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| 5. |
- Locke, Adam E, et al.
(author)
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Genetic studies of body mass index yield new insights for obesity biology.
- 2015
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 518:7538, s. 197-401
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Obesity is heritable and predisposes to many diseases. To understand the genetic basis of obesity better, here we conduct a genome-wide association study and Metabochip meta-analysis of body mass index (BMI), a measure commonly used to define obesity and assess adiposity, in up to 339,224 individuals. This analysis identifies 97 BMI-associated loci (P < 5 × 10(-8)), 56 of which are novel. Five loci demonstrate clear evidence of several independent association signals, and many loci have significant effects on other metabolic phenotypes. The 97 loci account for ∼2.7% of BMI variation, and genome-wide estimates suggest that common variation accounts for >20% of BMI variation. Pathway analyses provide strong support for a role of the central nervous system in obesity susceptibility and implicate new genes and pathways, including those related to synaptic function, glutamate signalling, insulin secretion/action, energy metabolism, lipid biology and adipogenesis.
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| 6. |
- Shungin, Dmitry, et al.
(author)
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New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.
- 2015
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 518:7538, s. 187-378
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms.
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| 7. |
- Ried, Janina S., et al.
(author)
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A principal component meta-analysis on multiple anthropometric traits identifies novel loci for body shape
- 2016
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Large consortia have revealed hundreds of genetic loci associated with anthropometric traits, one trait at a time. We examined whether genetic variants affect body shape as a composite phenotype that is represented by a combination of anthropometric traits. We developed an approach that calculates averaged PCs (AvPCs) representing body shape derived from six anthropometric traits (body mass index, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio). The first four AvPCs explain >99% of the variability, are heritable, and associate with cardiometabolic outcomes. We performed genome-wide association analyses for each body shape composite phenotype across 65 studies and meta-analysed summary statistics. We identify six novel loci: LEMD2 and CD47 for AvPC1, RPS6KA5/C14orf159 and GANAB for AvPC3, and ARL15 and ANP32 for AvPC4. Our findings highlight the value of using multiple traits to define complex phenotypes for discovery, which are not captured by single-trait analyses, and may shed light onto new pathways.
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| 8. |
- Lu, Yingchang, et al.
(author)
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New loci for body fat percentage reveal link between adiposity and cardiometabolic disease risk
- 2016
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of adiposity and its links to cardiometabolic disease risk, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of body fat percentage (BF%) in up to 100,716 individuals. Twelve loci reached genome-wide significance (P<5 × 10(-8)), of which eight were previously associated with increased overall adiposity (BMI, BF%) and four (in or near COBLL1/GRB14, IGF2BP1, PLA2G6, CRTC1) were novel associations with BF%. Seven loci showed a larger effect on BF% than on BMI, suggestive of a primary association with adiposity, while five loci showed larger effects on BMI than on BF%, suggesting association with both fat and lean mass. In particular, the loci more strongly associated with BF% showed distinct cross-phenotype association signatures with a range of cardiometabolic traits revealing new insights in the link between adiposity and disease risk.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Mahajan, Anubha, et al.
(author)
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Refining the accuracy of validated target identification through coding variant fine-mapping in type 2 diabetes
- 2018
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 50:4, s. 559-571
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We aggregated coding variant data for 81,412 type 2 diabetes cases and 370,832 controls of diverse ancestry, identifying 40 coding variant association signals (P < 2.2 × 10−7); of these, 16 map outside known risk-associated loci. We make two important observations. First, only five of these signals are driven by low-frequency variants: even for these, effect sizes are modest (odds ratio ≤1.29). Second, when we used large-scale genome-wide association data to fine-map the associated variants in their regional context, accounting for the global enrichment of complex trait associations in coding sequence, compelling evidence for coding variant causality was obtained for only 16 signals. At 13 others, the associated coding variants clearly represent ‘false leads’ with potential to generate erroneous mechanistic inference. Coding variant associations offer a direct route to biological insight for complex diseases and identification of validated therapeutic targets; however, appropriate mechanistic inference requires careful specification of their causal contribution to disease predisposition.
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| 11. |
- Gaulton, Kyle J, et al.
(author)
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Genetic fine mapping and genomic annotation defines causal mechanisms at type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci.
- 2015
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1546-1718 .- 1061-4036. ; 47:12, s. 1415-1415
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We performed fine mapping of 39 established type 2 diabetes (T2D) loci in 27,206 cases and 57,574 controls of European ancestry. We identified 49 distinct association signals at these loci, including five mapping in or near KCNQ1. 'Credible sets' of the variants most likely to drive each distinct signal mapped predominantly to noncoding sequence, implying that association with T2D is mediated through gene regulation. Credible set variants were enriched for overlap with FOXA2 chromatin immunoprecipitation binding sites in human islet and liver cells, including at MTNR1B, where fine mapping implicated rs10830963 as driving T2D association. We confirmed that the T2D risk allele for this SNP increases FOXA2-bound enhancer activity in islet- and liver-derived cells. We observed allele-specific differences in NEUROD1 binding in islet-derived cells, consistent with evidence that the T2D risk allele increases islet MTNR1B expression. Our study demonstrates how integration of genetic and genomic information can define molecular mechanisms through which variants underlying association signals exert their effects on disease.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Yaghootkar, Hanieh, et al.
