Biomedical subjects

Philipp E Scherer

Publications and source records attributed to Philipp E Scherer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Lipid metabolism and adipokine levels in fatty acid-binding protein null and transgenic mice.

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) facilitate the diffusion of fatty acids within cellular cytoplasm. Compared with C57Bl/6J mice maintained on a high-fat diet, adipose-FABP (A-FABP) null mice exhibit increased fat mass, decreased lipolysis, increased muscle glucose oxidation, and attenuated insulin resistance, whereas overexpression of epithelial-FABP (E-FABP) in adipose tissue results in decreased fat mass, increased lipolysis, and potentiated insulin resistance. To identify the mechanisms that underlie these processes, real-time PCR analyses indicate that the expression of hormone-sensitive lipase is reduced, while perilipin A is increased in A-FABP/aP2 null mice relative to E-FABP overexpressing mice. In contrast, de novo lipogenesis and expression of genes encoding lipoprotein lipase, CD36, long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 5, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase are increased in A-FABP/aP2 null mice relative to E-FABP transgenic animals. Consistent with an increase in de novo lipogenesis, there was an increase in adipose C16:0 and C16:1 acyl-CoA pools. There were no changes in serum free fatty acids between genotypes. Serum levels of resistin were decreased in the E-FABP transgenic mice, whereas serum and tissue adiponectin were increased in A-FABP/aP2 null mice and decreased in E-FABP transgenic animals; leptin expression was unaffected. These results suggest that the balance between lipolysis and lipogenesis in adipocytes is remodeled in the FABP null and transgenic mice and is accompanied by the reprogramming of adipokine expression in fat cells and overall changes in plasma adipokines.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2005

Keynote review: the adipocyte as a drug discovery target.

The adipocyte has pleiotropic functions beyond the storage of energy in times of nutrient abundance. Considerable efforts in adipocyte biology within the past ten years have emphasized the important role of adipose tissue in processes as diverse as energy metabolism, inflammation and cancer. Adipocytes are able to communicate with the brain and peripheral tissues implementing metabolic signals such as satiety, food intake and energy expenditure. Despite its huge pharmacological potential, only a small number of clinical applications interfere directly with adipocyte physiology. Here, we want to highlight various areas of adipocyte physiology that have not yet been explored pharmacologically and emphasize some of the limitations associated with these pharmacotherapies.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2005

Apoptosis through targeted activation of caspase 8 ("ATTAC-mice"): novel mouse models of inducible and reversible tissue ablation.

Recent studies identifying obesity as a significant and increasingly more common cause of morbidity and mortality have intensified research efforts aimed at increasing our understanding of adipose tissue biology. These efforts have culminated in the discovery of several adipokines, or adipose tissue-derived hormones, that have been implicated in the regulation of multiple physiological functions, as well as the realization that adipose tissue dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as obesity and diabetes. To better understand the role of adipose tissue in these physiological/pathological events, several studies have employed transgenic strategies to eliminate adipose tissue. However, these mouse models of congenital lipoatrophy/lipodystrophy exhibit severe metabolic and somatic cell dysfunction. To circumvent this limitation, we have designed and characterized the first inducible fatless mouse. The FAT-ATTAC mouse is a transgenic model whereby expression of a myristoylated caspase 8-FKBP fusion protein enables selective ablation of adipocytes via induction of apoptosis that occurs upon treatment with a chemical dimerizer. The FAT-ATTAC mouse model not only has the advantage that adipocyte ablation be induced at any time during development, but it is also fully reversible, as adipose tissue regenerates after cessation of dimerizer treatment. The inducibility of this fatless mouse model holds potential for revealing novel physiological roles for adipose tissue as well as its contribution to the etiology and pathogenesis of various disease states. Here we describe several ongoing areas of research employing the FAT-ATTAC mouse; in addition we describe potential uses of the targeted transgenic apoptotic approach to study other cell types of interest.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

VGF ablation blocks the development of hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in several mouse models of obesity.

