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16 pages, 8524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Predictive Value of miR-16, -29a and -134 for Early Identification of Gestational Diabetes: A Nested Analysis of the DALI Cohort

by Anja Elaine Sørensen, Mireille N.M. van Poppel, Gernot Desoye, Peter Damm, David Simmons, Dorte Møller Jensen, Louise Torp Dalgaard and The DALI Core Investigator Group

Cells 2021, 10(1), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10010170 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4334

Abstract

Early identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) aims to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Currently, no circulating biomarker has proven clinically useful for accurate prediction of GDM. In this study, we tested if a panel of small non-coding circulating [...] Read more.

Early identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) aims to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Currently, no circulating biomarker has proven clinically useful for accurate prediction of GDM. In this study, we tested if a panel of small non-coding circulating RNAs could improve early prediction of GDM. We performed a nested case-control study of participants from the European multicenter ‘Vitamin D and lifestyle intervention for GDM prevention (DALI)’ trial using serum samples from obese pregnant women (BMI ≥ 29 kg/m²) entailing 82 GDM cases (early- and late- GDM), and 41 age- and BMI-matched women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) throughout pregnancy (controls). Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical characteristics were obtained at baseline (<20 weeks of gestation) and throughout gestation. Baseline serum microRNAs (miRNAs) were measured using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). Elevated miR-16-5p, -29a-3p, and -134-5p levels were observed in women, who were NGT at baseline and later developed GDM, compared with controls who remained NGT. A combination of the three miRNAs could distinguish later GDM from NGT cases (AUC 0.717, p = 0.001, compared with fasting plasma glucose (AUC 0.687, p = 0.004)) as evaluated by area under the curves (AUCs) using Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) analysis. Elevated levels of individual miRNAs or a combination hereof were associated with higher odds ratios of GDM. Conclusively, circulating miRNAs early in pregnancy could serve as valuable predictive biomarkers of GDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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16 pages, 14787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptomics Analyses in Livers of Mice, Humans, and Humanized Mice Define Human-Specific Gene Networks

by Chengfei Jiang, Ping Li, Xiangbo Ruan, Yonghe Ma, Kenji Kawai, Hiroshi Suemizu and Haiming Cao

Cells 2020, 9(12), 2566; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9122566 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3731

Abstract

Mouse is the most widely used animal model in biomedical research, but it remains unknown what causes the large number of differentially regulated genes between human and mouse livers identified in recent years. In this report, we aim to determine whether these divergent [...] Read more.

Mouse is the most widely used animal model in biomedical research, but it remains unknown what causes the large number of differentially regulated genes between human and mouse livers identified in recent years. In this report, we aim to determine whether these divergent gene regulations are primarily caused by environmental factors or some of them are the result of cell-autonomous differences in gene regulation in human and mouse liver cells. The latter scenario would suggest that many human genes are subject to human-specific regulation and can only be adequately studied in a human or humanized system. To understand the similarity and divergence of gene regulation between human and mouse livers, we performed stepwise comparative analyses in human, mouse, and humanized livers with increased stringency to gradually remove the impact of factors external to liver cells, and used bioinformatics approaches to retrieve gene networks to ascertain the regulated biological processes. We first compared liver gene regulation by fatty liver disease in human and mouse under the condition where the impact of genetic and gender biases was minimized, and identified over 50% of all commonly regulated genes, that exhibit opposite regulation by fatty liver disease in human and mouse. We subsequently performed more stringent comparisons when a single specific transcriptional or post-transcriptional event was modulated in vitro or vivo or in liver-specific humanized mice in which human and mouse hepatocytes colocalize and share a common circulation. Intriguingly and strikingly, the pattern of a high percentage of oppositely regulated genes persists under well-matched conditions, even in the liver of the humanized mouse model, which represents the most closely matched in vivo condition for human and mouse liver cells that is experimentally achievable. Gene network analyses further corroborated the results of oppositely regulated genes and revealed substantial differences in regulated biological processes in human and mouse cells. We also identified a list of regulated lncRNAs that exhibit very limited conservation and could contribute to these differential gene regulations. Our data support that cell-autonomous differences in gene regulation might contribute substantially to the divergent gene regulation between human and mouse livers and there are a significant number of biological processes that are subject to human-specific regulation and need to be carefully considered in the process of mouse to human translation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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16 pages, 1955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of a Hybrid Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Transposon System to Deliver the Insulin Gene to Diabetic NOD Mice

by Que T. La, Binhai Ren, Grant J. Logan, Sharon C. Cunningham, Neeta Khandekar, Najah T. Nassif, Bronwyn A. O’Brien, Ian E. Alexander and Ann M. Simpson

Cells 2020, 9(10), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102227 - 2 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3682

Abstract

Previously, we used a lentiviral vector to deliver furin-cleavable human insulin (INS-FUR) to the livers in several animal models of diabetes using intervallic infusion in full flow occlusion (FFO), with resultant reversal of diabetes, restoration of glucose tolerance and pancreatic transdifferentiation [...] Read more.

