Phytanic acid, a novel activator of uncoupling protein-1 gene transcription and brown adipocyte differentiation

2002 ◽  
Vol 362 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agatha SCHLÜTER ◽  
Maria José BARBERÁ ◽  
Roser IGLESIAS ◽  
Marta GIRALT ◽  
Francesc VILLARROYA

Phytanic acid (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) is a phytol-derived branched-chain fatty acid present in dietary products. Phytanic acid increased uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) mRNA expression in brown adipocytes differentiated in culture. Phytanic acid induced the expression of the UCP1 gene promoter, which was enhanced by co-transfection with a retinoid X receptor (RXR) expression vector but not with other expression vectors driving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, PPARγ or a form of RXR devoid of ligand-dependent sensitivity. The effect of phytanic acid on the UCP1 gene required the 5′ enhancer region of the gene and the effects of phytanic acid were mediated in an additive manner by three binding sites for RXR. Moreover, phytanic acid activates brown adipocyte differentiation: long-term exposure of brown preadipocytes to phytanic acid promoted the acquisition of the brown adipocyte morphology and caused a co-ordinate induction of the mRNAs for gene markers of brown adipocyte differentiation, such as UCP1, adipocyte lipid-binding protein aP2, lipoprotein lipase, the glucose transporter GLUT4 or subunit II of cytochrome c oxidase. In conclusion, phytanic acid is a natural product of phytol metabolism that activates brown adipocyte thermogenic function. It constitutes a potential nutritional signal linking dietary status to adaptive thermogenesis.

2002 ◽  
Vol 362 (1) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agatha SCHLÜTER ◽  
Maria José BARBERÁ ◽  
Roser IGLESIAS ◽  
Marta GIRALT ◽  
Francesc VILLARROYA

2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (1) ◽  
pp. C105-C112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bibian García ◽  
Maria-Jesús Obregón

To study the effect of the mitogens epidermal growth factor (EGF), acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF), and vasopressin on brown adipocyte differentiation, we analyzed the expression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) mRNA. Quiescent brown preadipocytes express high levels of UCP-1 mRNA in response to triiodothyronine (T3) and norepinephrine (NE). The addition of serum or the mitogenic condition aFGF + vasopressin + NE or EGF + vasopressin + NE decreases UCP-1 mRNA. A second addition of mitogens further decreases UCP-1 mRNA. Treatment with aFGF or bFGF alone increases UCP-1 mRNA, whereas the addition of EGF or vasopressin dramatically reduces UCP-1 mRNA levels. The continuous presence of T3 increases UCP-1 mRNA levels in cells treated with EGF, aFGF, or bFGF. The effect of T3 on the stimulation of DNA synthesis also was tested. T3 inhibits the mitogenic activity of aFGF and bFGF. In conclusion, mitogens like aFGF or bFGF allow brown adipocyte differentiation, whereas EGF and vasopressin inhibit the differentiation process. T3 behaves as an important hormone that regulates both brown adipocyte proliferation and differentiation.


1999 ◽  
Vol 345 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa ALVAREZ ◽  
MaLuz CHECA ◽  
Sonia BRUN ◽  
Octavi VI±AS ◽  
Teresa MAMPEL ◽  
...  

The intracellular pathways and receptors mediating the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the brown-fat-uncoupling-protein-1 gene (ucp-1) have been analysed. RA activates transcription of ucp-1 and the RA receptor (RAR) is known to be involved in this effect. However, co-transfection of an expression vector for retinoid-X receptor (RXR) increases the action of 9-cis RA but not the effects of all-trans RA on the ucp-1 promoter in brown adipocytes. Either RAR-specific {p-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8,-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-1-propenyl]benzoic acid} or RXR-specific [isopropyl-(E,E)-(R,S)-11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate, or methoprene] synthetic compounds increase the expression of UCP-1 mRNA and the activity of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression vectors driven by the ucp-1 promoter. The RXR-mediated action of 9-cis RA requires the upstream enhancer region at -2469/-2318 in ucp-1. During brown-adipocyte differentiation RXRα and RXRγ mRNA expression is induced in parallel with UCP-1 mRNA, whereas the mRNA for the three RAR subtypes, α, β and γ, decreases. Co-transfection of murine expression vectors for the different RAR and RXR subtypes indicates that RARα and RARβ as well as RXRα are the major retinoid-receptor subtypes capable of mediating the responsiveness of ucp-1 to retinoids. It is concluded that the effects of retinoids on ucp-1 transcription involve both RAR- and RXR-dependent signalling pathways. The responsiveness of brown adipose tissue to retinoids in vivo relies on a complex combination of the capacity of RAR and RXR subtypes to mediate ucp-1 induction and their distinct expression in the differentiated brown adipocyte.