Targeted deletion of the gene encoding the neuronal and endocrine secreted peptide precursor called VGF (nonacronymic) produces a lean, hypermetabolic, hyperactive mouse. Because VGF mutant mice are resistant to specific forms of diet-, lesion-, and genetically induced obesity, we investigated the role that this polypeptide plays in glucose homeostasis. We report that VGF mutant mice have increased insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp analysis, and by insulin and glucose tolerance testing. Blunted counterregulatory responses in VGF-deficient mice were likely influenced by their significantly lower liver glycogen levels. VGF deficiency lowered circulating glucose and insulin levels in several murine models of obesity that are also susceptible to adult onset diabetes mellitus, including A(y)/a agouti, ob/ob, and MC4R(-)/MC4R(-) mice. Interestingly, ablation of Vgf in ob/ob mice decreased circulating glucose and insulin levels but did not affect adiposity, whereas MC4R(-)/MC4R(-) mice that are additionally deficient in VGF have improved insulin responsiveness at 7-8 wk of age, when lean MC4R(-)/MC4R(-) mice already have impaired insulin tolerance but are not yet obese. VGF mutant mice also resisted developing obesity and hyperglycemia in response to a high-fat/high-carbohydrate diet, and after gold thioglucose treatment, which is toxic to hypothalamic glucose-sensitive neurons. Lastly, circulating adiponectin, an adipose-synthesized protein the levels of which are correlated with improved insulin sensitivity, increased in VGF mutant compared with wild-type mice. Modulation of VGF levels and/or VGF signaling may consequently represent an alternative means to regulate circulating glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Mouse and human resistins impair glucose transport in primary mouse cardiomyocytes, and oligomerization is required for this biological action.

The adipocytokine resistin impairs glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in rodents. Here, we examined the effect of resistin on glucose uptake in isolated adult mouse cardiomyocytes. Murine resistin reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, establishing the heart as a resistin target tissue. Notably, human resistin also impaired insulin action in mouse cardiomyocytes, providing the first evidence that human and mouse resistin homologs have similar functions. Resistin is a cysteine-rich molecule that circulates as a multimer of a dimeric form dependent upon a single intermolecular disulfide bond, which, in the mouse, involves Cys26; mutation of this residue to alanine (C26A) produces a monomeric molecule that appears to be bioactive in the liver. Remarkably, unlike native resistin, monomeric C26A resistin had no effect on basal or insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse cardiomyocytes. Resistin impairs glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes by mechanisms that involve altered vesicle trafficking. Thus, in cardiomyocytes, both mouse and human resistins directly impair glucose transport; and in contrast to effects on the liver, these actions of resistin require oligomerization.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Fat apoptosis through targeted activation of caspase 8: a new mouse model of inducible and reversible lipoatrophy.

We describe the generation and characterization of the first inducible 'fatless' model system, the FAT-ATTAC mouse (fat apoptosis through targeted activation of caspase 8). This transgenic mouse develops identically to wild-type littermates. Apoptosis of adipocytes can be induced at any developmental stage by administration of a FK1012 analog leading to the dimerization of a membrane-bound, adipocyte-specific caspase 8-FKBP fusion protein. Within 2 weeks of dimerizer administration, FAT-ATTAC mice show near-knockout levels of circulating adipokines and markedly reduced levels of adipose tissue. FAT-ATTAC mice are glucose intolerant, have diminished basal and endotoxin-stimulated systemic inflammation, are less responsive to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and show increased food intake independent of the effects of leptin. Most importantly, we show that functional adipocytes can be recovered upon cessation of treatment, allowing the study of adipogenesis in vivo, as well as a detailed examination of the importance of the adipocyte in the regulation of multiple physiological functions and pathological states.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2005

Adipose tissue, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease.

