Dieter Schmoll

Regulation of the forkhead transcription factor FKHR (FOXO1a) by glucose starvation and AICAR, an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase.

Expression of the catalytic subunit of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) has recently been shown to be transactivated by the transcription factor FKHR. Insulin and conditions of energy depletion are known repressors of the G6Pase gene. Whereas insulin is known to inhibit G6Pase expression by phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of FKHR, the mechanism of repression of G6Pase by energy depletion is unknown. Here, we have studied the effect of glucose starvation and AICAR, an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on G6Pase expression and the expressional level of FKHR-protein in hepatic cells. Using a H4-hepatoma cell line stably overexpressing FKHR, we found that both glucose starvation and treatment of cells with AICAR strongly repressed G6Pase expression and led to an almost complete disappearance of the FKHR protein, whereas the levels of control proteins and FKHR mRNA were not affected. Our data suggest that AICAR and glucose starvation inhibit G6Pase expression by a reduction of the cellular level of FKHR, presumably mediated by specific degradation of the protein.

Biophysical Characterization of the Interaction between Hepatic Glucokinase and Its Regulatory Protein IMPACT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTORS

Glucokinase (GK) is a key enzyme of glucose metabolism in liver and pancreatic β-cells, and small molecule activators of GK (GKAs) are under evaluation for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In liver, GK activity is controlled by the GK regulatory protein (GKRP), which forms an inhibitory complex with the enzyme. Here, we performed isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance experiments to characterize GK-GKRP binding and to study the influence that physiological and pharmacological effectors of GK have on the protein-protein interaction. In the presence of fructose-6-phosphate, GK-GKRP complex formation displayed a strong entropic driving force opposed by a large positive enthalpy; a negative change in heat capacity was observed (Kd = 45 nm, ΔH = 15.6 kcal/mol, TΔS = 25.7 kcal/mol, ΔCp = –354 cal mol–1 K–1). With koff = 1.3 × 10–2 s–1, the complex dissociated quickly. The thermodynamic profile suggested a largely hydrophobic interaction. In addition, effects of pH and buffer demonstrated the coupled uptake of one proton and indicated an ionic contribution to binding. Glucose decreased the binding affinity between GK and GKRP. This decrease was potentiated by an ATP analogue. Prototypical GKAs of the amino-heteroaryl-amide type bound to GK in a glucose-dependent manner and impaired the association of GK with GKRP. This mechanism might contribute to the antidiabetic effects of GKAs.

Tumour necrosis factor α decreases glucose-6-phosphatase gene expression by activation of nuclear factor κB

The key insulin-regulated gluconeogenic enzyme G6Pase (glucose-6-phosphatase) has an important function in the control of hepatic glucose production. Here we examined the inhibition of G6Pase gene transcription by TNF (tumour necrosis factor) in H4IIE hepatoma cells. TNF decreased dexamethasone/dibtuyryl cAMP-induced G6Pase mRNA levels. TNFα, but not insulin, led to rapid activation of NFκB (nuclear factor κB). The adenoviral overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of IκBα (inhibitor of NFκB α) prevented the suppression of G6Pase expression by TNFα, but did not affect that by insulin. The regulation of G6Pase by TNF was not mediated by activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, extracellular-signal-regulated protein kinase or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Reporter gene assays demonstrated a concentration-dependent down-regulation of G6Pase promoter activity by the transient overexpression of NFκB. Although two binding sites for NFκB were identified within the G6Pase promoter, neither of these sites, nor the insulin response unit or binding sites for Sp proteins, was necessary for the regulation of G6Pase promoter activity by TNFα. In conclusion, the data indicate that the activation of NFκB is sufficient to suppress G6Pase gene expression, and is required for the regulation by TNFα, but not by insulin. We propose that NFκB does not act by binding directly to the G6Pase promoter.

DYRK1 is a co-activator of FKHR (FOXO1a)-dependent glucose-6-phosphatase gene expression.

Expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), one of the rate-limiting enzymes of hepatic gluconeogenesis, has recently been shown to be transactivated by the transcription factor FKHR. One of the proteins known to directly interact with FKHR is the nuclear protein kinase DYRK1A. In order to study the effects of DYRK1A on G6Pase gene expression, we generated a H4IIEC3 rat hepatoma cell line stably expressing DYRK1A by retroviral infection. Overexpression of DYRK1A increased the expression of G6Pase about threefold, as determined by Northern blotting. In transiently transfected HepG2 cells, co-expression of DYRK1A and a G6Pase promoter construct increased G6Pase promoter activity about twofold. This effect of DYRK1A was independent of its kinase activity, since a kinase-dead DYRK1A mutant as well as a point mutant of the phosphorylation site of DYRK1A in FKHR (Ser329Ala) failed to affect the effect of DYRK1A on the G6Pase expression. The effect of DYRK on the G6Pase promoter activity was produced by the isoforms DYRK1A and DYRK1B, which are localized in the nucleus, but not by DYRK2. Mutations of the FKHR-binding sites in the G6Pase promoter markedly reduced the effect of DYRK1 on the G6Pase promoter activity. In summary, the data suggest that DYRK1 is a specific co-activator of FKHR, independent of its kinase activity.

The role of glucose 6‐phosphate in mediating the effects of glucokinase overexpression on hepatic glucose metabolism

Pharmacological activation or overexpression of glucokinase in hepatocytes stimulates glucose phosphorylation, glycolysis and glycogen synthesis. We used an inhibitor of glucose 6‐phosphate (Glc6P) hydrolysis, namely the chlorogenic derivative, 1‐[2‐(4‐chloro‐phenyl)‐cyclopropylmethoxy]‐3, 4‐dihydroxy‐5‐(3‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐1‐yl‐3‐phenyl‐acryloyloxy)‐cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (also known as S4048), to determine the contribution of Glc6P concentration, as distinct from glucokinase protein or activity, to the control of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis by glucokinase overexpression. The validity of S4048 for testing the role of Glc6P was supported by its lack of effect on glucokinase binding and its nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution. The stimulation of glycolysis by glucokinase overexpression correlated strongly with glucose phosphorylation, whereas glycogen synthesis correlated strongly with Glc6P concentration. Metabolic control analysis was used to determine the sensitivity of glycogenic flux to glucokinase or Glc6P at varying glucose concentrations (5–20 mm). The concentration control coefficient of glucokinase on Glc6P (1.4–1.7) was relatively independent of glucose concentration, whereas the flux control coefficients of Glc6P (2.4–1.0) and glucokinase (3.7–1.8) on glycogen synthesis decreased with glucose concentration. The high sensitivity of glycogenic flux to Glc6P at low glucose concentration is consistent with covalent modification by Glc6P of both phosphorylase and glycogen synthase. The high control strength of glucokinase on glycogenic flux is explained by its concentration control coefficient on Glc6P and the high control strength of Glc6P on glycogen synthesis. It is suggested that the regulatory strength of pharmacological glucokinase activators on glycogen metabolism can be predicted from their effect on the Glc6P content.

A liver stress-endocrine nexus promotes metabolic integrity during dietary protein dilution

Dietary protein intake is linked to an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although dietary protein dilution (DPD) can slow the progression of some aging-related disorders, whether this strategy affects the development and risk for obesity-associated metabolic disease such as T2D is unclear. Here, we determined that DPD in mice and humans increases serum markers of metabolic health. In lean mice, DPD promoted metabolic inefficiency by increasing carbohydrate and fat oxidation. In nutritional and polygenic murine models of obesity, DPD prevented and curtailed the development of impaired glucose homeostasis independently of obesity and food intake. DPD-mediated metabolic inefficiency and improvement of glucose homeostasis were independent of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), but required expression of liver-derived fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in both lean and obese mice. FGF21 expression and secretion as well as the associated metabolic remodeling induced by DPD also required induction of liver-integrated stress response-driven nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1). Insufficiency of select nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) was necessary and adequate for NUPR1 and subsequent FGF21 induction and secretion in hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data indicate that DPD promotes improved glucose homeostasis through an NEAA insufficiency-induced liver NUPR1/FGF21 axis.

Mice lacking neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1 (Slc6a19) have elevated levels of FGF21 and GLP-1 and improved glycaemic control

Objective Type 2 diabetes arises from insulin resistance of peripheral tissues followed by dysfunction of β-cells in the pancreas due to metabolic stress. Both depletion and supplementation of neutral amino acids have been discussed as strategies to improve insulin sensitivity. Here we characterise mice lacking the intestinal and renal neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1 (Slc6a19) as a model to study the consequences of selective depletion of neutral amino acids. Methods Metabolic tests, analysis of metabolite levels and signalling pathways were used to characterise mice lacking the intestinal and renal neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1 (Slc6a19). Results Reduced uptake of neutral amino acids in the intestine and loss of neutral amino acids in the urine causes an overload of amino acids in the lumen of the intestine and reduced systemic amino acid availability. As a result, higher levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are produced by the intestine after a meal, while the liver releases the starvation hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). The combination of these hormones generates a metabolic phenotype that is characterised by efficient removal of glucose, particularly by the heart, reduced adipose tissue mass, browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue, enhanced production of ketone bodies and reduced hepatic glucose output. Conclusions Reduced neutral amino acid availability improves glycaemic control. The epithelial neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1 could be a suitable target to treat type 2 diabetes.