Previously, we used a lentiviral vector to deliver furin-cleavable human insulin (INS-FUR) to the livers in several animal models of diabetes using intervallic infusion in full flow occlusion (FFO), with resultant reversal of diabetes, restoration of glucose tolerance and pancreatic transdifferentiation (PT), due to the expression of beta (β)-cell transcription factors (β-TFs). The present study aimed to determine whether we could similarly reverse diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse using an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) to deliver INS-FUR ± the β-TF Pdx1 to the livers of diabetic mice. The traditional AAV8, which provides episomal expression, and the hybrid AAV8/piggyBac that results in transgene integration were used. Diabetic mice that received AAV8-INS-FUR became hypoglycaemic with abnormal intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTTs). Expression of β-TFs was not detected in the livers. Reversal of diabetes was not achieved in mice that received AAV8-INS-FUR and AAV8-Pdx1 and IPGTTs were abnormal. Normoglycaemia and glucose tolerance were achieved in mice that received AAV8/piggyBac-INS-FUR/FFO. Definitive evidence of PT was not observed. This is the first in vivo study using the hybrid AAV8/piggyBac system to treat Type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, further development is required before the system can be used for gene therapy of T1D. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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20 pages, 3074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formation of βTC3 and MIN6 Pseudoislets Changes the Expression Pattern of Gpr40, Gpr55, and Gpr119 Receptors and Improves Lysophosphatidylcholines-Potentiated Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion

by Anna Drzazga, Eliza Cichońska, Maria Koziołkiewicz and Edyta Gendaszewska-Darmach

Cells 2020, 9(9), 2062; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9092062 - 9 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4467

Abstract

The impaired spatial arrangement and connections between cells creating islets of Langerhans as well as altered expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) often lead to dysfunction of insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells and can significantly contribute to the development of diabetes. Differences in glucose-stimulated [...] Read more.

The impaired spatial arrangement and connections between cells creating islets of Langerhans as well as altered expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) often lead to dysfunction of insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells and can significantly contribute to the development of diabetes. Differences in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) are noticeable not only in diabetic individuals but also in model pancreatic β cells, e.g., βTC3 and MIN6 β cell lines with impaired and normal insulin secretion, respectively. Now, we compare the ability of GPCR agonists (lysophosphatidylcholines bearing fatty acid chains of different lengths) to potentiate GSIS in βTC3 and MIN6 β cell models, cultured as adherent monolayers and in a form of pseudoislets (PIs) with pancreatic MS1 endothelial cells. Our aim was also to investigate differences in expression of the GPCRs responsive to LPCs in these experimental systems. Aggregation of β cells into islet-like structures greatly enhanced the expression of Gpr40, Gpr55, and Gpr119 receptors. In contrast, the co-culture of βTC3 cells with endothelial cells converted the GPCR expression pattern closer to the pattern observed in MIN6 cells. Additionally, the efficiencies of various LPC species in βTC3-MS1 PIs also shifted toward the MIN6 cell model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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18 pages, 3314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tributyrin Attenuates Metabolic and Inflammatory Changes Associated with Obesity through a GPR109A-Dependent Mechanism

by Fabio Takeo Sato, Yu Anne Yap, Amanda Rabello Crisma, Mariana Portovedo, Gilson Masahiro Murata, Sandro Massao Hirabara, Willian Rodrigues Ribeiro, Caroline Marcantonio Ferreira, Maysa Mariana Cruz, Joice Naiara Bertaglia Pereira, Tanyara Baliani Payolla, Suzana Eiko Sato Guima, Andrew Maltez Thomas, João Carlos Setubal, Maria Isabel Cardoso Alonso-Vale, Marinilce Fagundes Santos, Rui Curi, Eliana Marino and Marco A. R. Vinolo

Cells 2020, 9(9), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9092007 - 1 Sep 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5755

Abstract

Obesity is linked with altered microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are a signature of gut dysbiosis and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether tributyrin, a prodrug of the SCFA butyrate, could improve metabolic and inflammatory profiles in diet-induced obese mice. [...] Read more.

Obesity is linked with altered microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are a signature of gut dysbiosis and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated whether tributyrin, a prodrug of the SCFA butyrate, could improve metabolic and inflammatory profiles in diet-induced obese mice. Mice fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks were treated with tributyrin or placebo for another six weeks. We show that obese mice treated with tributyrin had lower body weight gain and an improved insulin responsiveness and glucose metabolism, partly via reduced hepatic triglycerides content. Additionally, tributyrin induced an anti-inflammatory state in the adipose tissue by reduction of Il-1β and Tnf-a and increased Il-10, Tregs cells and M2-macrophages. Moreover, improvement in glucose metabolism and reduction of fat inflammatory states associated with tributyrin treatment were dependent on GPR109A activation. Our results indicate that exogenous targeting of SCFA butyrate attenuates metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction, highlighting a potentially novel approach to tackle obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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21 pages, 8152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CD47 Promotes Age-Associated Deterioration in Angiogenesis, Blood Flow and Glucose Homeostasis

by Kedar Ghimire, Yao Li, Takuto Chiba, Sohel M. Julovi, Jennifer Li, Mark A. Ross, Adam C. Straub, Philip J. O’Connell, Curzio Rüegg, Patrick J. Pagano, Jeffrey S. Isenberg and Natasha M. Rogers

Cells 2020, 9(7), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071695 - 15 Jul 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7733

Abstract

The aged population is currently at its highest level in human history and is expected to increase further in the coming years. In humans, aging is accompanied by impaired angiogenesis, diminished blood flow and altered metabolism, among others. A cellular mechanism that impinges [...] Read more.