Mounting evidence highlights the role of adipose tissue in the development of a systemic inflammatory state that contributes to obesity-associated vasculopathy and cardiovascular risk. Circulating mediators of inflammation participate in the mechanisms of vascular insult and atheromatous change, and many of these inflammatory proteins are secreted directly from adipocytes and adipose tissue-derived macrophages. Several factors linking obesity with an increased cardiovascular risk have been identified. The adipocyte-specific secretory protein adiponectin is a particularly promising candidate in this context. Its levels are decreased in obesity. Adiponectin may mediate some of its demonstrated cardioprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to decreased expression of beneficial adipokines, secretion of a host of inflammatory factors from visceral adipose tissue may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with obesity. The cardioprotective effects of many of the most popular drug regimens corroborate these conclusions, demonstrating that along with improvements in other therapeutic end points, they mediate improvements in systemic inflammation. In some cases, these improvements are attributable to direct suppression of inflammatory signaling in adipocytes. The targeted suppression of various proinflammatory cascades in adipocytes specifically represents an exciting new therapeutic opportunity for the cardiovascular disease area.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

The adipocyte as an important target cell for Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Adipose tissue plays an active role in normal metabolic homeostasis as well as in the development of human disease. Beyond its obvious role as a depot for triglycerides, adipose tissue controls energy expenditure through secretion of several factors. Little attention has been given to the role of adipocytes in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease and the associated metabolic alterations. Our previous studies have indicated that hyperglycemia significantly increases parasitemia and mortality in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. We determined the consequences of adipocyte infection in vitro and in vivo. Cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes can be infected with high efficiency. Electron micrographs of infected cells revealed a large number of intracellular parasites that cluster around lipid droplets. Furthermore, infected adipocytes exhibited changes in expression levels of a number of different adipocyte-specific or adipocyte-enriched proteins. The adipocyte is therefore an important target cell during acute Chagas disease. Infection of adipocytes by T. cruzi profoundly influences the pattern of adipokines. During chronic infection, adipocytes may represent an important long-term reservoir for parasites from which relapse of infection can occur. We have demonstrated that acute infection has a unique metabolic profile with a high degree of local inflammation in adipose tissue, hypoadiponectinemia, hypoglycemia, and hypoinsulinemia but with relatively normal glucose disposal during an oral glucose tolerance test.

3T3-L1 Cells↗

PubMed2005

Adipocyte-derived collagen VI affects early mammary tumor progression in vivo, demonstrating a critical interaction in the tumor/stroma microenvironment.

The interactions of transformed cells with the surrounding stromal cells are of importance for tumor progression and metastasis. The relevance of adipocyte-derived factors to breast cancer cell survival and growth is well established. However, it remains unknown which specific adipocyte-derived factors are most critical in this process. Collagen VI is abundantly expressed in adipocytes. Collagen(-/-) mice in the background of the mouse mammary tumor virus/polyoma virus middle T oncogene (MMTV-PyMT) mammary cancer model demonstrate dramatically reduced rates of early hyperplasia and primary tumor growth. Collagen VI promotes its growth-stimulatory and pro-survival effects in part by signaling through the NG2/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan receptor expressed on the surface of malignant ductal epithelial cells to sequentially activate Akt and beta-catenin and stabilize cyclin D1. Levels of the carboxyterminal domain of collagen VIalpha3, a proteolytic product of the full-length molecule, are dramatically upregulated in murine and human breast cancer lesions. The same fragment exerts potent growth-stimulatory effects on MCF-7 cells in vitro. Therefore, adipocytes play a vital role in defining the ECM environment for normal and tumor-derived ductal epithelial cells and contribute significantly to tumor growth at early stages through secretion and processing of collagen VI.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2005

Caveolin-3 knockout mice show increased adiposity and whole body insulin resistance, with ligand-induced insulin receptor instability in skeletal muscle.