Characterization of RA839, a Noncovalent Small Molecule Binder to Keap1 and Selective Activator of Nrf2 Signaling.

The activation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) maintains cellular homeostasis in response to oxidative stress by the regulation of multiple cytoprotective genes. Without stressors, the activity of Nrf2 is inhibited by its interaction with the Keap1 (kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1). Here, we describe (3S)-1-[4-[(2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl) sulfonylamino]-1-naphthyl]pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid (RA839), a small molecule that binds noncovalently to the Nrf2-interacting kelch domain of Keap1 with a Kd of ∼6 μm, as demonstrated by x-ray co-crystallization and isothermal titration calorimetry. Whole genome DNA arrays showed that at 10 μm RA839 significantly regulated 105 probe sets in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Canonical pathway mapping of these probe sets revealed an activation of pathways linked with Nrf2 signaling. These pathways were also activated after the activation of Nrf2 by the silencing of Keap1 expression. RA839 regulated only two genes in Nrf2 knock-out macrophages. Similar to the activation of Nrf2 by either silencing of Keap1 expression or by the reactive compound 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid methyl ester (CDDO-Me), RA839 prevented the induction of both inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide release in response to lipopolysaccharides in macrophages. In mice, RA839 acutely induced Nrf2 target gene expression in liver. RA839 is a selective inhibitor of the Keap1/Nrf2 interaction and a useful tool compound to study the biology of Nrf2.

Identification and synthesis of novel inhibitors of acetyl-CoA carboxylase with in vitro and in vivo efficacy on fat oxidation.

Acetyl CoA carboxylase isoforms 1 and 2 (ACC1/2) are key enzymes of fat utilization and their inhibition is considered to improve aspects of the metabolic syndrome. To identify pharmacological inhibitors of ACC1/2, a high throughput screen was performed which resulted in the identification of the lead compound 3 ( Gargazanli , G. ; Lardenois , P. ; Frost , J. ; George , P. Patent WO9855474 A1, 1998 ) as a moderate selective ACC2 inhibitor. Optimization of 3 led to 4m ( Zoller , G. ; Schmoll , D. ; Mueller , M. ; Haschke , G. ; Focken , I. Patent WO2010003624 A2, 2010 ) as a submicromolar dual ACC1/2 inhibitor of the rat and human isoforms. 4m possessed favorable pharmacokinetic parameters. This compound stimulated fat oxidation in vivo and reduced plasma triglyceride levels in a rodent model after subchronic administration. 4m is a suitable tool compound for the elucidation of the pharmacological potential of ACC1/2 inhibition.

Molecular basis for the interaction of the mammalian amino acid transporters B0AT1 and B0AT3 with their ancillary protein collectrin

Background: Collectrin is required for membrane expression of the broad neutral amino acid transporters (B0AT1 and -3). Results: Collectrin activates B0AT1 and B0AT3 in a discrete interaction region of the transporters. Conclusion: A potential conserved ancillary protein binding region in B0AT1/B0AT3 mediates collectrin interactions. Significance: This is the first example of a potential common interaction site for multiple solute carrier 6 family ancillary proteins. Many solute carrier 6 (SLC6) family transporters require ancillary subunits to modify their expression and activity. The main apical membrane neutral amino acid transporters in mouse intestine and kidney, B0AT1 and B0AT3, require the ancillary protein collectrin or ACE2 for plasma membrane expression. Expression and activity of SLC6 neurotransmitter transporters are modulated by interaction with syntaxin 1A. Utilizing monocarboxylate-B0AT1/3 fusion constructs, we discovered that collectrin is also necessary for B0AT1 and B0AT3 catalytic function. Syntaxin 1A and syntaxin 3 inhibit the membrane expression of B0AT1 by competing with collectrin for access. A mutagenesis screening approach identified residues on trans-membrane domains 1α, 5, and 7 on one face of B0AT3 as a key region involved in interaction with collectrin. Mutant analysis established residues that were involved in collectrin-dependent functions as follows: plasma membrane expression of B0AT3, catalytic activation, or both. These results identify a potential binding site for collectrin and other SLC6 ancillary proteins.