The aged population is currently at its highest level in human history and is expected to increase further in the coming years. In humans, aging is accompanied by impaired angiogenesis, diminished blood flow and altered metabolism, among others. A cellular mechanism that impinges upon these manifestations of aging can be a suitable target for therapeutic intervention. Here we identify cell surface receptor CD47 as a novel age-sensitive driver of vascular and metabolic dysfunction. With the natural aging process, CD47 and its ligand thrombospondin-1 were increased, concurrent with a reduction of self-renewal transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and cMYC (OSKM) in arteries from aged wild-type mice and older human subjects compared to younger controls. These perturbations were prevented in arteries from aged CD47-null mice. Arterial endothelial cells isolated from aged wild-type mice displayed cellular exhaustion with decreased proliferation, migration and tube formation compared to cells from aged CD47-null mice. CD47 suppressed ex vivo sprouting, in vivo angiogenesis and skeletal muscle blood flow in aged wild-type mice. Treatment of arteries from older humans with a CD47 blocking antibody mitigated the age-related deterioration in angiogenesis. Finally, aged CD47-null mice were resistant to age- and diet-associated weight gain, glucose intolerance and insulin desensitization. These results indicate that the CD47-mediated signaling maladapts during aging to broadly impair endothelial self-renewal, angiogenesis, perfusion and glucose homeostasis. Our findings provide a strong rationale for therapeutically targeting CD47 to minimize these dysfunctions during aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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10 pages, 1251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

miR-7 Regulates GLP-1-Mediated Insulin Release by Targeting β-Arrestin 1

by Alessandro Matarese, Jessica Gambardella, Angela Lombardi, Xujun Wang and Gaetano Santulli

Cells 2020, 9(7), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071621 - 6 Jul 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3942

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been shown to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion binding GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic β cells. β-arrestin 1 (βARR1) is known to regulate the desensitization of GLP-1 receptor. Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are fundamental in the regulation of [...] Read more.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been shown to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion binding GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic β cells. β-arrestin 1 (βARR1) is known to regulate the desensitization of GLP-1 receptor. Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are fundamental in the regulation of β cell function and insulin release. However, the regulation of GLP-1/βARR1 pathways by miRs has never been explored. Our hypothesis is that specific miRs can modulate the GLP-1/βARR1 axis in β cells. To test this hypothesis, we applied a bioinformatic approach to detect miRs that could target βARR1; we identified hsa-miR-7-5p (miR-7) and we validated the specific interaction of this miR with βARR1. Then, we verified that GLP-1 was indeed able to regulate the transcription of miR-7 and βARR1, and that miR-7 significantly regulated GLP-1-induced insulin release and cyclic AMP (cAMP) production in β cells. Taken together, our findings indicate, for the first time, that miR-7 plays a functional role in the regulation of GLP-1-mediated insulin release by targeting βARR1. These results have a decisive clinical impact given the importance of drugs modulating GLP-1 signaling in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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24 pages, 2142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Altered Transcription Factor Binding and Gene Bivalency in Islets of Intrauterine Growth Retarded Rats

by Yu-Chin Lien, Paul Zhiping Wang, Xueqing Maggie Lu and Rebecca A. Simmons

Cells 2020, 9(6), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061435 - 9 Jun 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4465

Abstract

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), which induces epigenetic modifications and permanent changes in gene expression, has been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Using a rat model of IUGR, we performed ChIP-Seq to identify and map genome-wide histone modifications and gene dysregulation [...] Read more.

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), which induces epigenetic modifications and permanent changes in gene expression, has been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Using a rat model of IUGR, we performed ChIP-Seq to identify and map genome-wide histone modifications and gene dysregulation in islets from 2- and 10-week rats. IUGR induced significant changes in the enrichment of H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and H3K27Ac marks in both 2-wk and 10-wk islets, which were correlated with expression changes of multiple genes critical for islet function in IUGR islets. ChIP-Seq analysis showed that IUGR-induced histone mark changes were enriched at critical transcription factor binding motifs, such as C/EBPs, Ets1, Bcl6, Thrb, Ebf1, Sox9, and Mitf. These transcription factors were also identified as top upstream regulators in our previously published transcriptome study. In addition, our ChIP-seq data revealed more than 1000 potential bivalent genes as identified by enrichment of both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3. The poised state of many potential bivalent genes was altered by IUGR, particularly Acod1, Fgf21, Serpina11, Cdh16, Lrrc27, and Lrrc66, key islet genes. Collectively, our findings suggest alterations of histone modification in key transcription factors and genes that may contribute to long-term gene dysregulation and an abnormal islet phenotype in IUGR rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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20 pages, 2260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of microRNA 690 in Mediating Angiotensin II Effects on Inflammation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

by Kalhara R. Menikdiwela, Latha Ramalingam, Mostafa M. Abbas, Halima Bensmail, Shane Scoggin, Nishan S. Kalupahana, Asha Palat, Preethi Gunaratne and Naima Moustaid-Moussa

