{"title":"Nitric Oxide Exerts Basal and Insulin-Dependent Anorexigenic Actions in POMC Hypothalamic Neurons.","authors":"Leigh Wellhauser, J. Chalmers, D. Belsham","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1275","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1275","url":null,"abstract":"The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus represents a key center for the control of appetite and feeding through the regulation of 2 key neuronal populations, notably agouti-related peptide/neuropeptide Y and proopimelanocortin (POMC)/cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript neurons. Altered regulation of these neuronal networks, in particular the dysfunction of POMC neurons upon high-fat consumption, is a major pathogenic mechanism involved in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Efforts are underway to preserve the integrity or enhance the functionality of POMC neurons in order to prevent or treat these metabolic diseases. Here, we report for the first time that the nitric oxide (NO(-)) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) mediates anorexigenic actions in both hypothalamic tissue and hypothalamic-derived cell models by mediating the up-regulation of POMC levels. SNP increased POMC mRNA in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced α-melanocortin-secreting hormone production and secretion in mHypoA-POMC/GFP-2 cells. SNP also enhanced insulin-driven POMC expression likely by inhibiting the deacetylase activity of sirtuin 1. Furthermore, SNP enhanced insulin-dependent POMC expression, likely by reducing the transcriptional repression of Foxo1 on the POMC gene. Prolonged SNP exposure prevented the development of insulin resistance. Taken together, the NO(-) donor SNP enhances the anorexigenic potential of POMC neurons by promoting its transcriptional expression independent and in cooperation with insulin. Thus, increasing cellular NO(-) levels represents a hormone-independent method of promoting anorexigenic output from the existing POMC neuronal populations and may be advantageous in the fight against these prevalent disorders.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 4 1","pages":"402-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1275","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Minireview: Mouse Models of Rho GTPase Function in Mammary Gland Development, Tumorigenesis, and Metastasis.","authors":"Y. Zuo, Wonkyung Oh, A. Ulu, J. Frost","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1294","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1294","url":null,"abstract":"Ras homolog (Rho) family small GTPases are critical regulators of actin cytoskeletal organization, cell motility, proliferation, and survival. Surprisingly, the large majority of the studies underlying our knowledge of Rho protein function have been carried out in cultured cells, and it is only recently that researchers have begun to assess Rho GTPase regulation and function in vivo. The purpose of this review is to evaluate our current knowledge of Rho GTPase function in mouse mammary gland development, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Although our knowledge is still incomplete, these studies are already uncovering important themes as to the physiological roles of Rho GTPase signaling in normal mammary gland development and function. Essential contributions of Rho proteins to breast cancer initiation, tumor progression, and metastatic dissemination have also been identified.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"314 1","pages":"278-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1294","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Gurlo, Jacqueline F. Rivera, A. Butler, M. Cory, Jonathan D. Hoang, S. Costes, P. Butler
{"title":"CHOP Contributes to, But Is Not the Only Mediator of, IAPP Induced β-Cell Apoptosis.","authors":"T. Gurlo, Jacqueline F. Rivera, A. Butler, M. Cory, Jonathan D. Hoang, S. Costes, P. Butler","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1255","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1255","url":null,"abstract":"The islet in type 2 diabetes is characterized by β-cell loss, increased β-cell apoptosis, and islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). When protein misfolding protective mechanisms are overcome, human IAPP (h-IAPP) forms membrane permeant toxic oligomers that induce β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. In humans with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mice transgenic for h-IAPP, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been inferred from nuclear translocation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), an established mediator of ER stress. To establish whether h-IAPP toxicity is mediated by ER stress, we evaluated diabetes onset and β-cell