuin-B induction by FXR agonist was abolished upon FXR knockdown by siRNA (small interfering RNA). In addition to the previously described P1 promoter, we show that the human fetuin-B gene is also transcribed from an alternative promoter, termed P2. Transcription via the P2 promoter was induced by FXR agonist treatment, whereas P1 promoter activity was not sensitive to FXR agonist treatment. Two putative FXR-response elements [IR-1 (inverted repeat-1)] were identified in the region -1.6 kb upstream of the predicted P2 transcriptional start site. Both motifs bound FXR-RXR (retinoid X receptor) complexes in vitro and were activated by FXR in transient transfection reporter assays. Mutations in the IR-1 sites abolished FXR-RXR binding and activation. Taken together, these results identify human fetuin-B as a new FXR target gene in human hepatocytes.

Multiscale modeling of protein transport in silicon membrane nanochannels. Part 2. From molecular parameters to a predictive continuum diffusion model.

Transport and surface interactions of proteins in nanopore membranes play a key role in many processes of biomedical importance. Although the use of porous materials provides a large surface-to-volume ratio, the efficiency of the operations is often determined by transport behavior, and this is complicated by the fact that transport paths (i.e., the pores) are frequently of molecular dimensions. Under these conditions, a protein diffusion can be slower than predicted from Fick law. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a mathematical model of this phenomenon, whose parameters are computed via molecular modeling, as described Part 1. Our multiscale modeling methodology, validated by using experimental results related to the diffusion of lysozyme molecules, constitutes an "ab initio" recipe, for which no experimental data are needed to predict the protein release, and can be tailored in principle to match any different protein and any different surface, thus filling gap between the nano and the macroscale.

Multiscale modeling of protein transport in silicon membrane nanochannels. Part 1. Derivation of molecular parameters from computer simulations.

We report in this account our efforts in the development of a novel multiscale simulation tool for integrated nanosystem design, analysis and optimization based on a three-tiered modeling approach consisting of (i) molecular models, (ii) atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, and (iii) dynamical models of protein transport at the continuum scale. In this work we used molecular simulations for the analysis of lysozyme adsorption on a pure silicon surface. The molecular modeling procedures adopted allowed (a) to elucidate the specific mechanisms of interaction between the biopolymer and the silicon surface, and (b) to derive molecular energetic and structural parameters to be employed in the formulation of a mathematical model of diffusion through silicon-based nanochannel membranes, thus filling the existing gap between the nano--and the macroscale.

Transcription of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene in macrophages is regulated by liver X receptors.

Macrophages are an important source of angiogenic activity in wound healing, cancer, and chronic inflammation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a cytokine produced by macrophages, is a primary inducer of angiogenesis and neovascularization in these contexts. VEGF expression by macrophages is known to be stimulated by low oxygen tension as well as by inflammatory signals. In this study, we provide evidence that Vegfa gene expression is also regulated by activation of liver X receptors (LXRs). VEGF mRNA was induced in response to synthetic LXR agonists in murine and human primary macrophages as well as in murine adipose tissue in vivo. The effects of LXR ligands on VEGF expression were independent of hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1alpha activation and did not require the previously characterized hypoxia response element in the VEGF promoter. Rather, LXR/retinoid X receptor heterodimers bound directly to a conserved hormone response element (LXRE) in the promoter of the murine and human Vegfa genes. Both LXRalpha and LXRbeta transactivated the VEGF promoter in transient transfection assays. Finally, we show that induction of VEGF expression by inflammatory stimuli was independent of LXRs, because these effects were preserved in LXR null macrophages. These observations identify VEGF as an LXR target gene and point to a previously unrecognized role for LXRs in vascular biology.

Activation of liver X receptor improves glucose tolerance through coordinate regulation of glucose metabolism in liver and adipose tissue.