Caveolin-3 (Cav-3) is expressed predominantly in skeletal muscle fibers, where it drives caveolae formation at the muscle cell's plasma membrane. In vitro studies have suggested that Cav-3 may play a positive role in insulin signaling and energy metabolism. We directly address the in vivo metabolic consequences of genetic ablation of Cav-3 in mice as it relates to insulin action, glucose metabolism, and lipid homeostasis. At age 2 mo, Cav-3 null mice are significantly larger than wild-type mice, and display significant postprandial hyperinsulinemia, whole body insulin resistance, and whole body glucose intolerance. Studies using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps revealed that Cav-3 null mice exhibited 20% and 40% decreases in insulin-stimulated whole body glucose uptake and whole body glycogen synthesis, respectively. Whole body insulin resistance was mostly attributed to 20% and 40% decreases in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glucose metabolic flux in the skeletal muscle of Cav-3 null mice. In addition, insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production was significantly reduced in Cav-3 null mice, indicating hepatic insulin resistance. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in white adipose tissue, which does not express Cav-3, was decreased by approximately 70% in Cav-3 null mice, suggestive of an insulin-resistant state for this tissue. During fasting, Cav-3 null mice possess normal insulin receptor protein levels in their skeletal muscle. However, after 15 min of acute insulin stimulation, Cav-3 null mice show dramatically reduced levels of the insulin receptor protein, compared with wild-type mice treated identically. These results suggest that Cav-3 normally functions to increase the stability of the insulin receptor at the plasma membrane, preventing its rapid degradation, i.e., by blocking or slowing ligand-induced receptor downregulation. Thus our results demonstrate the importance of Cav-3 in regulating whole body glucose homeostasis in vivo and its possible role in the development of insulin resistance. These findings may have clinical implications for the early diagnosis and treatment of caveolinopathies.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

ATR/TEM8 is highly expressed in epithelial cells lining Bacillus anthracis' three sites of entry: implications for the pathogenesis of anthrax infection.

Anthrax is a disease caused by infection with spores from the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. These spores enter the body, where they germinate into bacteria and secrete a tripartite toxin that causes local edema and, in systemic infections, death. Recent studies identified the cellular receptor for anthrax toxin (ATR), a type I membrane protein. ATR is one of the splice variants of the tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8) gene. ATR and TEM8 are identical throughout their extracellular and transmembrane sequence, and both proteins function as receptors for the toxin. ATR/TEM8 function and expression have been associated with development of the vascular system and with tumor angiogenesis. TEM8 is selectively upregulated in endothelial cells during blood vessel formation and tumorigenesis. However, selective expression of TEM8 in endothelial cells contradicts the presumably ubiquitous expression of the receptor. To resolve this controversial issue, we evaluated the distribution of ATR/TEM8 in a variety of tissues. For this purpose, we generated and characterized a novel anti-ATR/TEM8 polyclonal antibody. Here, we show that this novel antibody recognizes all three ATR/TEM8 isoforms, which are widely and differentially expressed in various tissue types. We found that ATR/TEM8 expression is not only associated with tumor endothelial cells, as previously described. Indeed, ATR/TEM8 is highly and selectively expressed in the epithelial cells lining those organs that constitute the anthrax toxin's sites of entry, i.e., the lung, the skin, and the intestine. In fact, we show that ATR/TEM8 is highly expressed in the respiratory epithelium of the bronchi of the lung and is particularly abundant in the ciliated epithelial cells coating the bronchi. Furthermore, immunostaining of skin biopsies revealed that ATR/TEM8 is highly expressed in the keratinocytes of the epidermis. Finally, we show that the epithelial cells lining the small intestine strongly express ATR/TEM8 isoforms. This is the first demonstration that the ATR/TEM8 protein is highly expressed in epithelial cells, which represent the primary location for bacterial invasion. These results suggest that the ATR/TEM8 expression pattern that we describe here is highly relevant for understanding the pathogenesis of anthrax infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Consuming fructose-sweetened beverages increases body adiposity in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The marked increase in the prevalence of obesity in the United States has recently been attributed to the increased fructose consumption. To determine if and how fructose might promote obesity in an animal model, we measured body composition, energy intake, energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and several endocrine parameters related to energy homeostasis in mice consuming fructose. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We compared the effects of ad libitum access to fructose (15% solution in water), sucrose (10%, popular soft drink), and artificial sweetener (0% calories, popular diet soft drink) on adipogenesis and energy metabolism in mice. RESULTS: Exposure to fructose water increased adiposity, whereas increased fat mass after consumption of soft drinks or diet soft drinks did not reach statistical significance (n = 9 each group). Total intake of energy was unaltered, because mice proportionally reduced their caloric intake from chow. There was a trend toward reduced energy expenditure and increased respiratory quotient, albeit not significant, in the fructose group. Furthermore, fructose produced a hepatic lipid accumulation with a characteristic pericentral pattern. DISCUSSION: These data are compatible with the conclusion that a high intake of fructose selectively enhances adipogenesis, possibly through a shift of substrate use to lipogenesis.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Caveolin-1 expression is essential for proper nonshivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue.