Cells 2020, 9(6), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061327 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3743

Abstract

Overactivation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) during obesity disrupts adipocyte metabolic homeostasis and induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation; however, underlying mechanisms are not well known. We propose that overexpression of angiotensinogen (Agt), the precursor protein of RAS in adipose tissue or [...] Read more.

Overactivation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) during obesity disrupts adipocyte metabolic homeostasis and induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation; however, underlying mechanisms are not well known. We propose that overexpression of angiotensinogen (Agt), the precursor protein of RAS in adipose tissue or treatment of adipocytes with Angiotensin II (Ang II), RAS bioactive hormone, alters specific microRNAs (miRNA), that target ER stress and inflammation leading to adipocyte dysfunction. Epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) from B6 wild type (Wt) and transgenic male mice overexpressing Agt (Agt-Tg) in adipose tissue and adipocytes treated with Ang II were used. Small RNA sequencing and microarray in WAT identified differentially expressed miRNAs and genes, out of which miR-690 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3) were validated as significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively, in Agt-Tg, and in Ang II-treated adipocytes compared to respective controls. Additionally, the direct regulatory role of miR-690 on MAP2K3 was confirmed using mimic, inhibitors and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Downstream protein targets of MAP2K3 which include p38, NF-κB, IL-6 and CHOP were all reduced. These results indicate a critical post-transcriptional role for miR-690 in inflammation and ER stress. In conclusion, miR-690 plays a protective function and could be a useful target to reduce obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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16 pages, 3261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Association Study of Diabetogenic Adipose Morphology in the GENetics of Adipocyte Lipolysis (GENiAL) Cohort

by Veroniqa Lundbäck, Agné Kulyté, Peter Arner, Rona J. Strawbridge and Ingrid Dahlman

Cells 2020, 9(5), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9051085 - 27 Apr 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3892

Abstract

An increased adipocyte size relative to the size of fat depots, also denoted hypertrophic adipose morphology, is a strong risk factor for the future development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The regulation of adipose morphology is poorly understood. We set out [...] Read more.

An increased adipocyte size relative to the size of fat depots, also denoted hypertrophic adipose morphology, is a strong risk factor for the future development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The regulation of adipose morphology is poorly understood. We set out to identify genetic loci associated with adipose morphology and functionally evaluate candidate genes for impact on adipocyte development. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the unique GENetics of Adipocyte Lipolysis (GENiAL) cohort comprising 948 participants who have undergone abdominal subcutaneous adipose biopsy with a determination of average adipose volume and morphology. The GWAS identified 31 genetic loci displaying suggestive association with adipose morphology. Functional evaluation of candidate genes by small interfering RNAs (siRNA)-mediated knockdown in adipose-derived precursor cells identified six genes controlling adipocyte renewal and differentiation, and thus of potential importance for adipose hypertrophy. In conclusion, genetic and functional studies implicate a regulatory role for ATL2, ARHGEF10, CYP1B1, TMEM200A, C17orf51, and L3MBTL3 in adipose morphology by their impact on adipogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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16 pages, 2344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MiR-337-3p Promotes Adipocyte Browning by Inhibiting TWIST1

by Indira G.C. Vonhögen, Hamid el Azzouzi, Servé Olieslagers, Aliaksei Vasilevich, Jan de Boer, Francisco J. Tinahones, Paula A. da Costa Martins, Leon J. de Windt and Mora Murri

Cells 2020, 9(4), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9041056 - 23 Apr 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4922

Abstract

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity is an alarming health issue worldwide. Obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT), and it is associated with diminished brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity. Twist1 acts as a negative feedback [...] Read more.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity is an alarming health issue worldwide. Obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT), and it is associated with diminished brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity. Twist1 acts as a negative feedback regulator of BAT metabolism. Therefore, targeting Twist1 could become a strategy for obesity and metabolic disease. Here, we have identified miR-337-3p as an upstream regulator of Twist1. Increased miR-337-3p expression paralleled decreased expression of TWIST1 in BAT compared to WAT. Overexpression of miR-337-3p in brown pre-adipocytes provoked a reduction in Twist1 expression that was accompanied by increased expression of brown/mitochondrial markers. Luciferase assays confirmed an interaction between the miR-337 seed sequence and Twist1 3′UTR. The inverse relationship between the expression of TWIST1 and miR-337 was finally validated in adipose tissue samples from non-MetS and MetS subjects that demonstrated a dysregulation of the miR-337-Twist1 molecular axis in MetS. The present study demonstrates that adipocyte miR-337-3p suppresses Twist1 repression and enhances the browning of adipocytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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15 pages, 2257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Reduces Metabolic Impairment in Male Mouse Offspring from Obese Mothers

by Golam M. Uddin, Neil A. Youngson, Sabiha S. Chowdhury, Christopher Hagan, David A. Sinclair and Margaret J. Morris

