| 1. |
- Axelsson, Annika S., et al.
(author)
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Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes
- 2017
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In: Science Translational Medicine. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 1946-6234 .- 1946-6242. ; 9:394
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A potentially useful approach for drug discovery is to connect gene expression profiles of disease-affected tissues ("disease signatures") to drug signatures, but it remains to be shown whether it can be used to identify clinically relevant treatment options. We analyzed coexpression networks and genetic data to identify a disease signature for type 2 diabetes in liver tissue. By interrogating a library of 3800 drug signatures, we identified sulforaphane as a compound that may reverse the disease signature. Sulforaphane suppressed glucose production from hepatic cells by nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and decreased expression of key enzymes in gluconeogenesis. Moreover, sulforaphane reversed the disease signature in the livers from diabetic animals and attenuated exaggerated glucose production and glucose intolerance by a magnitude similar to that of metformin. Finally, sulforaphane, provided as concentrated broccoli sprout extract, reduced fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in obese patients with dysregulated type 2 diabetes.
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| 2. |
- Tubbs, Emily, et al.
(author)
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Metabolic signaling functions of ER–mitochondria contact sites : Role in metabolic diseases
- 2017
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In: Journal of Molecular Endocrinology. - 0952-5041. ; 58:2, s. 87-106
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Beyond the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and the determination of cell fate, ER– mitochondria contact sites, defined as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM), start to emerge as an important signaling hub that integrates nutrient and hormonal stimuli and adapts cellular metabolism. Here, we summarize the established structural and functional features of MAM and mainly focus on the latest breakthroughs highlighting a crucial role of organelle crosstalk in the control of metabolic homeostasis. Lastly, we discuss recent studies that have revealed the importance of MAM in not only metabolic diseases but also in other pathologies with disrupted metabolism, shedding light on potential common molecular mechanisms and leading hopefully to novel treatment strategies.
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| 3. |
- Tubbs, Emily, et al.
(author)
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Study of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria interactions by in situ proximity ligation assay in fixed cells
- 2016
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In: Journal of Visualized Experiments. - : MyJove Corporation. - 1940-087X. ; :118
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Structural interactions between the endoplasmic reticular (ER) and mitochondrial membranes, in domains known as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM), are crucial hubs for cellular signaling and cell fate. Particularly, these inter-organelle contact sites allow the transfer of calcium from the ER to mitochondria through the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC)/glucose-regulated protein 75 (GRP75)/inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R) calcium channeling complex. While this subcellular compartment is under intense investigation in both physiological and pathological conditions, no simple and sensitive method exists to quantify the endogenous amount of ER-mitochondria contact in cells. Similarly, MAMs are highly dynamic structures, and there is no suitable approach to follow modifications of ER-mitochondria interactions without protein overexpression. Here, we report an optimized protocol based on the use of an in situ proximity ligation assay to visualize and quantify endogenous ER-mitochondria interactions in fixed cells by using the close proximity between proteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane (VDAC1) and of the ER membrane (IP3R1) at the MAM interface. Similar in situ proximity ligation experiments can also be performed with the GRP75/IP3R1 and cyclophilin D/IP3R1 pairs of antibodies. This assay provides several advantages over other imaging procedures, as it is highly specific, sensitive, and suitable to multiple-condition testing. Therefore, the use of this in situ proximity ligation assay should be helpful to better understand the physiological regulations of ER-mitochondria interactions, as well as their role in pathological contexts.
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| 4. |
- Tubbs, Emily, et al.
(author)
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Sulforaphane improves disrupted ER-mitochondria interactions and suppresses exaggerated hepatic glucose production
- 2018
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In: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0303-7207. ; 461:C, s. 205-214
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Exaggerated hepatic glucose production is one of the hallmarks of type 2 diabetes. Sulforaphane (SFN) has been suggested as a new potential anti-diabetic compound. However, the effects of SFN in hepatocytes are yet unclear. Accumulating evidence points to the close structural contacts between the ER and mitochondria, known as mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), as important hubs for hepatic metabolism. We wanted to investigate whether SFN could affect hepatic glucose production and MAMs. Materials and methods: We used proximity ligation assays, analysis of ER stress markers and glucose production assays in hepatoma cell lines, primary mouse hepatocytes and diabetic animal models. Results: SFN counteracted the increase of glucose production in palmitate-treated mouse hepatocytes. SFN also counteracted palmitate-induced MAM disruptions. Moreover, SFN decreased the ER stress markers CHOP and Grp78. In ob/ob mice, SFN improved glucose tolerance and reduced exaggerated glucose production. In livers of these mice, SFN increased MAM protein content, restored impaired VDAC1-IP3R1 interactions and reduced ER stress markers. In mice on HFHSD, SFN improved glucose tolerance, MAM protein content and ER-mitochondria interactions to a similar extent to that of metformin. Conclusions: The present findings show that MAMs are severely reduced in animal models of glucose intolerance, which reinforces the role of MAMs as a hub for insulin signaling in the liver. We also show that SFN restores MAMs and improves glucose tolerance by a similar magnitude to that of metformin. These data highlight SFN as a new potential anti-diabetic compound. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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