Recently, we have shown that loss of caveolin-1 leads to marked alterations in insulin signaling and lipolysis in white adipose tissue. However, little is known about the role of caveolin-1 in brown adipose tissue (BAT), a tissue responsible for nonshivering thermogenesis. Here, we show that caveolin-1 null mice have a mildly, yet significantly, decreased resting core body temperature. To investigate this in detail, we next subjected the mice to fasting (for 24 h) or cold treatment (4 degrees C for 24 h), individually or in combination. Interestingly, caveolin-1 null mice showed markedly decreased body temperatures in response to fasting or fasting/cold treatment; however, cold treatment alone had no effect. In addition, under these conditions caveolin-1 null mice failed to show the normal increase in serum nonesterified fatty acids induced by fasting or fasting/cold treatment, suggesting that these mice are unable to liberate triglyceride stores for heat production. In accordance with these results, the triglyceride content of BAT was reduced nearly 10-fold in wild-type mice after fasting/cold treatment, but it was reduced only 3-fold in caveolin-1 null mice. Finally, electron microscopy of adipose tissue revealed dramatic perturbations in the mitochondria of caveolin-1 null interscapular brown adipocytes. Taken together, our data provide the first molecular genetic evidence that caveolin-1 plays a critical functional and structural role in the modulation of thermogenesis via an effect on lipid mobilization.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

PubMed2005

Adenovirus-mediated adiponectin expression augments skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in male Wistar rats.

In this study, we investigated the chronic in vivo effect of adiponectin on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism by overexpressing the adiponectin protein in male Wistar rats using intravenous administration of an adenovirus (Adv-Adipo). Virally infected liver secreted adiponectin as high and low molecular weight complexes. After 7 days of physiological or supraphysiological hyperadiponectinemia, the animals displayed enhanced insulin sensitivity during the glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests. Glucose clamp studies performed at submaximal and maximal insulin infusion rates (4 and 25 mU x kg(-1) x min(-1), respectively) also demonstrated increased insulin sensitivity in Adv-Adipo animals, with the insulin-stimulated glucose disposal rate being increased by 20-67%. In contrast, insulin's effect on the suppression of hepatic glucose output and plasma free fatty acid levels was not enhanced in Adv-Adipo rats compared with controls, suggesting that high levels of adiponectin expression in the liver may lead to a local desensitization. Consistent with the clamp data, the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase was significantly enhanced in skeletal muscle (by 50%) but not in liver. One interesting finding was that in male Wistar rats, both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression levels were higher in skeletal muscle than in liver, as it is the case in humans. These results indicate that chronic adiponectin treatment enhances insulin sensitivity and could serve as a therapy for human insulin resistance.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2004

The hyperglycemia-induced inflammatory response in adipocytes: the role of reactive oxygen species.