(author)
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Genetic Studies of Leptin Concentrations Implicate Leptin in the Regulation of Early Adiposity
- 2020
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In: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 69:12, s. 2806-2818
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Leptin influences food intake by informing the brain about the status of body fat stores. Rare LEP mutations associated with congenital leptin deficiency cause severe early-onset obesity that can be mitigated by administering leptin. However, the role of genetic regulation of leptin in polygenic obesity remains poorly understood. We performed an exome-based analysis in up to 57,232 individuals of diverse ancestries to identify genetic variants that influence adiposity-adjusted leptin concentrations. We identify five novel variants, including four missense variants, in LEP, ZNF800, KLHL31, and ACTL9, and one intergenic variant near KLF14. The missense variant Val94Met (rs17151919) in LEP was common in individuals of African ancestry only, and its association with lower leptin concentrations was specific to this ancestry (P = 2 × 10-16, n = 3,901). Using in vitro analyses, we show that the Met94 allele decreases leptin secretion. We also show that the Met94 allele is associated with higher BMI in young African-ancestry children but not in adults, suggesting that leptin regulates early adiposity.
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| 15. |
- Krieg, L, et al.
(author)
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Multiomics reveal unique signatures of human epiploic adipose tissue related to systemic insulin resistance
- 2022
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In: Gut. - : BMJ. - 1468-3288 .- 0017-5749. ; 71:11, s. 2179-2193
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human white adipose tissue (AT) is a metabolically active organ with distinct depot-specific functions. Despite their locations close to the gastrointestinal tract, mesenteric AT and epiploic AT (epiAT) have only scarcely been investigated. Here, we aim to characterise these ATs in-depth and estimate their contribution to alterations in whole-body metabolism.DesignMesenteric, epiploic, omental and abdominal subcutaneous ATs were collected from 70 patients with obesity undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The metabolically well-characterised cohort included nine subjects with insulin sensitive (IS) obesity, whose AT samples were analysed in a multiomics approach, including methylome, transcriptome and proteome along with samples from subjects with insulin resistance (IR) matched for age, sex and body mass index (n=9). Findings implying differences between AT depots in these subgroups were validated in the entire cohort (n=70) by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsWhile mesenteric AT exhibited signatures similar to those found in the omental depot, epiAT was distinct from all other studied fat depots. Multiomics allowed clear discrimination between the IS and IR states in all tissues. The highest discriminatory power between IS and IR was seen in epiAT, where profound differences in the regulation of developmental, metabolic and inflammatory pathways were observed. Gene expression levels of key molecules involved in AT function, metabolic homeostasis and inflammation revealed significant depot-specific differences with epiAT showing the highest expression levels.ConclusionMulti-omics epiAT signatures reflect systemic IR and obesity subphenotypes distinct from other fat depots. Our data suggest a previously unrecognised role of human epiploic fat in the context of obesity, impaired insulin sensitivity and related diseases.
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| 16. |
- Lee, Sunjae, et al.
(author)
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Integrated Network Analysis Reveals an Association between Plasma Mannose Levels and Insulin Resistance
- 2016
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In: Cell Metabolism. - : Elsevier BV. - 1550-4131 .- 1932-7420. ; 24:1, s. 172-184
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To investigate the biological processes that are altered in obese subjects, we generated cell-specific integrated networks (INs) by merging genome-scale metabolic, transcriptional regulatory and protein-protein interaction networks. We performed genome-wide transcriptomics analysis to determine the global gene expression changes in the liver and three adipose tissues from obese subjects undergoing bariatric surgery and integrated these data into the cell-specific INs. We found dysregulations in mannose metabolism in obese subjects and validated our predictions by detecting mannose levels in the plasma of the lean and obese subjects. We observed significant correlations between plasma mannose levels, BMI, and insulin resistance (IR). We also measured plasma mannose levels of the subjects in two additional different cohorts and observed that an increased plasma mannose level was associated with IR and insulin secretion. We finally identified mannose as one of the best plasma metabolites in explaining the variance in obesity-independent IR.
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| 17. |
- Belda, E., et al.
(author)
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Impairment of gut microbial biotin metabolism and host biotin status in severe obesity: effect of biotin and prebiotic supplementation on improved metabolism
- 2022
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In: Gut. - : BMJ. - 0017-5749 .- 1468-3288. ; 71:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Gut microbiota is a key component in obesity and type 2 diabetes, yet mechanisms and metabolites central to this interaction remain unclear. We examined the human gut microbiome's functional composition in healthy metabolic state and the most severe states of obesity and type 2 diabetes within the MetaCardis cohort. We focused on the role of B vitamins and B7/B8 biotin for regulation of host metabolic state, as these vitamins influence both microbial function and host metabolism and inflammation. Design We performed metagenomic analyses in 1545 subjects from the MetaCardis cohorts and different murine experiments, including germ-free and antibiotic treated animals, faecal microbiota transfer, bariatric surgery and supplementation with biotin and prebiotics in mice. Results Severe obesity is associated with an absolute deficiency in bacterial biotin producers and transporters, whose abundances correlate with host metabolic and inflammatory phenotypes. We found suboptimal circulating biotin levels in severe obesity and altered expression of biotin-associated genes in human adipose tissue. In mice, the absence or depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics confirmed the microbial contribution to host biotin levels. Bariatric surgery, which improves metabolism and inflammation, associates with increased bacterial biotin producers and improved host systemic biotin in humans and mice. Finally, supplementing high-fat diet-fed mice with fructo-oligosaccharides and biotin improves not only the microbiome diversity, but also the potential of bacterial production of biotin and B vitamins, while limiting weight gain and glycaemic deterioration. Conclusion Strategies combining biotin and prebiotic supplementation could help prevent the deterioration of metabolic states in severe obesity.