Cells 2020, 9(4), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9040791 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 9624

Abstract

Maternal obesity impacts offspring metabolism. We sought to boost mitochondrial energy metabolism using the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to treat metabolic impairment induced by maternal and long-term post weaning over-nutrition. Male offspring of lean or obese mothers, [...] Read more.

Maternal obesity impacts offspring metabolism. We sought to boost mitochondrial energy metabolism using the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to treat metabolic impairment induced by maternal and long-term post weaning over-nutrition. Male offspring of lean or obese mothers, fed chow or high fat diet (HFD) for 30 weeks post-weaning, were given NMN injection, starting at 31 weeks of age, daily for 3 weeks before sacrifice. Glucose tolerance was tested at 10, 29 and 32 weeks of age to measure short and long term effects of post-weaning HFD, and NMN treatment. Plasma insulin and triglycerides, liver triglycerides and expression of mitochondrial metabolism-related genes were measured at 34 weeks. Impaired glucose tolerance due to maternal and post weaning HFD was significantly improved by only 8 days of NMN treatment. Furthermore, in offspring of obese mothers hepatic lipid accumulation was reduced due to NMN treatment by 50% and 23% in chow and HFD fed offspring respectively. Hepatic genes involved in fat synthesis, transport and uptake were reduced, while those involved in fatty acid oxidation were increased by NMN. Overall this finding suggests short term administration of NMN could be a therapeutic approach for treating metabolic disease due to maternal and post weaning over-nutrition, even in late adulthood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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18 pages, 5560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitochondrial Structure and Function in the Metabolic Myopathy Accompanying Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

by Thomas Groennebaek, Tine Borum Billeskov, Camilla Tvede Schytz, Nichlas Riise Jespersen, Hans Erik Bøtker, Rikke Kathrine Jentoft Olsen, Nikolaj Eldrup, Joachim Nielsen, Jean Farup, Frank Vincenzo de Paoli and Kristian Vissing

Cells 2020, 9(3), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9030570 - 28 Feb 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4878

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a central mechanism in the metabolic myopathy accompanying critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, whether mitochondrial dysfunction is directly related to lower extremity ischemia and the structural and molecular mechanisms underpinning mitochondrial dysfunction in CLI patients is not [...] Read more.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a central mechanism in the metabolic myopathy accompanying critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, whether mitochondrial dysfunction is directly related to lower extremity ischemia and the structural and molecular mechanisms underpinning mitochondrial dysfunction in CLI patients is not understood. Here, we aimed to study whether mitochondrial dysfunction is a distinctive characteristic of CLI myopathy by assessing mitochondrial respiration in gastrocnemius muscle from 14 CLI patients (65.3 ± 7.8 y) and 15 matched control patients (CON) with a similar comorbidity risk profile and medication regimen but without peripheral ischemia (67.4 ± 7.4 y). Furthermore, we studied potential structural and molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction by measuring total, sub-population, and fiber-type-specific mitochondrial volumetric content and cristae density with transmission electron microscopy and by assessing mitophagy and fission/fusion-related protein expression. Finally, we asked whether commonly used biomarkers of mitochondrial content are valid in patients with cardiovascular disease. CLI patients exhibited inferior mitochondrial respiration compared to CON. This respiratory deficit was not related to lower whole-muscle mitochondrial content or cristae density. However, stratification for fiber types revealed ultrastructural mitochondrial alterations in CLI patients compared to CON. CLI patients exhibited an altered expression of mitophagy-related proteins but not fission/fusion-related proteins compared to CON. Citrate synthase, cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COXIV), and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (β-HAD) could not predict mitochondrial content. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a distinctive characteristic of CLI myopathy and is not related to altered organelle content or cristae density. Our results link this intrinsic mitochondrial deficit to dysregulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, which has implications for the development of therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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22 pages, 5677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic Stress Alters Antioxidant Systems, Suppresses the Adiponectin Receptor 1 and Induces Alzheimer’s Like Pathology in Mice Brain

by Jong Ryeal Hahm, Myeung Hoon Jo, Rahat Ullah, Min Woo Kim and Myeong Ok Kim

Cells 2020, 9(1), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9010249 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5197