mass in h-IAPP transgenic (h-TG) mice with and without deletion of CHOP in comparison with wild-type controls. Diabetes was delayed in h-TG CHOP(-/-) mice, with relatively preserved β-cell mass and decreased β-cell apoptosis. Deletion of CHOP attenuates dysfunction of the autophagy/lysosomal pathway in β-cells of h-TG mice, uncovering a role for CHOP in mediating h-IAPP-induced dysfunction of autophagy. As deletion of CHOP delayed but did not prevent h-IAPP-induced β-cell loss and diabetes, we examined CHOP-independent stress pathways. JNK, a target of the IRE-1pTRAF2 complex, and the Bcl-2 family proapoptotic mediator BIM, a target of ATF4, were comparably activated by h-IAPP expression in the presence and absence of CHOP. Therefore, although these studies affirm that CHOP is a mediator of h-IAPP-induced ER stress, it is not the only one. Therefore, suppression of CHOP alone is unlikely to be a durable therapeutic strategy to protect against h-IAPP toxicity because multiple stress pathways are activated.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 4 1","pages":"446-54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1255","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Grotegut, L. Mao, Stephanie L Pierce, G. Swamy, R. Heine, A. Murtha
{"title":"Enhanced Uterine Contractility and Stillbirth in Mice Lacking G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 6 (GRK6): Implications for Oxytocin Receptor Desensitization.","authors":"C. Grotegut, L. Mao, Stephanie L Pierce, G. Swamy, R. Heine, A. Murtha","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1147","url":null,"abstract":"Oxytocin is a potent uterotonic agent and is used clinically for induction and augmentation of labor, as well as for prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Oxytocin increases uterine contractility by activating the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, which is prone to molecular desensitization. After oxytocin binding, the OXTR is phosphorylated by a member of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) family, which allows for recruitment of β-arrestin, receptor internalization, and desensitization. According to previous in vitro analyses, desensitization of calcium signaling by the OXTR is mediated by GRK6. The objective of this study was to determine the role of GRK6 in mediating uterine contractility. Here, we demonstrate that uterine GRK6 levels increase in pregnancy and using a telemetry device to measure changes in uterine contractility in live mice during labor, show that mice lacking GRK6 produce a phenotype of enhanced uterine contractility during both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labor compared with wild-type or GRK5 knockout mice. In addition, the observed enhanced contractility was associated with high rates of term stillbirth. Lastly, using a heterologous in vitro model, we show that β-arrestin recruitment to the OXTR, which is necessary for homologous OXTR desensitization, is dependent on GRK6. Our findings suggest that GRK6-mediated OXTR desensitization in labor is necessary for normal uterine contractile patterns and optimal fetal outcome.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 4 1","pages":"455-68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1147","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66015948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Liao, Sophie A. McManus, W. E. Hughes, C. Schmitz‐Peiffer
{"title":"Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3 Reduces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Lipid-Treated Hepatocytes.","authors":"B. Liao, Sophie A. McManus, W. E. Hughes, C. Schmitz‐Peiffer","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1217","url":null,"abstract":"Isoforms of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) are involved in xenobiotic metabolism but have also been implicated in the regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis and in the development of atherosclerosis. However, we have recently shown that improved insulin action is associated with increased FMO expression in livers of protein kinase C-deficient mice. Here, we investigated whether FMO3 expression affected insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in hepatocytes. HepG2 and IHH hepatocytes were transfected with FMO3 cDNA for overexpression, or small interfering RNA for knockdown. Cells were treated with palmitate to induce insulin resistance and insulin signaling, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene expression and ER stress markers were examined by immunoblotting and RT-PCR. Glycogen synthesis was measured using [(14)C]glucose. Palmitate treatment reduced insulin signaling at the level of Akt phosphorylation and glycogen synthesis, which were little affected by FMO3 overexpression. However, the fatty acid also increased the levels of several ER stress markers and activation of caspase 3, which were counteracted by FMO3 overexpression and exacerbated by FMO3 knockdown. Although FMO3 expression did not reverse lipid effects on protein thiol redox in hepatocytes, it did prevent up-regulation of the gluconeogenic enzyme PEPCK by pharmacological ER stress inducers or by palmitate. ER stress and PEPCK levels were also reduced in livers of fat-fed protein kinase Cδ-deficient mice. Our data indicate that FMO3 can contribute to the regulation of glucose metabolism in the liver by reducing lipid-induced ER stress and the expression of PEPCK, independently of insulin signal transduction.