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| 19. |
- Jersin, R. A., et al.
(author)
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Role of the Neutral Amino Acid Transporter SLC7A10 in Adipocyte Lipid Storage, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance
- 2021
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In: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 70:3, s. 680-695
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Elucidation of mechanisms that govern lipid storage, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance may lead to improved therapeutic options for type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related diseases. Here, we find that adipose expression of the small neutral amino acid transporter SLC7A10, also known as alanine-serine-cysteine transporter-1 (ASC-1), shows strong inverse correlates with visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and adipocyte hypertrophy across multiple cohorts. Concordantly, loss of Slc7a10 function in zebrafish in vivo accelerates diet-induced body weight gain and adipocyte enlargement. Mechanistically, SLC7A10 inhibition in human and murine adipocytes decreases adipocyte serine uptake and total glutathione levels and promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Conversely, SLC7A10 overexpression decreases ROS generation and increases mitochondrial respiratory capacity. RNA sequencing revealed consistent changes in gene expression between human adipocytes and zebrafish visceral adipose tissue following loss of SLC7A10, e.g., upregulation of SCD (lipid storage) and downregulation of CPT1A (lipid oxidation). Interestingly, ROS scavenger reduced lipid accumulation and attenuated the lipid-storing effect of SLC7A10 inhibition. These data uncover adipocyte SLC7A10 as a novel important regulator of adipocyte resilience to nutrient and oxidative stress, in part by enhancing glutathione levels and mitochondrial respiration, conducive to decreased ROS generation, lipid accumulation, adipocyte hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
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| 20. |
- Schnell, O, et al.
(author)
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Report from the CVOT Summit 2021: new cardiovascular, renal, and glycemic outcomes
- 2022
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In: Cardiovascular diabetology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1475-2840. ; 21:1, s. 50-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The 7th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial (CVOT) Summit on Cardiovascular, Renal, and Glycemic Outcomes, was held virtually on November 18–19, 2021. Pursuing the tradition of the previous summits, this reference congress served as a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange on recently completed CVOTs. This year’s focus was placed on the outcomes of EMPEROR-Preserved, FIGARO-DKD, AMPLITUDE-O, SURPASS 1–5, and STEP 1–5. Trial implications for diabetes and obesity management and the impact on new treatment algorithms were highlighted for endocrinologists, diabetologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, and general practitioners. Discussions evolved from outcome trials using SGLT2 inhibitors as therapy for heart failure, to CVOTs with nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Furthermore, trials for glycemic and overweight/obesity management, challenges in diabetes management in COVID-19, and novel guidelines and treatment strategies were discussed.Trial registrationThe 8th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial Summit will be held virtually on November 10–11, 2022 (http://www.cvot.org)
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| 21. |
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| 24. |
- Andrikopoulos, Petros, et al.
(author)
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Evidence of a causal and modifiable relationship between kidney function and circulating trimethylamine N-oxide
- 2023
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In: Nature Communications. - 2041-1723 .- 2041-1723. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The host-microbiota co-metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is linked to increased cardiovascular risk but how its circulating levels are regulated remains unclear. We applied "explainable" machine learning, univariate, multivariate and mediation analyses of fasting plasma TMAO concentration and a multitude of phenotypes in 1,741 adult Europeans of the MetaCardis study. Here we show that next to age, kidney function is the primary variable predicting circulating TMAO, with microbiota composition and diet playing minor, albeit significant, roles. Mediation analysis suggests a causal relationship between TMAO and kidney function that we corroborate in preclinical models where TMAO exposure increases kidney scarring. Consistent with our findings, patients receiving glucose-lowering drugs with reno-protective properties have significantly lower circulating TMAO when compared to propensity-score matched control individuals. Our analyses uncover a bidirectional relationship between kidney function and TMAO that can potentially be modified by reno-protective anti-diabetic drugs and suggest a clinically actionable intervention for decreasing TMAO-associated excess cardiovascular risk.
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| 25. |
- Hoffmann, A, et al.
(author)
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Leptin Improves Parameters of Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Lipodystrophic Mice
- 2021
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In: Nutrients. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6643. ; 13:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lipodystrophy syndromes (LD) are a heterogeneous group of very rare congenital or acquired disorders characterized by a generalized or partial lack of adipose tissue. They are strongly associated with severe metabolic dysfunction due to ectopic fat accumulation in the liver and other organs and the dysregulation of several key adipokines, including leptin. Treatment with leptin or its analogues is therefore sufficient to reverse some of the metabolic symptoms of LD in patients and in mouse models through distinct mechanisms. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis has emerged as an important regulator of systemic metabolism in rodents and in humans, but it is poorly understood how leptin impacts BAT in LD. Here, we show in transgenic C57Bl/6 mice overexpressing sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c in adipose tissue (Tg (aP2-nSREBP1c)), an established model of congenital LD, that daily subcutaneous administration of 3 mg/kg leptin for 6 to 8 weeks increases body temperature without affecting food intake or body weight. This is associated with increased protein expression of the thermogenic molecule uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and the sympathetic nerve marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in BAT. These findings suggest that leptin treatment in LD stimulates BAT thermogenesis through sympathetic nerves, which might contribute to some of its metabolic benefits by providing a healthy reservoir for excess circulating nutrients.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Klepac, K., et al.