Abstract

Oxidative stress and insulin resistance play major roles in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A high-fat diet induces obesity-associated oxidative stress, neuronal insulin resistance, microglial activation, and neuroinflammation, which are considered important risk factors for neurodegeneration. Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction is a [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress and insulin resistance play major roles in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A high-fat diet induces obesity-associated oxidative stress, neuronal insulin resistance, microglial activation, and neuroinflammation, which are considered important risk factors for neurodegeneration. Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction is a risk factor for cognitive decline. The present study aimed to elucidate whether chronic consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD; 24 weeks) can induce insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, and amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in mouse brains. Male C57BL/6N mice were used for a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced pre-clinical model of obesity. The protein expression levels were examined via Western blot, immunofluorescence, and the behavior analysis was performed using the Morris water maze test. To obtain metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance tests were performed. We found that metabolic perturbations from the chronic consumption of HFD elevated neuronal oxidative stress and insulin resistance through adiponectin receptor (AdipoR1) suppression in HFD-fed mice. Similarly, our in vitro results also indicated that knockdown of AdipoR1 in the embryonic mouse hippocampal cell line mHippoE-14 leads to increased oxidative stress in neurons. In addition, HFD markedly increased neuroinflammatory markers’ glial activation in the cortex and hippocampus regions of HFD mouse brains. More importantly, we observed that AdipoR1 suppression increased the amyloidogenic pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, deregulated synaptic proteins and behavioral deficits were observed in the HFD mouse brains. Taken together, our findings suggest that excessive consumption of an HFD has a profound impact on brain function, which involves the acceleration of cognitive impairment due to increased obesity-associated oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and neuroinflammation, which ultimately may cause early onset of Alzheimer’s pathology via the suppression of AdipoR1 signaling in the brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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17 pages, 3572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cysteine on Methylglyoxal-Induced Renal Damage in Mesangial Cells

by Jae Hyuk Lee, Lalita Subedi and Sun Yeou Kim

Cells 2020, 9(1), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9010234 - 17 Jan 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4175

Abstract

Methylglyoxal (MGO), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is a key precursor of the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). MGO and MGO-AGEs were reportedly increased in patients with diabetic dysfunction, including diabetic nephropathy. The activation of glyoxalase-I (GLO-I) increases MGO and MGO-AGE [...] Read more.

Methylglyoxal (MGO), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is a key precursor of the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). MGO and MGO-AGEs were reportedly increased in patients with diabetic dysfunction, including diabetic nephropathy. The activation of glyoxalase-I (GLO-I) increases MGO and MGO-AGE detoxification. MGO-mediated glucotoxicity can also be ameliorated by MGO scavengers such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), aminoguanidine (AG), and metformin. In this study, we noted that l-cysteine demonstrated protective effects against MGO-induced glucotoxicity in renal mesangial cells. l-cysteine prevented MGO-induced apoptosis and necrosis, together with a reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in MES13 cells. Interestingly, l-cysteine significantly reduced MGO-AGE formation and also acted as an MGO-AGE crosslink breaker. Furthermore, l-cysteine treatment accelerated MGO catabolism to D-lactate via the upregulation of GLO-I. The reduction of AGE formation and induction of AGE breakdown, following l-cysteine treatment, further supports the potential use of l-cysteine as an alternative for the therapeutic control of MGO-induced renal complications in diabetes, especially against diabetic nephropathy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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34 pages, 1534 KiB

Open AccessReview

Regulatory microRNAs in Brown, Brite and White Adipose Tissue

by Seley Gharanei, Kiran Shabir, James E. Brown, Martin O. Weickert, Thomas M. Barber, Ioannis Kyrou and Harpal S. Randeva

Cells 2020, 9(11), 2489; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9112489 - 16 Nov 2020

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7708

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of short noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNA, inducing translational repression and messenger RNA degradation. This regulation of gene expression by miRNAs in adipose tissue (AT) can impact on the regulation of metabolism and [...] Read more.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of short noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNA, inducing translational repression and messenger RNA degradation. This regulation of gene expression by miRNAs in adipose tissue (AT) can impact on the regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis, particularly considering the different types of adipocytes which exist in mammals, i.e., white adipocytes (white AT; WAT), brown adipocytes (brown AT; BAT), and inducible brown adipocytes in WAT (beige or brite or brown-in-white adipocytes). Indeed, an increasing number of miRNAs has been identified to regulate key signaling pathways of adipogenesis in BAT, brite AT, and WAT by acting on transcription factors that promote or inhibit adipocyte differentiation. For example, MiR-328, MiR-378, MiR-30b/c, MiR-455, MiR-32, and MiR-193b-365 activate brown adipogenesis, whereas MiR-34a, MiR-133, MiR-155, and MiR-27b are brown adipogenesis inhibitors. Given that WAT mainly stores energy as lipids, whilst BAT mainly dissipates energy as heat, clarifying the effects of miRNAs in different types of AT has recently attracted significant research interest, aiming to also develop novel miRNA-based therapies against obesity, diabetes, and other obesity-related diseases. Therefore, this review presents an up-to-date comprehensive overview of the role of key regulatory miRNAs in BAT, brite AT, and WAT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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42 pages, 4271 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insulin/Glucose-Responsive Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Disease Modeling and Treatment of Diabetes

by Sevda Gheibi, Tania Singh, Joao Paulo M. C. M. da Cunha, Malin Fex and Hindrik Mulder

