Mary C. Sugden

Mechanisms underlying regulation of the expression and activities of the mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases

Abstract The mechanisms that control mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) activity include its phosphorylation (inactivation) by a family of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs 1 – 4). Here we review new developments in the regulation of the activities and expression of the PDKs, in particular PDK2 and PDK4, in relation to glucose and lipid homeostasis. This review describes recent advances relating to the acute and long-term modes of regulation of the PDKs, with particular emphasis on the regulatory roles of nuclear receptors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and Liver X receptor (LXR), PPAR γ coactivator α (PGC-1α) and insulin, and the impact of changes in PDK activity and expression in glucose and lipid homeostasis. Since PDK4 may assist in lipid clearance when there is an imbalance between lipid delivery and oxidation, it may represent an attractive target for interventions aimed at rectifying abnormal lipid as well as glucose homeostasis in disease states.

PPAR control: it's SIRTainly as easy as PGC

This review describes recent advances in our knowledge of the regulatory interactions influencing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-regulated genes. We address recent advances highlighting the role of PPARgamma (PPARG) coactivator-1 (PGC-1) and lipin-1 in co-ordinating the expression of genes controlling nutrient handling. We evaluate the possibility that SIRT1 lies at the heart of a regulatory loop involving PPARalpha, PGC-1alpha (PPARA, PPARGC1A as given in the HUGO Database), and lipin-1 (LPIN1 as listed in the HUGO Database) that ultimately controls the metabolic response to varying nutrient and physiological signals via a common mechanism mediated by post-translation modifications (deacetylation) of both PPARalpha and PGC-1s. Finally, we comment on the potential of pharmaceutical manipulation of these targets as well as the possible problems associated with this strategy.

Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) deficiency leads to dysregulation of hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism by fatty acids and insulin

The aim of the present study was to determine whether peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) deficiency disrupts the normal regulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation, hepatic lipogenesis and glycogenesis by fatty acids and insulin using PPARalpha-null mice. In wild-type mice, hepatic TAG concentrations increased (P<0.01) with fasting (24 h), with substantial reversal after refeeding (6 h). Hepatic TAG levels in fed PPARalpha-null mice were 2.4-fold higher than in the wild-type (P<0.05), increased with fasting, but remained elevated after refeeding. PPARalpha deficiency also impaired hepatic glycogen repletion (P<0.001), despite normal insulin and glucose levels after refeeding. Higher levels of plasma insulin were required to support similar levels of hepatic lipogenesis de novo ((3)H(2)O incorporation) in the PPARalpha-null mice compared with the wild-type. This difference was reflected by corresponding changes in the relationship between plasma insulin and the mRNA expression of the lipogenic transcription factor sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein-1c, and that of one of its known targets, fatty acid synthase. In wild-type mice, hepatic pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) 4 protein expression (a downstream marker of altered fatty acid catabolism) increased (P<0.01) in response to fasting, with suppression (P<0.001) by refeeding. Although PDK4 up-regulation after fasting was halved by PPARalpha deficiency, PDK4 suppression after refeeding was attenuated. In summary, PPARalpha deficiency leads to accumulation of hepatic TAG and elicits dysregulation of hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, emphasizing the importance of precise control of lipid oxidation for hepatic fuel homoeostasis.

Current concepts concerning the role of leptin in reproductive function

Leptin has recently been implicated as having a role in sexual maturation and reproduction. This review describes recent findings regarding the putative reproductive functions of leptin within the context of the attainment of sufficient long-term fuel reserves to sustain and support pregnancy and lactation. The review considers the evidence, within the context of the development of hyperleptinaemia during pregnancy, that leptin has an important function to modulate maternal nutrient partitioning in order to optimise the provision of nutrients for fetal growth and development. It is suggested that, through modulation of maternal insulin secretion and hepatic metabolism, leptin integrates maternal nutrient storage to the nutrient requirements of the fetus. The importance of the placenta as a site of leptin synthesis and the potential role(s) of placentally derived leptin are evaluated in relation to maternal-fetal interactions during intrauterine development. The review also examines whether intrauterine growth retardation due to nutritional restriction reflects dysregulation of such cross-talk. Finally, the review describes emerging evidence for participation of leptin in lactation and neonatal growth.