(author)
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The G(q) signalling pathway inhibits brown and beige adipose tissue
- 2016
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates nutritional energy as heat via the uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) and BAT activity correlates with leanness in human adults. Here we profile G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in brown adipocytes to identify druggable regulators of BAT. Twenty-one per cent of the GPCRs link to the G(q) family, and inhibition of G(q) signalling enhances differentiation of human and murine brown adipocytes. In contrast, activation of G(q) signalling abrogates brown adipogenesis. We further identify the endothelin/Ednra pathway as an autocrine activator of G(q) signalling in brown adipocytes. Expression of a constitutively active G(q) protein in mice reduces UCP1 expression in BAT, whole-body energy expenditure and the number of brown-like/beige cells in white adipose tissue (WAT). Furthermore, expression of G(q) in human WAT inversely correlates with UCP1 expression. Thus, our data indicate that G(q) signalling regulates brown/beige adipocytes and inhibition of G(q) signalling may be a novel therapeutic approach to combat obesity.
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| 28. |
- Amrutkar, Manoj, et al.
(author)
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Protein kinase STK25 controls lipid partitioning in hepatocytes and correlates with liver fat content in humans
- 2016
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In: Diabetologia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 59:2, s. 341-353
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims/hypothesis Type 2 diabetes is closely associated with pathological lipid accumulation in the liver, which is suggested to actively contribute to the development of insulin resistance. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) as a regulator of liver steatosis, whole-body glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in a mouse model system. The aim of this study was to assess the role of STK25 in the control of lipid metabolism in human liver. Methods Intracellular fat deposition, lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity were studied in immortalised human hepatocytes (IHHs) and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells in which STK25 was overexpressed or knocked down by small interfering RNA. The association between STK25 mRNA expression in human liver biopsies and hepatic fat content was analysed. Results Overexpression of STK25 in IHH and HepG2 cells enhanced lipid deposition by suppressing beta-oxidation and triacylglycerol (TAG) secretion, while increasing lipid synthesis. Conversely, knockdown of STK25 attenuated lipid accumulation by stimulating beta-oxidation and TAG secretion, while inhibiting lipid synthesis. Furthermore, TAG hydrolase activity was repressed in hepatocytes overexpressing STK25 and reciprocally increased in cells with STK25 knockdown. Insulin sensitivity was reduced in STK25-overexpressing cells and enhanced in STK25-deficient hepatocytes. We also found a statistically significant positive correlation between STK25 mRNA expression in human liver biopsies and hepatic fat content. Conclusions/interpretation Our data suggest that STK25 regulates lipid partitioning in human liver cells by controlling TAG synthesis as well as lipolytic activity and thereby NEFA release from lipid droplets for beta-oxidation and TAG secretion. Our findings highlight STK25 as a potential drug target for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
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| 29. |
- Caputo, Mara, et al.
(author)
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STE20-Type Protein Kinase MST4 Controls NAFLD Progression by Regulating Lipid Droplet Dynamics and Metabolic Stress in Hepatocytes
- 2021
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In: Hepatology Communications. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 2471-254X. ; 5:7, s. 1183-1200
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, primarily because of the massive global increase in obesity. Despite intense research efforts in this field, the factors that govern the initiation and subsequent progression of NAFLD are poorly understood, which hampers the development of diagnostic tools and effective therapies in this area of high unmet medical need. Here we describe a regulator in molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD: STE20-type protein kinase MST4. We found that MST4 expression in human liver biopsies was positively correlated with the key features of NAFLD (i.e., hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning). Furthermore, the silencing of MST4 attenuated lipid accumulation in human hepatocytes by stimulating beta-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion, while inhibiting fatty acid influx and lipid synthesis. Conversely, overexpression of MST4 in human hepatocytes exacerbated fat deposition by suppressing mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and triacylglycerol efflux, while enhancing lipogenesis. In parallel to these reciprocal alterations in lipid storage, we detected substantially decreased or aggravated oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress in human hepatocytes with reduced or increased MST4 levels, respectively. Interestingly, MST4 protein was predominantly associated with intracellular lipid droplets in both human and rodent hepatocytes. Conclusion: Together, our results suggest that hepatic lipid droplet-decorating protein MST4 is a critical regulatory node governing susceptibility to NAFLD and warrant future investigations to address the therapeutic potential of MST4 antagonism as a strategy to prevent or mitigate the development and aggravation of this disease.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Mardinoglu, Adil, 1982, et al.
(author)
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Elevated Plasma Levels of 3-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid Are Associated With Incident Type 2 Diabetes
- 2018
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In: Ebiomedicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-3964. ; 27, s. 151-155
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) metabolite, 3-Hydroxyisobutyric acid (3-HIB) has been identified as a secreted mediator of endothelial cell fatty acid transport and insulin resistance (IR) using animal models. To identify if 3-HIB is a marker of human IR and future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D), we measured plasma levels of 3-HIB and associated metabolites in around 10,000 extensively phenotyped individuals. The levels of 3-HIB were increased in obesity but not robustly associated with degree of IR after adjusting for BMI. Nevertheless, also after adjusting for obesity and plasma BCAA, 3-HIB levels were associated with future risk of incident T2D. We also examined the effect of 3-HIB on fatty acid uptake in human cells and found that both HUVEC and human cardiac endothelial cells respond to 3-HIB whereas human adipose tissue-derived endothelial cells do not respond to 3-HIB. In conclusion, we found that increased plasma level of 3-HIB is a marker of future risk of T2D and 3-HIB may be important for the regulation of metabolic flexibility in heart and muscles.