Cells 2020, 9(11), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9112465 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6906

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells and insulin resistance in peripheral organs, accounts for more than 90% of all diabetes. Despite current developments of new drugs and strategies to prevent/treat diabetes, there is no ideal therapy targeting all aspects of [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells and insulin resistance in peripheral organs, accounts for more than 90% of all diabetes. Despite current developments of new drugs and strategies to prevent/treat diabetes, there is no ideal therapy targeting all aspects of the disease. Restoration, however, of insulin-producing β-cells, as well as insulin-responsive cells, would be a logical strategy for the treatment of diabetes. In recent years, generation of transplantable cells derived from stem cells in vitro has emerged as an important research area. Pluripotent stem cells, either embryonic or induced, are alternative and feasible sources of insulin-secreting and glucose-responsive cells. This notwithstanding, consistent generation of robust glucose/insulin-responsive cells remains challenging. In this review, we describe basic concepts of the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells and subsequent differentiation of these into pancreatic β-like cells, myotubes, as well as adipocyte- and hepatocyte-like cells. Use of these for modeling of human disease is now feasible, while development of replacement therapies requires continued efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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14 pages, 6910 KiB

Open AccessReview

Reading between the (Genetic) Lines: How Epigenetics is Unlocking Novel Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes

by Ammira-Sarah AL-Shabeeb Akil, Laila F. Jerman, Esraa Yassin, Sujitha S. Padmajeya, Alya Al-Kurbi and Khalid A. Fakhro

Cells 2020, 9(11), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9112403 - 3 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4037

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune cells destroy their insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells leading to dysregulated glycaemia. Individuals with T1D control their blood glucose through exogenous insulin replacement therapy, often using multiple daily injections or pumps. However, [...] Read more.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune cells destroy their insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells leading to dysregulated glycaemia. Individuals with T1D control their blood glucose through exogenous insulin replacement therapy, often using multiple daily injections or pumps. However, failure to accurately mimic intrinsic glucose regulation results in glucose fluctuations and long-term complications impacting key organs such as the heart, kidneys, and/or the eyes. It is well established that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the initiation and progression of T1D, but recent studies show that epigenetic modifications are also important. Here, we discuss key epigenetic modifications associated with T1D pathogenesis and discuss how recent research is finding ways to harness epigenetic mechanisms to prevent, reverse, or manage T1D. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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16 pages, 296 KiB

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Newborn Screening Samples for Diabetes Research: An Underused Resource

by Jane Frances Grace Lustre Estrella, Jincy Immanuel, Veronica Wiley and David Simmons

Cells 2020, 9(10), 2299; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102299 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3095

Abstract

Inborn errors of metabolism and diabetes share common derangements in analytes of metabolic networks that are tested for in newborn screening, usually performed 48–72 h after birth. There is limited research examining the metabolic imprint of diabetes on newborn screening results. This paper [...] Read more.

Inborn errors of metabolism and diabetes share common derangements in analytes of metabolic networks that are tested for in newborn screening, usually performed 48–72 h after birth. There is limited research examining the metabolic imprint of diabetes on newborn screening results. This paper aims to demonstrate the links between diabetes, biochemical genetics and newborn screening in investigating disease pathophysiology in diabetes, provide possible reasons for the lack of research in diabetes in newborn screening and offer recommendations on potential research areas. We performed a systematic search of the available literature from 1 April 1998 to 31 December 2018 involving newborn screening and diabetes using OVID, MEDLINE, Cochrane and the PROSPERO register, utilizing a modified extraction tool adapted from Cochrane. Eight studies were included after screening 1312 records. Five studies reanalyzed dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper cards, and three studies utilized pre-existing results. The results of these studies and how they relate to cord blood studies, the use of cord blood versus newborn screening dried blood spots as a sample and considerations on newborn screening and diabetes research is further discussed. The timing of sampling of newborn screening allows insight into neonatal physiology in a catabolic state with minimal maternal and placental influence. This, combined with the wide coverage of newborn screening worldwide, may aid in our understanding of the origins of diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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32 pages, 36737 KiB

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Mechanistic Actions of microRNAs in Diabetic Wound Healing

by Marija Petkovic, Anja Elaine Sørensen, Ermelindo Carreira Leal, Eugenia Carvalho and Louise Torp Dalgaard

Cells 2020, 9(10), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102228 - 2 Oct 2020

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 10878

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex biological process that is impaired under diabetes conditions. Chronic non-healing wounds in diabetes are some of the most expensive healthcare expenditures worldwide. Early diagnosis and efficacious treatment strategies are needed. microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of 18–25 nucleotide long [...] Read more.