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 4 1","pages":"417-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1217","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ming-Fen Ho, T. Bongartz, Mohan Liu, Krishna R. Kalari, P. Goss, L. Shepherd, M. Goetz, M. Kubo, J. Ingle, Liewei Wang, R. Weinshilboum
{"title":"Estrogen, SNP-Dependent Chemokine Expression and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator Regulation.","authors":"Ming-Fen Ho, T. Bongartz, Mohan Liu, Krishna R. Kalari, P. Goss, L. Shepherd, M. Goetz, M. Kubo, J. Ingle, Liewei Wang, R. Weinshilboum","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1267","url":null,"abstract":"We previously reported, on the basis of a genome-wide association study for aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms, that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1A (TCL1A) gene were associated with aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal pain and with estradiol (E2)-induced TCL1A expression. Furthermore, variation in TCL1A expression influenced the downstream expression of proinflammatory cytokines and cytokine receptors. Specifically, the top hit genome-wide association study SNP, rs11849538, created a functional estrogen response element (ERE) that displayed estrogen receptor (ER) binding and increased E2 induction of TCL1A expression only for the variant SNP genotype. In the present study, we pursued mechanisms underlying the E2-SNP-dependent regulation of TCL1A expression and, in parallel, our subsequent observations that SNPs at a distance from EREs can regulate ERα binding and that ER antagonists can reverse phenotypes associated with those SNPs. Specifically, we performed a series of functional genomic studies using a large panel of lymphoblastoid cell lines with dense genomic data that demonstrated that TCL1A SNPs at a distance from EREs can modulate ERα binding and expression of TCL1A as well as the expression of downstream immune mediators. Furthermore, 4-hydroxytamoxifen or fulvestrant could reverse these SNP-genotype effects. Similar results were found for SNPs in the IL17A cytokine and CCR6 chemokine receptor genes. These observations greatly expand our previous results and support the existence of a novel molecular mechanism that contributes to the complex interplay between estrogens and immune systems. They also raise the possibility of the pharmacological manipulation of the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in a SNP genotype-dependent fashion.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 3 1","pages":"382-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1267","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tobias Nespital, Lieke M. van der Velden, A. Mensinga, Elisabeth D van der Vaart, G. Strous
{"title":"Fos-Zippered GH Receptor Cytosolic Tails Act as Jak2 Substrates and Signal Transducers.","authors":"Tobias Nespital, Lieke M. van der Velden, A. Mensinga, Elisabeth D van der Vaart, G. Strous","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1315","url":null,"abstract":"Members of the Janus kinase (Jak) family initiate the majority of downstream signaling events of the cytokine receptor family. The prevailing principle is that the receptors act in dimers: 2 Jak2 molecules bind to the cytosolic tails of a cytokine receptor family member and initiate Jak-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling upon a conformational change in the receptor complex, induced by the cognate cytokine. Due to the complexity of signaling complexes, there is a strong need for in vitro model systems. To investigate the molecular details of the Jak2 interaction with the GH receptor (GHR), we used cytosolic tails provided with leucine zippers derived from c-Fos to mimic the dimerized state of GHR. Expressed together with Jak2, fos-zippered tails, but not unzippered tails, were stabilized. In addition, the Jak-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway was activated by the fos-zippered tails. The stabilization depended also on α-helix rotation of the zippers. Fos-zippered GHR tails and Jak2, both purified from baculovirus-infected insect cells, interacted via box1 with a binding affinity of approximately 40nM. As expected, the Jak kinase inhibitor Ruxolitinib inhibited the stabilization but did not affect the c-Fos-zippered GHR tail-Jak2 interaction. Analysis by blue-native gel electrophoresis revealed high molecular-weight complexes containing both Jak2 and nonphosphorylated GHR tails, whereas Jak2-dissociated tails were highly phosphorylated and monomeric, implying that Jak2 detaches from its substrate upon phosphorylation.