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| 32. |
- Mardinoglu, Adil, 1982, et al.
(author)
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Plasma Mannose Levels Are Associated with Incident Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
- 2017
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In: Cell Metabolism. - : Elsevier BV. - 1932-7420 .- 1550-4131. ; 26:2, s. 281-283
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Plasma mannose levels are elevated in subjects with insulin resistance independently of obesity. Here, we found that elevated plasma mannose levels are strong markers of future risk of several chronic diseases including T2D, CVD, and albuminuria, and that it may contribute to their development rather than just being a novel biomarker.
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| 33. |
- Nerstedt, Annika, 1960, et al.
(author)
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Serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25): a novel negative regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism in rodent and human skeletal muscle
- 2012
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In: Diabetologia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 55:6, s. 1797-1807
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study investigates the role of serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25), a member of the sterile 20 (STE20) superfamily of kinases, in the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism. The effect of depleting STK25 in muscle cells was studied by reducing the mRNA and protein content of this target in the rat myoblast cell line L6 by small interfering (si)RNA. The changes in the mRNA and protein levels of several members of the fatty acid oxidative and glucose metabolic pathways were measured by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR and western blot. The rate of palmitate oxidation and glucose uptake was measured after transfection with siRNA for . Expression of was also evaluated in skeletal muscle biopsies from 41 white Europid men and women with normal and impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes using qRT-PCR. We demonstrate that partial depletion of STK25 increases the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (, accompanied by increased lipid oxidation, in myoblasts. In addition, a reduced level of STK25 enhances the expression of (also known as ), (also known as ) and hexokinase 2, and correspondingly, improves insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle cells. Consistent with these results, significantly higher levels were observed in the skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic patients, compared with individuals with normal glucose tolerance. This is the first study indicating a possible role for STK25 in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in L6 myoblasts. This kinase appears to be an interesting new mediator to be evaluated for therapeutic intervention in type 2 diabetes and related complications, as controlled increase in lipid oxidation and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle is favourable and can restore energy balance in metabolically compromised states.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Baboota, Ritesh, et al.
(author)
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BMP4 and Gremlin 1 regulate hepatic cell senescence during clinical progression of NAFLD/NASH
- 2022
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In: Nature Metabolism. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2522-5812. ; 4:8, s. 1007-21
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The role of hepatic cell senescence in human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is not well understood. To examine this, we performed liver biopsies and extensive characterization of 58 individuals with or without NAFLD/NASH. Here, we show that hepatic cell senescence is strongly related to NAFLD/NASH severity, and machine learning analysis identified senescence markers, the BMP4 inhibitor Gremlin 1 in liver and visceral fat, and the amount of visceral adipose tissue as strong predictors. Studies in liver cell spheroids made from human stellate and hepatocyte cells show BMP4 to be anti-senescent, anti-steatotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic, whereas Gremlin 1, which is particularly highly expressed in visceral fat in humans, is pro-senescent and antagonistic to BMP4. Both senescence and anti-senescence factors target the YAP/TAZ pathway, making this a likely regulator of senescence and its effects. We conclude that senescence is an important driver of human NAFLD/NASH and that BMP4 and Gremlin 1 are novel therapeutic targets. Baboota et al. investigate senescence as a driver of human NAFLD/NASH and show the roles of BMP4 and its antagonist Gremlin 1 as anti-senescent and pro-senescent molecules, respectively.
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| 37. |
- Baboota, Ritesh, et al.
(author)
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Emerging Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 in Metabolic Disorders
- 2021
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In: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 70:2, s. 303-312
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of signaling molecules that belong to the TGF-beta superfamily. Initially discovered for their ability to induce bone formation, BMPs are known to play a diverse and critical array of biological roles. We here focus on recent evidence showing that BMP4 is an important regulator of white/beige adipogenic differentiation with important consequences for thermogenesis, energy homeostasis, and development of obesity in vivo. BMP4 is highly expressed in, and released by, human adipose tissue, and serum levels are increased in obesity. Recent studies have now shown BMP4 to play an important role not only for white/beige/brown adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis but also in regulating systemic glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. It also has important suppressive effects on hepatic glucose production and lipid metabolism. Cellular BMP4 signaling/action is regulated by both ambient cell/systemic levels and several endogenous and systemic BMP antagonists. Reduced BMP4 signaling/action can contribute to the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and associated metabolic disorders. In this article, we summarize the pleiotropic functions of BMP4 in the pathophysiology of these diseases and also consider the therapeutic implications of targeting BMP4 in the prevention/treatment of obesity and its associated complications.
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| 38. |
- Cansby, Emmelie, 1984, et al.
(author)
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Protein kinase MST3 modulates lipid homeostasis in hepatocytes and correlates with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in humans.