Wound healing is a complex biological process that is impaired under diabetes conditions. Chronic non-healing wounds in diabetes are some of the most expensive healthcare expenditures worldwide. Early diagnosis and efficacious treatment strategies are needed. microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of 18–25 nucleotide long RNAs, are important regulatory molecules involved in gene expression regulation and in the repression of translation, controlling protein expression in health and disease. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as critical players in impaired wound healing and could be targets for potential therapies for non-healing wounds. Here, we review and discuss the mechanistic background of miRNA actions in chronic wounds that can shed the light on their utilization as specific wound healing biomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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25 pages, 1308 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular and Mechanobiological Pathways Related to the Physiopathology of FPLD2

by Alice-Anaïs Varlet, Emmanuèle Helfer and Catherine Badens

Cells 2020, 9(9), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9091947 - 23 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3380

Abstract

Laminopathies are rare and heterogeneous diseases affecting one to almost all tissues, as in Progeria, and sharing certain features such as metabolic disorders and a predisposition to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. These two features are the main characteristics of the adipose tissue-specific laminopathy called [...] Read more.

Laminopathies are rare and heterogeneous diseases affecting one to almost all tissues, as in Progeria, and sharing certain features such as metabolic disorders and a predisposition to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. These two features are the main characteristics of the adipose tissue-specific laminopathy called familial partial lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2). The only gene that is involved in FPLD2 physiopathology is the LMNA gene, with at least 20 mutations that are considered pathogenic. LMNA encodes the type V intermediate filament lamin A/C, which is incorporated into the lamina meshwork lining the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope. Lamin A/C is involved in the regulation of cellular mechanical properties through the control of nuclear rigidity and deformability, gene modulation and chromatin organization. While recent studies have described new potential signaling pathways dependent on lamin A/C and associated with FPLD2 physiopathology, the whole picture of how the syndrome develops remains unknown. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways involving lamin A/C that are associated with the progression of FPLD2. We also explore the links between alterations of the cellular mechanical properties and FPLD2 physiopathology. Finally, we introduce potential tools based on the exploration of cellular mechanical properties that could be redirected for FPLD2 diagnosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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23 pages, 2144 KiB

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Exploring Therapeutic Targets to Reverse or Prevent the Transition from Metabolically Healthy to Unhealthy Obesity

by Tenzin D. Dagpo, Christopher J. Nolan and Viviane Delghingaro-Augusto

Cells 2020, 9(7), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071596 - 1 Jul 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6801

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related metabolic comorbidities are rapidly increasing worldwide, placing a huge economic burden on health systems. Excessive nutrient supply combined with reduced physical exercise results in positive energy balance that promotes adipose tissue expansion. However, the metabolic response and [...] Read more.

The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related metabolic comorbidities are rapidly increasing worldwide, placing a huge economic burden on health systems. Excessive nutrient supply combined with reduced physical exercise results in positive energy balance that promotes adipose tissue expansion. However, the metabolic response and pattern of fat accumulation is variable, depending on the individual’s genetic and acquired susceptibility factors. Some develop metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and are resistant to obesity-associated metabolic diseases for some time, whereas others readily develop metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). An unhealthy response to excess fat accumulation could be due to susceptibility intrinsic factors (e.g., increased likelihood of dedifferentiation and/or inflammation), or by pathogenic drivers extrinsic to the adipose tissue (e.g., hyperinsulinemia), or a combination of both. This review outlines the major transcriptional factors and genes associated with adipogenesis and regulation of adipose tissue homeostasis and describes which of these are disrupted in MUO compared to MHO individuals. It also examines the potential role of pathogenic insulin hypersecretion as an extrinsic factor capable of driving the changes in adipose tissue which cause transition from MHO to MUO. On this basis, therapeutic approaches currently available and emerging to prevent and reverse the transition from MHO to MUO transition are reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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12 pages, 1519 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

MicroRNAs as Prognostic Markers in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients—A Systematic Review

by Jennifer Y. Barraclough, Michelyn Joan, Mugdha V. Joglekar, Anandwardhan A. Hardikar and Sanjay Patel

Cells 2019, 8(12), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8121572 - 4 Dec 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2901

Abstract

Background: The potential utility of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of multiple disease states has been an area of great interest since their discovery. In patients with cardiovascular disease, there is a large pool of literature amassed from the last [...] Read more.

Background: The potential utility of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of multiple disease states has been an area of great interest since their discovery. In patients with cardiovascular disease, there is a large pool of literature amassed from the last decade assessing their diagnostic and prognostic potential. This systematic review sought to determine whether existing literature supports the use of miRNAs as prognostic markers after an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) presentation. Methods: A systematic review of published articles from 2005–2019 using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was undertaken independently by two reviewers. Studies addressing prognosis in an ACS population yielded 32 studies and 2 systematic reviews. Results/conclusion: 23 prospective studies reported significant differences in miRNA levels and 16 compared the predictive power of miRNAs. The most common miRNAs assessed included miR-133a, -208b, -21, -1, -34a, -150, and -423, shown to be involved in cell differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Barriers to the use of miRNAs as prognostic markers include bias in miRNA selection, small sample size, variable normalization of data, and adjustment for confounders. Therefore, findings from this systematic review do not support the use of miRNAs for prognostication post-ACS beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, existing risk scores, and stratifications tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Disease)

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