2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1918-1929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hua Tseng ◽  
Kristina M. Kriauciunas ◽  
Efi Kokkotou ◽  
C. Ronald Kahn

ABSTRACT Insulin promotes adipocyte differentiation via a complex signaling network involving multiple insulin receptor substrates (IRSs). In cultured brown preadipocytes, expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 mRNAs and proteins was at relatively high levels before and after differentiation into mature fat cells, while IRS-3 transcript was not detectable in preadipocytes but increased during the course of differentiation, and IRS-4 mRNA was barely detected in both states. To determine more precisely the roles of various IRS proteins in adipogenesis, we established and characterized brown preadipocyte cell lines from wild-type and IRS knockout (KO) animals. While wild-type, IRS-2 KO, and IRS-4 KO cells fully differentiated into mature adipocytes, IRS-3 KO cells showed a moderate defect in differentiation and IRS-1 KO cells exhibited a severe defect in the process. Cells lacking both IRS-1 and IRS-3 completely failed to differentiate. Expression of the adipogenic markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, fatty acid synthase, glucose transporter 4, and the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5, as well as the brown-fat-specific markers PPARγ coactivator 1 alpha and uncoupling protein 1, mirrored the differentiation pattern. Reconstitution of the IRS-1 KO cells with IRS-1 and IRS-4, but not IRS-2 or IRS-3, compensated for the lack of differentiation in IRS-1 KO cells. A chimeric molecule containing the N terminus of IRS-1 and the C terminus of IRS-2, but not one with the N terminus of IRS-2 and the C terminus of IRS-1, also rescued differentiation. Expression of Wnt 10a, a molecule known to inhibit adipogenesis, was dramatically increased in the IRS-1 KO cells, and this could be reduced by overexpression of IRS-1 or IRS-4, which was correlated with restoration of differentiation. These data indicate that both IRS-1 and -3 play important roles in the differentiation of brown adipocytes and that the N terminus of IRS-1 is more important for this function of the molecule. Although IRS-4 is not essential for the process, overexpression of IRS-4 can compensate for the deficiency in differentiation in IRS-1 KO cells.


2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (6) ◽  
pp. R1789-R1797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Rodrı́guez ◽  
Joan Ribot ◽  
Andreu Palou

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is reported to have health benefits, including reduction of body fat. Previous studies have shown that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is particularly sensitive to CLA-supplemented diet feeding. Most of them use mixtures containing several CLA isomers, mainly cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 in equal concentration. Our aim was to characterize the separate effects of both CLA isomers on thermogenic capacity in cultured brown adipocytes. The CLA isomers showed opposite effects. Hence, on the one hand, trans-10, cis-12 inhibited uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 induction by norepinephrine (NE) and produced a decrease in leptin mRNA levels. These effects were associated with a blockage of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 mRNA expression. On the other hand, cis-9, trans-11 enhanced the UCP1 elicited by NE, an effect reported earlier for polyunsaturated fatty acids and also observed here for linoleic acid. These findings could explain, at least in part, the effects observed in vivo when feeding a CLA mixture supplemented diet as a result of the combined action of CLA isomers (reduction of adipogenesis and defective BAT thermogenesis that could be through trans-10, cis-12 and enhanced UCP1 thermogenic capacity through cis-9, trans-11).


2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Kohlie ◽  
Nina Perwitz ◽  
Julia Resch ◽  
Sebastian M Schmid ◽  
Hendrik Lehnert ◽  
...  

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is key to energy homeostasis. By virtue of its thermogenic potential, it may dissipate excessive energy, regulate body weight and increase insulin sensitivity. Catecholamines are critically involved in the regulation of BAT thermogenesis, yet research has focussed on the effects of noradrenaline and adrenaline. Some evidence suggests a role of dopamine (DA) in BAT thermogenesis, but the cellular mechanisms involved have not been addressed. We employed our extensively characterised murine brown adipocyte cells. D1-like and D2-like receptors were detectable at the protein level. Stimulation with DA caused an increase in cAMP concentrations. Oxygen consumption rates (OCR), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) levels increased after 24 h of treatment with either DA or a D1-like specific receptor agonist. A D1-like receptor antagonist abolished the DA-mediated effect on OCR, Δψm and UCP1. DA induced the release of fatty acids, which did not additionally alter DA-mediated increases of OCR. Mitochondrial mass (as determined by (i) CCCP- and oligomycin-mediated effects on OCR and (ii) immunoblot analysis of mitochondrial proteins) also increased within 24 h. This was accompanied by an increase in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha protein levels. Also, DA caused an increase in p38 MAPK phosphorylation and pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK abolished the DA-mediated effect on Δψm. In summary, our study is the first to reveal direct D1-like receptor and p38 MAPK-mediated increases of thermogenesis and mitochondrial mass in brown adipocytes. These results expand our understanding of catecholaminergic effects on BAT thermogenesis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Won Kon Kim ◽  
Baek-Soo Han

