Daisy Sahoo

CD36 deficiency impairs intestinal lipid secretion and clearance of chylomicrons from the blood

CD36 mediates the transfer of fatty acids (FAs) across the plasma membranes of muscle and adipose cells, thus playing an important role in regulating peripheral FA metabolism in vivo. In the proximal intestine, CD36 is localized in abundant quantities on the apical surface of epithelial cells, a pattern similar to that of other proteins implicated in the uptake of dietary FAs. To define the role of CD36 in the intestine, we examined FA utilization and lipoprotein secretion by WT and CD36-null mice in response to acute and chronic fat feeding. CD36-null mice given a fat bolus by gavage or fed a high-fat diet accumulated neutral lipid in the proximal intestine, which indicated abnormal lipid processing. Using a model in which mice were equipped with lymph fistulae, we obtained evidence of defective lipoprotein secretion by directly measuring lipid output. The secretion defect appeared to reflect an impaired ability of CD36-null enterocytes to efficiently synthesize triacylglycerols from dietary FAs in the endoplasmic reticulum. In the plasma of intact mice, the reduced intestinal lipid secretion was masked by slow clearance of intestine-derived lipoproteins. The impaired clearance occurred despite normal lipoprotein lipase activity and likely reflected feedback inhibition of the lipase by FAs due to their defective removal from the plasma. We conclude that CD36 is important for both secretion and clearance of intestinal lipoproteins. CD36 deficiency results in hypertriglyceridemia both in the postprandial and fasting states and in humans may constitute a risk factor for diet-induced type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

CD36 Mediates Both Cellular Uptake of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids and Their Intestinal Absorption in Mice

The intestine has an extraordinary capacity for fatty acid (FA) absorption. Numerous candidates for a protein-mediated mechanism of dietary FA absorption have been proposed, but firm evidence for this process has remained elusive. Here we show that the scavenger receptor CD36 is required both for the uptake of very long chain FAs (VLCFAs) in cultured cells and the absorption of dietary VLCFAs in mice. We found that the fraction of CD36-dependent saturated fatty acid association/absorption in these model systems is proportional to the FA chain length and specific for fatty acids and fatty alcohols containing very long saturated acyl chains. Moreover, intestinal VLCFA absorption is completely abolished in CD36-null mice fed a high fat diet, illustrating that the predominant mechanism for VLCFA absorption is CD36-dependent. Together, these findings represent the first direct evidence for protein-facilitated FA absorption in the intestine and identify a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases characterized by elevated VLCFA levels.

Functional Characterization of Newly-Discovered Mutations in Human SR-BI

In rodents, SR-BI has been firmly established as a physiologically relevant HDL receptor that mediates removal of HDL-cholesteryl esters (CE). However, its role in human lipoprotein metabolism is less defined. Recently, two unique point mutations in human SR-BI — S112F or T175A — were identified in subjects with high HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. We hypothesized that mutation of these conserved residues would compromise the cholesterol-transport functions of SR-BI. To test this hypothesis, S112F- and T175A-SR-BI were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Cell surface expression was confirmed for both mutant receptors in COS-7 cells upon transient transfection, albeit at lower levels for T175A-SR-BI. Both mutant receptors displayed defective HDL binding, selective uptake of HDL-CE and release of free cholesterol (FC) from cells to HDL. Mutant receptors were also unable to re-organize plasma membrane pools of FC. While these impaired functions were independent of receptor oligomerization, inability of T175A-SR-BI to mediate cholesterol-transport functions could be related to altered N-linked glycosylation status. In conclusion, high HDL-C levels observed in carriers of S112F- or T175A-SR-BI mutant receptors are consistent with the inability of these SR-BI receptors to mediate efficient selective uptake of HDL-CE, and suggest that increased plasma HDL concentrations in these settings may not be associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Oxidized LDL–bound CD36 recruits an Na+/K+-ATPase–Lyn complex in macrophages that promotes atherosclerosis

Macrophages promote atherosclerosis when an ion transporter is activated by the receptor for oxidized LDL. Na+/K+-ATPase helps turn macrophages into toxic foam cells Oxidized LDL inhibits macrophage migration and promotes lipid uptake by macrophages, which become foam cells that accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques. Chen et al. showed that CD36, the receptor for oxidized LDL, activated the tyrosine kinase Lyn in macrophages through the ion transporter Na+/K+-ATPase. Macrophages that lacked an allele encoding a subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase were defective in responding to oxidized LDL. Apoe-null mice are prone to developing atherosclerosis when placed on a high-fat diet, and atherosclerosis development was reduced in these mice when they received macrophages lacking an allele encoding the Na+/K+-ATPase subunit. One characteristic of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophage foam cells in the arterial wall. We have previously shown that the binding of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) to the scavenger receptor CD36 activates the kinase Lyn, initiating a cascade that inhibits macrophage migration and is necessary for foam cell generation. We identified the plasma membrane ion transporter Na+/K+-ATPase as a key component in the macrophage oxLDL-CD36 signaling axis. Using peritoneal macrophages isolated from Atp1a1 heterozygous or Cd36-null mice, we demonstrated that CD36 recruited an Na+/K+-ATPase–Lyn complex for Lyn activation in response to oxLDL. Macrophages deficient in the α1 Na+/K+-ATPase catalytic subunit did not respond to activation of CD36, showing attenuated oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation, and oxLDL failed to inhibit migration of these macrophages. Furthermore, Apoe-null mice, which are a model of atherosclerosis, were protected from diet-induced atherosclerosis by global deletion of a single allele encoding the α1 Na+/K+-ATPase subunit or reconstitution with macrophages that lacked an allele encoding the α1 Na+/K+-ATPase subunit. These findings identify Na+/K+-ATPase as a potential target for preventing or treating atherosclerosis.