Enhanced placental GLUT1 and GLUT3 expression in dexamethasone-induced fetal growth retardation

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) increases the risk of developing glucose intolerance and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Fetal exposure to excess glucocorticoids may contribute to IUGR. Despite the importance of glucose supply for fetal growth, studies on glucose transporter expression in IUGR are few. Two glucose transporters, GLUT1 and GLUT3, are expressed in placenta. In rodent placenta, GLUT1 is replaced by GLUT3 during late gestation. We examined placental GLUT protein expression in 21-day pregnant rats administered dexamethasone (DEX) from day 15 of gestation via osmotic minipump (at doses of 100 or 200 microg/kg body wt. per day). A dose-dependent decline in placental and fetal weight occurred in the DEX groups at day 21. Placental GLUT3 protein expression increased dose-dependently in the DEX groups (by 1.3-fold (n.s) and 2.3-fold (P<0.01), respectively). GLUT1 protein expression also increased dose-dependently in the DEX groups (by 1.6-fold (P<0.05) and 1.9-fold (P<0.01), respectively). In the DEX-treated groups, altered GLUT protein expression occurred in the absence of altered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) protein expression in day 21 placenta; however, PPAR-gamma protein expression in day 21 fetal hearts was greatly suppressed. We conclude that increased placental GLUT1 protein expression may reflect an attempt to increase placental or fetal glucose supply to attenuate the effect of excessive exposure to glucocorticoids to diminish fetal growth, whereas suppression of cardiac PPAR-gamma expression during cardiac development may contribute to the increased risk of developing heart disease found in people of below average birthweight.

Metformin opposes impaired AMPK and SIRT1 function and deleterious changes in core clock protein expression in white adipose tissue of genetically-obese db/db mice.

Aim: AMPK activates SIRT1 in liver and skeletal muscle. Impaired circadian function is associated with development of obesity. SIRT1 regulates circadian function and is suppressed in white adipose tissue (WAT) of obese patients. We examined the potential role of AMPK and SIRT1 in regulation of circadian components in WAT of obese db/db mice and in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD), and investigated whether metformin‐mediated activation of AMPK opposed any deleterious changes in the WAT clock mechanism.

Evaluation of the role of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor α in the regulation of cardiac pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 protein expression in response to starvation, high-fat feeding and hyperthyroidism

Inactivation of cardiac pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) after prolonged starvation and in response to hyperthyroidism is associated with enhanced protein expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) isoform 4. The present study examined the potential role of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) in adaptive modification of cardiac PDK4 protein expression after starvation and in hyperthyroidism. PDK4 protein expression was analysed by immunoblotting in homogenates of hearts from fed or 48 h-starved rats, rats rendered hyperthyroid by subcutaneous injection of tri-iodothyronine and a subgroup of euthyroid rats maintained on a high-fat/low-carbohydrate diet, with or without treatment with the PPARalpha agonist WY14,643. In addition, PDK4 protein expression was analysed in hearts from fed, 24 h-starved or 6 h-refed wild-type or PPARalpha-null mice. PPARalpha activation by WY14,643 in vivo over the timescale of the response to starvation failed to up-regulate cardiac PDK4 protein expression in rats maintained on standard diet (WY14,643, 1.1-fold increase; starvation, 1.8-fold increase) or influence the cardiac PDK4 response to starvation. By contrast, PPARalpha activation by WY14,643 in vivo significantly enhanced cardiac PDK4 protein expression in rats maintained on a high-fat diet, which itself increased cardiac PDK4 protein expression. PPARalpha deficiency did not abolish up-regulation of cardiac PDK4 protein expression in response to starvation (2.9-fold increases in both wild-type and PPARalpha-null mice). Starvation and hyperthyroidism exerted additive effects on cardiac PDK4 protein expression, but PPARalpha activation by WY14,643 did not influence the response of cardiac PDK4 protein expression to hyperthyroidism in either the fed or starved state. Our data support the hypothesis that cardiac PDK4 protein expression is regulated, at least in part, by a fatty acid-dependent, PPARalpha-independent mechanism and strongly implicate a fall in insulin in either initiating or facilitating the response of cardiac PDK4 protein expression to starvation.

Investigation of potential mechanisms regulating protein expression of hepatic pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoforms 2 and 4 by fatty acids and thyroid hormone