- 2019
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In: FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. - 1530-6860. ; 33:9, s. 9974-9989
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ectopic lipid storage in the liver is considered the main risk factor for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Understanding the molecular networks controlling hepatocellular lipid deposition is therefore essential for developing new strategies to effectively prevent and treat this complex disease. Here, we describe a new regulator of lipid partitioning in human hepatocytes: mammalian sterile 20-like (MST) 3. We found that MST3 protein coats lipid droplets in mouse and human liver cells. Knockdown of MST3 attenuated lipid accumulation in human hepatocytes by stimulating β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion while inhibiting fatty acid influx and lipid synthesis. We also observed that lipogenic gene expression and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase protein abundance were reduced in MST3-deficient hepatocytes, providing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the decreased lipid storage. Furthermore, MST3 expression was positively correlated with key features of NASH (i.e., hepatic lipid content, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning) in human liver biopsies. In summary, our results reveal a role of MST3 in controlling the dynamic metabolic balance of liver lipid catabolism vs. lipid anabolism. Our findings highlight MST3 as a potential drug target for the prevention and treatment of NASH and related complex metabolic diseases.
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| 39. |
- Claussnitzer, Melina, et al.
(author)
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Leveraging cross-species transcription factor binding site patterns: from diabetes risk Loci to disease mechanisms.
- 2014
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In: Cell. - : Elsevier BV. - 1097-4172 .- 0092-8674. ; 156:1-2, s. 343-358
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genome-wide association studies have revealed numerous risk loci associated with diverse diseases. However, identification of disease-causing variants within association loci remains a major challenge. Divergence in gene expression due to cis-regulatory variants in noncoding regions is central to disease susceptibility. We show that integrative computational analysis of phylogenetic conservation with a complexity assessment of co-occurring transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) can identify cis-regulatory variants and elucidate their mechanistic role in disease. Analysis of established type 2 diabetes risk loci revealed a striking clustering of distinct homeobox TFBS. We identified the PRRX1 homeobox factor as a repressor of PPARG2 expression in adipose cells and demonstrate its adverse effect on lipid metabolism and systemic insulin sensitivity, dependent on the rs4684847 risk allele that triggers PRRX1 binding. Thus, cross-species conservation analysis at the level of co-occurring TFBS provides a valuable contribution to the translation of genetic association signals to disease-related molecular mechanisms.
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| 40. |
- Graham, T. E., et al.
(author)
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Retinol-binding protein 4 and insulin resistance in lean, obese, and diabetic subjects
- 2006
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In: N Engl J Med. - 1533-4406. ; 354:24, s. 2552-63
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance has a causal role in type 2 diabetes. Serum levels of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), a protein secreted by adipocytes, are increased in insulin-resistant states. Experiments in mice suggest that elevated RBP4 levels cause insulin resistance. We sought to determine whether serum RBP4 levels correlate with insulin resistance and change after an intervention that improves insulin sensitivity. We also determined whether elevated serum RBP4 levels are associated with reduced expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in adipocytes, an early pathological feature of insulin resistance. METHODS: We measured serum RBP4, insulin resistance, and components of the metabolic syndrome in three groups of subjects. Measurements were repeated after exercise training in one group. GLUT4 protein was measured in isolated adipocytes. RESULTS: Serum RBP4 levels correlated with the magnitude of insulin resistance in subjects with obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, or type 2 diabetes and in nonobese, nondiabetic subjects with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. Elevated serum RBP4 was associated with components of the metabolic syndrome, including increased body-mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum triglyceride levels, and systolic blood pressure and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Exercise training was associated with a reduction in serum RBP4 levels only in subjects in whom insulin resistance improved. Adipocyte GLUT4 protein and serum RBP4 levels were inversely correlated. CONCLUSIONS: RBP4 is an adipocyte-secreted molecule that is elevated in the serum before the development of frank diabetes and appears to identify insulin resistance and associated cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with varied clinical presentations. These findings provide a rationale for antidiabetic therapies aimed at lowering serum RBP4 levels.
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| 41. |
- Hedjazifar, Shahram, 1975, et al.
(author)
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The Novel Adipokine Gremlin 1 Antagonizes Insulin Action and Is Increased in Type 2 Diabetes and NAFLD/NASH
- 2020
-
In: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 69:3, s. 331-341
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The BMP2/4 antagonist and novel adipokine Gremlin 1 is highly expressed in human adipose cells and increased in hypertrophic obesity. As a secreted antagonist, it inhibits the effect of BMP2/4 on adipose precursor cell commitment/differentiation. We examined mRNA levels of Gremlin 1 in key target tissues for insulin and also measured tissue and serum levels in several carefully phenotyped human cohorts. Gremlin 1 expression was high in adipose tissue, higher in visceral than in subcutaneous tissue, increased in obesity, and further increased in type 2 diabetes (T2D). A similar high expression was seen in liver biopsies, but expression was considerably lower in skeletal muscles. Serum levels were increased in obesity but most prominently in T2D. Transcriptional activation in both adipose tissue and liver as well as serum levels were strongly associated with markers of insulin resistance in vivo (euglycemic clamps and HOMA of insulin resistance), and the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We also found Gremlin 1 to antagonize insulin signaling and action in human primary adipocytes, skeletal muscle, and liver cells. Thus, Gremlin 1 is a novel secreted insulin antagonist and biomarker as well as a potential therapeutic target in obesity and its complications T2D and NAFLD/NASH.
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| 42. |
- Kumar Anand, Sumit, et al.