Abstract Brown adipocytes play important roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis by uncoupling protein 1-mediated non-shivering thermogenesis. Recent studies suggest that brown adipocytes as novel therapeutic targets for combating obesity and associated diseases, such as type II diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying brown adipocyte differentiation and function are not fully understood. We employed previous findings obtained through proteomic studies performed to assess proteins displaying altered levels during brown adipocyte differentiation. Here, we performed assays to determine the functional significance of their altered levels during brown adipogenesis and development. We identified isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) as upregulated during brown adipocyte differentiation, with subsequent investigations revealing that ectopic expression of IDH1 inhibited brown adipogenesis, whereas suppression of IDH1 levels promoted differentiation of brown adipocytes. Additionally, Idh1 overexpression resulted in increased levels of intracellular α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and inhibited the expression of genes involved in brown adipogenesis. Exogenous treatment with α-KG reduced brown adipogenesis during the early phase of differentiation, and ChIP analysis revealed that IDH1-mediated α-KG reduced trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 in the promoters of genes associated with brown adipogenesis. Furthermore, administration of α-KG decreased adipogenic gene expression by modulating histone methylation in brown adipose tissues of mice. These results suggested that the IDH1–α-KG axis plays an important role in regulating brown adipocyte differentiation and might represent a therapeutic target for treating metabolic diseases.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Jin Seo ◽  
Kippeum Lee ◽  
Sungwoo Chei ◽  
Ji-Hyeon Song ◽  
Boo-Yong Lee

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia, present increasing challenges to health worldwide, as a result of urbanization, the increasing prevalence of obesity, poor lifestyle, and other stress-related factors. Ishige okamurae extract (IOE) is known to be effective at lowering blood glucose and ameliorating metabolic disease. However, detailed mechanisms for these effects have yet to be elucidated. Here, we show that IOE ameliorates substrate (IRS)/ phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and increasing glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue (WAT). We also demonstrate that IOE increases the expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21, a regulator of glucose and energy metabolism in muscle and WAT. In addition, IOE administration increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α expression, which regulates expression of the key thermogenic molecule uncoupling protein 1 in WAT. Thus, the effects of IOE to ameliorate hyperglycemia and adiposity may be mediated through FGF21 activating insulin signaling and increasing the expression of GLUT4 and pro-thermogenic factors.


2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 319-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Fasshauer ◽  
Johannes Klein ◽  
Kristina M. Kriauciunas ◽  
Kohjiro Ueki ◽  
Manuel Benito ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The most widely distributed members of the family of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are IRS-1 and IRS-2. These proteins participate in insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling, as well as the actions of some cytokines, growth hormone, and prolactin. To more precisely define the specific role of IRS-1 in adipocyte biology, we established brown adipocyte cell lines from wild-type and IRS-1 knockout (KO) animals. Using differentiation protocols, both with and without insulin, preadipocyte cell lines derived from IRS-1 KO mice exhibited a marked decrease in differentiation and lipid accumulation (10 to 40%) compared to wild-type cells (90 to 100%). Furthermore, IRS-1 KO cells showed decreased expression of adipogenic marker proteins, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), fatty acid synthase, uncoupling protein-1, and glucose transporter 4. The differentiation deficit in the KO cells could be reversed almost completely by retrovirus-mediated reexpression of IRS-1, PPARγ, or C/EBPα but not the thiazolidinedione troglitazone. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) assays performed at various stages of the differentiation process revealed a strong and transient activation in IRS-1, IRS-2, and phosphotyrosine-associated PI 3-kinase in the wild-type cells, whereas the IRS-1 KO cells showed impaired phosphotyrosine-associated PI 3-kinase activation, all of which was associated with IRS-2. Akt phosphorylation was reduced in parallel with the total PI 3-kinase activity. Inhibition of PI 3-kinase with LY294002 blocked differentiation of wild-type cells. Thus, IRS-1 appears to be an important mediator of brown adipocyte maturation. Furthermore, this signaling molecule appears to exert its unique role in the differentiation process via activation of PI 3-kinase and its downstream target, Akt, and is upstream of the effects of PPARγ and C/EBPα.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document