Liver contains two pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs), namely PDK2 and PDK4, which regulate glucose oxidation through inhibitory phosphorylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). Starvation increases hepatic PDK2 and PDK4 protein expression, the latter occurring, in part, via a mechanism involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha). High-fat feeding and hyperthyroidism, which increase circulating lipid supply, enhance hepatic PDK2 protein expression, but these increases are insufficient to account for observed increases in hepatic PDK activity. Enhanced expression of PDK4, but not PDK2, occurs in part via a mechanism involving PPAR-alpha. Heterodimerization partners for retinoid X receptors (RXRs) include PPARalpha and thyroid-hormone receptors (TRs). We therefore investigated the responses of hepatic PDK protein expression to high-fat feeding and hyperthyroidism in relation to hepatic lipid delivery and disposal. High-fat feeding increased hepatic PDK2, but not PDK4, protein expression whereas hyperthyroidism increased both hepatic PDK2 and PDK4 protein expression. Both manipulations decreased the sensitivity of hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) to suppression by malonyl-CoA, but only hyperthyrodism elevated plasma fatty acid and ketone-body concentrations and CPT I maximal activity. Administration of the selective PPAR-alpha activator WY14,643 significantly increased PDK4 protein to a similar extent in both control and high-fat-fed rats, but WY14,643 treatment and hyperthyroidism did not have additive effects on hepatic PDK4 protein expression. PPARalpha activation did not influence hepatic PDK2 protein expression in euthyroid rats, suggesting that up-regulation of PDK2 by hyperthyroidism does not involve PPARalpha, but attenuated the effect of hyperthyroidism to increase hepatic PDK2 expression. The results indicate that hepatic PDK4 up-regulation can be achieved by heterodimerization of either PPARalpha or TR with the RXR receptor and that effects of PPARalpha activation on hepatic PDK2 and PDK4 expression favour a switch towards preferential expression of PDK4.

Up-regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoform 4 (PDK4) protein expression in oxidative skeletal muscle does not require the obligatory participation of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha).

In insulin deficiency, increased lipid delivery and oxidation suppress skeletal-muscle glucose oxidation by inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) activity via enhanced protein expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) isoform 4, which phosphorylates (and inactivates) PDC. Signalling via peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is an important component of the mechanism enhancing hepatic and renal PDK4 protein expression. Activation of PPARalpha in gastrocnemius, a predominantly fast glycolytic (FG) muscle, also increases PDK4 expression, an effect that, if extended to all muscles, would be predicted to drastically restrict whole-body glucose disposal. Paradoxically, chronic activation of PPARalpha by WY14,643 treatment improves glucose utilization by muscles of insulin-resistant high-fat-fed rats. In the resting state, oxidative skeletal muscles are quantitatively more important for glucose disposal than FG muscles. We evaluated the participation of PPARalpha in regulating PDK4 protein expression in slow oxidative (SO) skeletal muscle (soleus) and fast oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) skeletal muscle (anterior tibialis) containing a high proportion of oxidative fibres. In the fed state, acute (24 h) activation of PPARalpha by WY14,643 in vivo failed to modify PDK4 protein expression in soleus, but modestly enhanced PDK4 protein expression in anterior tibialis. Starvation enhanced PDK4 protein expression in both muscles, with the greater response in anterior tibialis. WY14,643 treatment in vivo during starvation did not further enhance upregulation of PDK4 protein expression in either muscle type. Enhanced PDK4 protein expression after starvation was retained in SO and FOG skeletal muscles of PPARalpha-deficient mice. Our data indicate that PDK4 protein expression in oxidative skeletal muscle is regulated by a lipid-dependent mechanism that is not obligatorily dependent on signalling via PPARalpha.

Stimulation of adult rat ventricular myocyte protein synthesis and phosphoinositide hydrolysis by the endothelins

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on protein synthesis and phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis were investigated in ventricular myocytes isolated by collagenase digestion of adult rat hearts. The maximum stimulation of protein synthesis by ET-1 was about 35% and the EC50 value was about 0.3 nM. The stimulation was exerted at the translational stage since it was insensitive to inhibition by actinomycin D. The maximum stimulation of PI hydrolysis by ET-1 as measured by the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates was about 11-fold and the EC50 value was about 0.7 nM. The ET-1 analogue sarafotoxin-6b stimulated protein synthesis by a maximum of 27% and stimulated PI hydrolysis about 8- to 9-fold. The EC50 values were 1.6 nM and 0.6 nM, respectively. Other endothelins stimulated protein synthesis and PI hydrolysis in the following order of potency: ET-1 approximately ET-2 > ET-3. This order of potency suggests that the stimulation of both protein synthesis and PI hydrolysis is mediated through the ETA receptor. Although both angiotensin II and [Arg]vasopressin stimulated PI hydrolysis significantly, the stimulation was less than 60%, i.e., much less than the stimulation by ET-1 and its analogues. Neither insulin nor substance P stimulated PI hydrolysis. Stimulation of protein synthesis by ET-1 and its analogues correlated strongly with the stimulation of PI hydrolysis and we suggest that the stimulation of protein synthesis may be dependent on the stimulation of PI hydrolysis. We hypothesize that the mechanism may involve a protein kinase C-mediated increase in intracellular pH.