(author)
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Inhibition of MAP4K4 signaling initiates metabolic reprogramming to protect hepatocytes from lipotoxic damage
- 2022
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In: Journal of Lipid Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-2275. ; 63:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The primary hepatic consequence of obesity is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affecting about 25% of the global adult population. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of NAFLD characterized by liver lipid accumulation, inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning, with a different degree of hepatic fibrosis. In the light of rapidly increasing prevalence of NAFLD and NASH, there is an urgent need for improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. The aim of this study was to decipher the possible role of STE20-type kinase MAP4K4 in the regulation of he-patocellular lipotoxicity and susceptibility to NAFLD. We found that MAP4K4 mRNA expression in human liver biopsies was positively correlated with key hallmarks of NAFLD (i.e., liver steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, and fibrosis). We also found that the silencing of MAP4K4 suppressed lipid deposition in human he-patocytes by stimulating beta-oxidation and tri-acylglycerol secretion, while attenuating fatty acid influx and lipid synthesis. Furthermore, down -regulation of MAP4K4 markedly reduced the glycolysis rate and lowered incidences of oxidative/ endoplasmic reticulum stress. In parallel, we observed suppressed JNK and ERK and increased AKT phosphorylation in MAP4K4-deficient hep-atocytes. Together, these results provide the first experimental evidence supporting the potential involvement of STE20-type kinase MAP4K4 as a component of the hepatocellular lipotoxic milieu promoting NAFLD susceptibility.
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Mardinoglu, Adil, 1982, et al.
(author)
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Defining the Human Adipose Tissue Proteome To Reveal Metabolic Alterations in Obesity
- 2014
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In: Journal of Proteome Research. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1535-3893 .- 1535-3907. ; 13:11, s. 5106-5119
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- White adipose tissue (WAT) has a major role in the progression of obesity. Here, we combined data from RNA-Seq and antibody-based immunohistochemistry to describe the normal physiology of human WAT obtained from three female subjects and explored WAT-specific genes by comparing WAT to 26 other major human tissues. Using the protein evidence in WAT, we validated the content of a genome-scale metabolic model for adipocytes. We employed this high-quality model for the analysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) gene expression data obtained from subjects included in the Swedish Obese Subjects Sib Pair study to reveal molecular differences between lean and obese individuals. We integrated SAT gene expression and plasma metabolomics data, investigated the contribution of the metabolic differences in the mitochondria of SAT to the occurrence of obesity, and eventually identified cytosolic branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) transaminase 1 as a potential target that can be used for drug development. We observed decreased glutaminolysis and alterations in the BCAAs metabolism in SAT of obese subjects compared to lean subjects. We also provided mechanistic explanations for the changes in the plasma level of BCAAs, glutamate, pyruvate, and alpha-ketoglutarate in obese subjects. Finally, we validated a subset of our model-based predictions in 20 SAT samples obtained from 10 lean and 10 obese male and female subjects.
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| 45. |
- Massier, L, et al.
(author)
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Impaired Intestinal Barrier and Tissue Bacteria: Pathomechanisms for Metabolic Diseases
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in endocrinology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-2392. ; 12, s. 616506-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An intact intestinal barrier, representing the interface between inner and outer environments, is an integral regulator of health. Among several factors, bacteria and their products have been evidenced to contribute to gut barrier impairment and its increased permeability. Alterations of tight junction integrity - caused by both external factors and host metabolic state - are important for gut barrier, since they can lead to increased influx of bacteria or bacterial components (endotoxin, bacterial DNA, metabolites) into the host circulation. Increased systemic levels of bacterial endotoxins and DNA have been associated with an impaired metabolic host status, manifested in obesity, insulin resistance, and associated cardiovascular complications. Bacterial components and cells are distributed to peripheral tissues via the blood stream, possibly contributing to metabolic diseases by increasing chronic pro-inflammatory signals at both tissue and systemic levels. This response is, along with other yet unknown mechanisms, mediated by toll like receptor (TLR) transduction and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn can further increase intestinal permeability leading to a detrimental positive feedback loop. The modulation of gut barrier function through nutritional and other interventions, including manipulation of gut microbiota, may represent a potential prevention and treatment target for metabolic diseases.
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
- Spinelli, Rosa, et al.
(author)
-
Increased cell senescence in human metabolic disorders
- 2023
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In: Journal of Clinical Investigation. - 0021-9738. ; 133:12
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cell senescence (CS) is at the nexus between aging and associated chronic disorders, and aging increases the burden of CS in all major metabolic tissues. However, CS is also increased in adult obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease independent of aging. Senescent tissues are characterized by dysfunctional cells and increased inflammation, and both progenitor cells and mature, fully differentiated and nonproliferating cells are afflicted. Recent studies have shown that hyperinsulinemia and associated insulin resistance (IR) promote CS in both human adipose and liver cells. Similarly, increased CS promotes cellular IR, showing their interdependence. Furthermore, the increased adipose CS in T2D is independent of age, BMI, and degree of hyperinsulinemia, suggesting premature aging. These results suggest that senomorphic/senolytic therapy may become important for treating these common metabolic disorders.
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| 48. |
- Wagner, IV, et al.