The control of lipid and glucose metabolism is closely linked. The nuclear receptors liver X receptor (LXR)alpha and LXR beta have been implicated in gene expression linked to lipid homeostasis; however, their role in glucose metabolism is not clear. We demonstrate here that the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965 improves glucose tolerance in a murine model of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Analysis of gene expression in LXR agonist-treated mice reveals coordinate regulation of genes involved in glucose metabolism in liver and adipose tissue. In the liver, activation of LXR led to the suppression of the gluconeogenic program including down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase expression. Inhibition of gluconeogenic genes was accompanied by an induction in expression of glucokinase, which promotes hepatic glucose utilization. In adipose tissue, activation of LXR led to the transcriptional induction of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter, GLUT4. We show that the GLUT4 promoter is a direct transcriptional target for the LXR/retinoid X receptor heterodimer and that the ability of LXR ligands to induce GLUT4 expression is abolished in LXR null cells and animals. Consistent with their effects on GLUT4 expression, LXR agonists promote glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro. Thus, activation of LXR alters the expression of genes in liver and adipose tissue that collectively would be expected to limit hepatic glucose output and improve peripheral glucose uptake. These results outline a role for LXRs in the coordination of lipid and glucose metabolism.

Identification of macrophage liver X receptors as inhibitors of atherosclerosis.

Recent studies have identified the liver X receptors (LXR alpha and LXR beta) as important regulators of cholesterol metabolism and transport. LXRs control transcription of genes critical to a range of biological functions including regulation of high density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism, hepatic cholesterol catabolism, and intestinal sterol absorption. Although LXR activity has been proposed to be critical for physiologic lipid metabolism and transport, direct evidence linking LXR signaling pathways to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease has yet to be established. In this study bone marrow transplantations were used to selectively eliminate macrophage LXR expression in the context of murine models of atherosclerosis. Our results demonstrate that LXRs are endogenous inhibitors of atherogenesis. Additionally, elimination of LXR activity in bone marrow-derived cells mimics many aspects of Tangier disease, a human high density lipoprotein deficiency, including aberrant regulation of cholesterol transporter expression, lipid accumulation in macrophages, splenomegaly, and increased atherosclerosis. These results identify LXRs as targets for intervention in cardiovascular disease.

PPARadigms and PPARadoxes: expanding roles for PPARgamma in the control of lipid metabolism.

The nuclear receptor PPARgamma is a central regulator of adipose tissue development and an important modulator of gene expression in a number of specialized cell types including adipocytes, epithelial cells, and macrophages. PPARgamma signaling pathways impact both cellular and systemic lipid metabolism and have links to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The ability to activate this receptor with small molecule ligands has made PPARgamma an attractive target for intervention in human metabolic disease. As our understanding of PPARgamma biology has expanded, so has the therapeutic potential of PPARgamma ligands. Recent studies have provided insight into the paradoxical relationship between PPARgamma and metabolic disease and established new paradigms for the control of lipid metabolism. This review focuses on recent advances in PPARgamma biology in the areas of adipocyte differentiation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis.

Direct and indirect mechanisms for regulation of fatty acid synthase gene expression by liver X receptors.

The nuclear receptors LXRalpha and LXRbeta have been implicated in the control of lipogenesis and cholesterol homeostasis. Ligand activation of these receptors in vivo induces expression of the LXR target gene SREBP-1c and increases plasma triglyceride levels. Expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), a central enzyme in de novo lipogenesis and an established target of the SREBP-1 pathway, is also induced by LXR ligands. The effects of LXR ligands on FAS expression have been proposed to be entirely secondary to the induction of SREBP-1c. We demonstrate here that LXRs regulate FAS expression through direct interaction with the FAS promoter as well as through activation of SREBP-1c expression. Induction of FAS expression in HepG2 cells by LXR ligands is reduced, but not abolished, under conditions where SREBP processing is suppressed. Moreover, LXR ligands induce FAS expression in CHO-7 cells without altering expression of SREBP-1. We demonstrate that in addition to tandem SREBP sites, the FAS promoter contains a high affinity binding site for the LXR/RXR heterodimer that is conserved in diverse animal species including birds, rodents, and humans. The LXR and SREBP binding sites independently confer LXR responsiveness on the FAS promoter, and maximal induction requires both transcription factors. Transient elevation of plasma triglyceride levels in mice treated with a synthetic LXR agonist correlates with transient induction of hepatic FAS expression. These results indicate that the LXR signaling pathway modulates FAS expression through distinct but complementary mechanisms and suggest that the FAS gene may be a critical target in the control of lipogenesis by LXRs.