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 3 1","pages":"290-301"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1315","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manya Dhar-Mascareño, S. Ramirez, I. Rozenberg, Y. Rouillé, J. Kral, Eduardo Mascareno
{"title":"Hexim1, a Novel Regulator of Leptin Function, Modulates Obesity and Glucose Disposal.","authors":"Manya Dhar-Mascareño, S. Ramirez, I. Rozenberg, Y. Rouillé, J. Kral, Eduardo Mascareno","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1211","url":null,"abstract":"Leptin triggers signaling events with significant transcriptional responses that are essential to metabolic processes affecting obesity and glucose disposal. We asked whether hexamethylene bis-acetamide inducible-1 (Hexim1), an inhibitor of RNA II polymerase-dependent transcription elongation, regulates leptin-Janus kinase 2 signaling axis in the hypothalamus. We subjected C57BL6 Hexim1 heterozygous (HT) mice to high-fat diet and when compared with wild type, HT mice were resistant to high-fat diet-induced weight gain and remain insulin sensitive. HT mice exhibited increased leptin-pY(705)Stat3 signaling in the hypothalamus, with normal adipocyte size, increased type I oxidative muscle fiber density, and enhanced glucose transporter 4 expression. We also observed that normal Hexim1 protein level is required to facilitate the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) required for adipogenesis and inducible suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS) expression. Further support on the role of Hexim1 regulating C/EBPs during adipocyte differentiation was shown when HT 3T3L1 fibroblasts failed to undergo adipogenesis. Hexim1 selectively modulates leptin-mediated signal transduction pathways in the hypothalamus, the expression of C/EBPs and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR γ) in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during the adaptation to metabolic stress. We postulate that Hexim1 might be a novel factor involved in maintaining whole-body energy balance.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 3 1","pages":"314-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1211","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Jafferjee, Thairy Reyes Valero, Christine Marrero, K. McCrink, Ava R. Brill, A. Lymperopoulos
{"title":"GRK2 Up-Regulation Creates a Positive Feedback Loop for Catecholamine Production in Chromaffin Cells.","authors":"M. Jafferjee, Thairy Reyes Valero, Christine Marrero, K. McCrink, Ava R. Brill, A. Lymperopoulos","doi":"10.1210/me.2015-1305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2015-1305","url":null,"abstract":"Elevated sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity aggravates several diseases, including heart failure. The molecular cause(s) underlying this SNS hyperactivity are not known. We have previously uncovered a neurohormonal mechanism, operating in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells, by which circulating catecholamine (CA) levels increase in heart failure: severe dysfunction of the adrenal α2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) due to the up-regulation of G protein-coupled receptor-kinase (GRK)-2, the kinase that desensitizes them. Herein we looked at the potential signaling mechanisms that bring about this GRK2 elevation in chromaffin cells. We found that chronic CA treatment of either PC12 or rat primary chromaffin cells can in itself result in GRK2 transcriptional up-regulation through α2ARs-Gi/o proteins-Src-ERK1/2. The resultant GRK2 increase severely enhances the α2AR desensitization/down-regulation elevating not only CA release but also CA biosynthesis, as evidenced by tyrosine hydroxylase up-regulation. Finally, GRK2 knockdown leads to enhanced apoptosis of PC12 cells, indicating an essential role for GRK2 in chromaffin cell homeostasis/survival. In conclusion, chromaffin cell GRK2 mediates a positive feedback loop that feeds into CA secretion, thereby enabling the adrenomedullary component of the SNS to turn itself on.","PeriodicalId":18812,"journal":{"name":"Molecular endocrinology","volume":"30 3 1","pages":"372-81"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1210/me.2015-1305","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66016563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}