Extracellular hydrophobic regions in scavenger receptor BI play a key role in mediating HDL-cholesterol transport

The binding of high density lipoprotein (HDL) to scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is responsible for whole-body cholesterol disposal via reverse cholesterol transport. The extracellular domain of SR-BI is required for HDL binding and selective uptake of HDL-cholesterol. We identified six highly hydrophobic regions in this domain that may be important for receptor activity and performed site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the importance of these regions in SR-BI-mediated cholesterol transport. Non-conservative mutation of the regions encompassing V67, L140/L142, V164 or V221 reduced hydrophobicity and impaired the ability of SR-BI to bind HDL, mediate selective uptake of HDL-cholesterol, promote cholesterol efflux, and enlarge the cholesterol oxidase-sensitive pool of membrane free cholesterol. In contrast, conservative mutations at V67, V164 or V221 did not affect the hydrophobicity or these cholesterol transport activities. We conclude that the hydrophobicity of N-terminal extracellular regions of SR-BI is critical for cholesterol transport, possibly by mediating receptor-ligand and/or receptor-membrane interactions.

SR-BI/CD36 Chimeric Receptors Define Extracellular Subdomains of SR-BI Critical for Cholesterol Transport

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are athero-protective, primarily because of their ability to promote cholesterol flux from peripheral tissues to the liver by reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). The delivery of HDL-cholesteryl esters (CE) into cells is mediated by the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), a promising target for enhancing whole body cholesterol disposal and preventing cardiovascular disease. A detailed understanding of the structural determinants underlying proper SR-BI/HDL alignment that supports the selective uptake of HDL-CE into cells remains lacking. To this end, we exploited CD36, a class B scavenger receptor with a predicted topology similar to that of SR-BI that binds HDL but is unable to mediate efficient selective uptake of HDL-CE. We generated a series of SR-BI/CD36 chimeric receptors that span the extracellular (EC) domain of SR-BI to delineate regions that are essential for SR-BI’s cholesterol transport functions. All 16 SR-BI/CD36 chimeras were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells, and their plasma membrane localization was confirmed. The majority of SR-BI/CD36 chimeric receptors displayed significant reductions in their ability to (i) bind HDL, (ii) deliver HDL-CE to cells, (iii) mediate efflux of free cholesterol (FC) to HDL, and (iv) redistribute plasma membrane domains of FC. We also demonstrated that changes in SR-BI function were independent of receptor oligomerization. Altogether, we have identified discrete subdomains, particularly in the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the EC domain of SR-BI, that are critical for productive receptor–ligand interactions and the various cholesterol transport functions of SR-BI.

Extracellular disulfide bonds support scavenger receptor class B type I-mediated cholesterol transport.

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) binds high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and mediates the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters (CE). Although the extracellular domain of SR-BI is critical for function, the structural characteristics of this region remain elusive. Using sulfhydryl labeling strategies, we report the novel finding that all six cysteine (Cys) residues in the extracellular domain of SR-BI are involved in disulfide bond formation that is intramolecular by nature. We hypothesized that an SR-BI conformation stabilized by extracellular disulfide bonds is a prerequisite for SR-BI-mediated cholesterol transport. Thus, single-Cys mutant SR-BI receptors (C251S-, C280S-, C321S-, C323S-, C334S-, and C384S-SR-BI), as well as Cys-less SR-BI, a mutant SR-BI receptor void of all Cys residues, were created, and plasma membrane localization was confirmed. Functional assays revealed that C280S-, C321S-, C323S-, and C334S-SR-BI and Cys-less SR-BI mutant receptors displayed weakened HDL binding and subsequent selective uptake of HDL-CE. However, only C323S-SR-BI and Cys-less SR-BI were unable to mediate wild-type levels of efflux of free cholesterol (FC) to HDL. None of the Cys mutations disrupted SR-BIs ability to redistribute plasma membrane FC. Taken together, the intramolecular disulfide bonds in the extracellular domain of SR-BI appear to maintain the receptor in a conformation integral to its cholesterol transport functions.