(author)
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De Novo and Depot-Specific Androgen Production in Human Adipose Tissue: A Source of Hyperandrogenism in Women with Obesity
- 2022
-
In: Obesity facts. - : S. Karger AG. - 1662-4033 .- 1662-4025. ; 15:2, s. 281-291
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Obesity in women is often associated with hyperandrogenism, but the role of adipose tissue (AT) in androgen synthesis remains unclear. Therefore, we studied whether AT could be a source of androgens promoting hyperandrogenism. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Subcutaneous and visceral (visc) AT was collected from lean and obese women. Androgen levels were evaluated in serum, AT, and cell-culture supernatant. Gene and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes were determined. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Obese subjects had elevated serum androgen levels, which reduced after weight loss. Androgens were measurable in AT and in cell-culture supernatants of adipocytes. Steroids were higher in AT from obese women, with the highest difference for testosterone in visc AT (+7.9-fold, <i>p</i> = 0.032). Steroidogenic enzymes were expressed in human AT with depot-specific differences. Obese women showed a significantly higher expression of genes of the backdoor pathway and of <i>CYP19</i> in visc AT. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The whole steroidogenic machinery of the classical and backdoor pathways of steroidogenesis, and the capacity for androgen biosynthesis, were found in both AT depots and cultured adipocytes. Therefore, we hypothesize that AT is a de novo site of androgen production and the backdoor pathway of steroidogenesis might be a new pathomechanism for hyperandrogenism in women with obesity.
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| 49. |
- Xia, Ying, et al.
(author)
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Knockout of STE20-type kinase TAOK3 does not attenuate diet-induced NAFLD development in mice
- 2023
-
In: Molecular Medicine. - 1076-1551. ; 29:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectiveNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the primary hepatic consequence of obesity, is affecting about 25% of the global adult population. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo role of STE20-type protein kinase TAOK3, which has been previously reported to regulate hepatocellular lipotoxicity in vitro, in the development of NAFLD and systemic insulin resistance in the context of obesity.MethodsTaok3 knockout mice and wild-type littermates were challenged with a high-fat diet. Various in vivo tests were performed to characterize the whole-body metabolism. NAFLD progression in the liver, and lipotoxic damage in adipose tissue, kidney, and skeletal muscle were compared between the genotypes by histological assessment, immunofluorescence microscopy, protein and gene expression profiling, and biochemical assays. Intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative/ER stress were analyzed in cultured human and mouse hepatocytes where TAOK3 was knocked down by small interfering RNA. The expression of TAOK3-related STE20-type kinases was quantified in different organs from high-fat diet-fed Taok3-/- and wild-type mice.ResultsTAOK3 deficiency had no impact on body weight or composition, food consumption, locomotor activity, or systemic glucose or insulin homeostasis in obese mice. Consistently, Taok3-/- mice and wild-type littermates developed a similar degree of high-fat diet-induced liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, and we detected no difference in lipotoxic damage of adipose tissue, kidney, or skeletal muscle when comparing the two genotypes. In contrast, the silencing of TAOK3 in vitro markedly suppressed ectopic lipid accumulation and metabolic stress in mouse and human hepatocytes. Interestingly, the hepatic mRNA abundance of several TAOK3-related kinases, which have been previously implicated to increase the risk of NAFLD susceptibility, was significantly elevated in Taok3-/-vs. wild-type mice.ConclusionsIn contrast to the in vitro observations, genetic deficiency of TAOK3 in mice failed to mitigate the detrimental metabolic consequences of chronic exposure to dietary lipids, which may be partly attributable to the activation of liver-specific compensation response for the genetic loss of TAOK3 by related STE20-type kinases.
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| 50. |
- Xia, Ying, et al.
(author)
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Silencing of STE20-type kinase TAOK1 confers protection against hepatocellular lipotoxicity through metabolic rewiring
- 2023
-
In: Hepatology communications.. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 2471-254X. ; 7:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: NAFLD has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide afflicting about one quarter of the adult population. NASH is a severe subtype of NAFLD, which in addition to hepatic steatosis connotes liver inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning. In light of the exponentially increasing prevalence of NAFLD, it is imperative to gain a better understanding of its molecular pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the potential role of STE20-type kinase TAOK1 -a hepatocellular lipid droplet-associated protein-in the regulation of liver lipotoxicity and NAFLD etiology. Methods: The correlation between TAOK1 mRNA expression in liver biopsies and the severity of NAFLD was evaluated in a cohort of 62 participants. Immunofluorescence microscopy was applied to describe the subcellular localization of TAOK1 in human and mouse hepatocytes. Metabolic reprogramming and oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress were investigated in immortalized human hepatocytes, where TAOK1 was overexpressed or silenced by small interfering RNA, using functional assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, and colorimetric analysis. Migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were examined in TAOK1-deficient human hepatoma-derived cells. Alterations in hepatocellular metabolic and pro-oncogenic signaling pathways were assessed by immunoblotting. Results: We observed a positive correlation between the TAOK1 mRNA abundance in human liver biopsies and key hallmarks of NAFLD (i.e., hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning). Furthermore, we found that TAOK1 protein fully colocalized with intracellular lipid droplets in human and mouse hepatocytes. The silencing of TAOK1 alleviated lipotoxicity in cultured human hepatocytes by accelerating lipid catabolism (mitochondrial beta-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion), suppressing lipid anabolism (fatty acid influx and lipogenesis), and mitigating oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the opposite changes were detected in TAOK1-overexpressing cells. We also found decreased proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacity, as well as lower epithelial-mesenchymal transition in TAOK1-deficient human hepatoma-derived cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that TAOK1 knockdown inhibited ERK and JNK activation and repressed acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) protein abundance in human hepatocytes. Conclusions: Together, we provide the first experimental evidence supporting the role of hepatic lipid droplet-decorating kinase TAOK1 in NAFLD development through mediating fatty acid partitioning between anabolic and catabolic pathways, regulating oxidative/endoplasmic reticulum stress, and modulating metabolic and pro-oncogenic signaling.
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