Fluorescence Studies of Exchangeable Apolipoprotein-Lipid Interactions SUPERFICIAL ASSOCIATION OF APOLIPOPHORIN III WITH LIPOPROTEIN SURFACES

Apolipophorin III (apoLp-III) from the Sphinx moth, Manduca sexta, is an 18-kDa exchangeable apolipoprotein that reversibly associates with lipoprotein particles. In the absence of lipid, apoLp-III exists as an elongated bundle of five amphipathic α-helices. Upon lipid association, the protein is postulated to undergo a major conformational change, wherein the bundle opens around hinge loop regions, resulting in exposure of its hydrophobic interior. Fluorescence quenching techniques have been employed to study apoLp-III helix topography and spatial arrangement in phospholipid disc complexes and intact lipoprotein particles. Intrinsic fluorescence of the single tyrosine in apoLp-III was exploited to monitor the location of helix 5 in model disc complexes. To investigate other regions of the protein, site-directed mutagenesis was performed to introduce cysteine residues, replacing Asn-40 (helix 2, N40C) or Leu-90 (helix 3, L90C), thereby providing two mutant apoLp-IIIs, each with a single site for covalent attachment of the extrinsic fluorescent probe, N-(1-pyrene) maleimide. In the lipid-free state, pyrene-N40C- and pyrene-L90C-apoLp-III were highly accessible to the negatively charged aqueous quencher KI, yieldingK sv values of 27.1 and 19.8m −1, respectively. Upon binding to the surface of a spherical lipoprotein particle, K sv values for KI decreased by about 90% for both pyrene-labeled apoLp-IIIs, indicating a significant change in the local microenvironment of the fluorophores. A lesser decrease in K sv was observed when the pyrene-labeled apoLp-IIIs were bound to phospholipid disc complexes. When spin-labeled fatty acids 5-doxylstearic acid and 12-doxylstearic acid were used as lipophilic quenchers, tyrosine and pyrene fluorescence were more effectively quenched by 5-doxylstearic acid in both phospholipid bilayer disc complexes and spherical lipoprotein particles. These data provide insight into the spatial topography of apoLp-III α-helices in phospholipid disc complexes and support the concept that interaction with spherical lipoprotein particles results in superficial contact of apoLp-III helical segments with the monolayer surface, providing a basis for its reversible binding ability.

Cholesterol and Lipoprotein Dynamics in a Hibernating Mammal

Hibernating mammals cease feeding during the winter and rely primarily on stored lipids to fuel alternating periods of torpor and arousal. How hibernators manage large fluxes of lipids and sterols over the annual hibernation cycle is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate lipid and cholesterol transport and storage in ground squirrels studied in spring, summer, and several hibernation states. Cholesterol levels in total plasma, HDL and LDL particles were elevated in hibernators compared with spring or summer squirrels. Hibernation increased plasma apolipoprotein A-I expression and HDL particle size. Expression of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase was 13-fold lower in hibernators than in active season squirrels. Plasma triglycerides were reduced by fasting in spring but not summer squirrels. In hibernators plasma β-hydroxybutyrate was elevated during torpor whereas triglycerides were low relative to normothermic states. We conclude that the switch to a lipid-based metabolism during winter, coupled with reduced capacity to excrete cholesterol creates a closed system in which efficient use of lipoproteins is essential for survival.

NMR evidence for a conformational adaptation of apolipophorin III upon lipid association

A characteristic property of amphipathic exchangeable apolipoproteins is an ability to exist alternately in lipid-free and lipid-bound states. In the present study, we have used 1H-15N-heteronuclear single quantum correlation spectroscopy to probe structural changes of apolipophorin III upon lipid association, by monitoring alterations of the chemical shifts of specific amino acids as a function of lipid titration. 15N-valine-, 15N-leucine-, 15N-lysine-, and 15N-glycine-labeled apolipophorin III were used in titration experiments with the micelle-forming lipid dodecylphosphocholine. In the absence of lipid, valine and leucine residues are located in the hydrophobic interior of the apolipophorin III helix bundle and their resonances resist chemical shift changes below the critical micelle concentration of dodecylphosphocholine. At the critical micelle concentration, however, dramatic and abrupt chemical shift changes occur, apparently coincident with formation of a protein-lipid micelle complex, as judged by significant line-width broadening of the crosspeaks. By contrast, apolipophorin III lysine and glycine residues are located on the hydrophilic surfaces of amphipathic alpha-helices or in loop regions, exposed to solvent. Their crosspeaks display either a chemical shift change similar to that seen for hydrophobic residues or a more gradual chemical shift change, beginning at very low dodecylphosphocholine concentrations. These results indicate that an interaction occurs between specific solvent-exposed lysine residues and dodecylphosphocholine below the critical micelle concentration of this lipid, whereas valine and leucine residues are not accessible to monomeric dodecylphosphocholine. At the critical micelle concentration, however, the availability of a newly formed lipid surface induces apolipophorin III binding, concomitant with conformational opening of the helix bundle, exposing its hydrophobic surfaces for binding to the dodecylphosphocholine micellar surface. Subsequently, hydrophobic residues undergo characteristic spectral changes. Subtle differences in behavior of specific hydrophobic residues, in terms of their response to dodecylphosphocholine titration and relative locations in the helix-bundle conformation, suggest that one end of the molecule may initiate contact with the lipid surface, followed by helix bundle opening.