Hyperglycemia is a major independent risk factor for diabetic macrovascular disease. The consequences of exposure of endothelial cells to hyperglycemia are well established. However, little is known about how adipocytes respond to both acute as well as chronic exposure to physiological levels of hyperglycemia. Here, we analyze adipocytes exposed to hyperglycemia both in vitro as well as in vivo. Comparing cells differentiated at 4 mm to cells differentiated at 25 mm glucose (the standard differentiation protocol) reveals severe insulin resistance in cells exposed to 25 mm glucose. A global assessment of transcriptional changes shows an up-regulation of a number of mitochondrial proteins. Exposure to hyperglycemia is associated with a significant induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), both in vitro as well as in vivo in adipocytes isolated from streptozotocin-treated hyperglycemic mice. Furthermore, hyperglycemia for a few hours in a clamped setting will trigger the induction of a pro-inflammatory response in adipose tissue from rats that can effectively be reduced by co-infusion of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). ROS levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes can be reduced significantly with pharmacological agents that lower the mitochondrial membrane potential, or by overexpression of uncoupling protein 1 or superoxide dismutase. In parallel with ROS, interleukin-6 secretion from adipocytes is significantly reduced. On the other hand, treatments that lead to a hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, such as overexpression of the mitochondrial dicarboxylate carrier result in increased ROS formation and decreased insulin sensitivity, even under normoglycemic conditions. Combined, these results highlight the importance ROS production in adipocytes and the associated insulin resistance and inflammatory response.

3T3-L1 Cells↗

PubMed2004

Fat-cell mass, serum leptin and adiponectin changes during weight gain and loss in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris).

Leptin and adiponectin are proteins produced and secreted from white adipose tissue and are important regulators of energy balance and insulin sensitivity. Seasonal changes in leptin and adiponectin have not been investigated in mammalian hibernators in relationship to changes in fat cell and fat mass. We sought to determine the relationship between serum leptin and adiponectin levels with seasonal changes in lipid mass. We collected serum and tissue samples from marmots (Marmota flaviventris) in different seasons while measuring changes in fat mass, including fat-cell size. We found that leptin is positively associated with increasing fat mass and fat-cell size, while adiponectin is negatively associated with increasing lipid mass. These findings are consistent with the putative roles of these adipokines: leptin increases with fat mass and is involved in enhancing lipid oxidation while adiponectin appears to be higher in summer when hepatic insulin sensitivity should be maintained since the animals are eating. Our data suggest that during autumn/winter animals have switched from a lipogenic condition to a lipolytic state, which may include leptin resistance.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2004

Caveolin-1 gene disruption promotes mammary tumorigenesis and dramatically enhances lung metastasis in vivo. Role of Cav-1 in cell invasiveness and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2/9) secretion.

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is the principal structural component of caveolae membrane domains in non-muscle cells, including mammary epithelia. There is now clear evidence that caveolin-1 influences the development of human cancers. For example, a dominant-negative mutation (P132L) in the Cav-1 gene has been detected in up to 16% of human breast cancer samples. However, the exact functional role of caveolin-1 remains controversial. Mechanistically, in cultured cell models, Cav-1 is known to function as a negative regulator of the Rasp42/44 MAP kinase cascade and as a transcriptional repressor of cyclin D1 gene expression, possibly explaining its in vitro transformation suppressor activity. Genetic validation of this hypothesis at the in vivo and whole organismal level has been prevented by the lack of a Cav-1 (-/-)-null mouse model. Here, we examined the role of caveolin-1 in mammary tumorigenesis and lung metastasis using a molecular genetic approach. We interbred a well characterized transgenic mouse model of breast cancer, MMTV-PyMT (mouse mammary tumor virus-polyoma middle T antigen), with Cav-1 (-/-)-null mice. Then, we followed the onset and progression of mammary tumors and lung metastases in female mice over a 14-week period. Interestingly, PyMT/Cav-1 (-/-) mice showed an accelerated onset of mammary tumors, with increased multiplicity and tumor burden ( approximately 2-fold). No significant differences were detected between PyMT/Cav-1 (+/+) and PyMT/Cav-1 (+/-) mice, indicating that complete loss of caveolin-1 is required to accelerate both tumorigenesis and metastasis. Molecularly, mammary tumor samples derived from PyMT/Cav-1 (-/-) mice showed ERK-1/2 hyperactivation, cyclin D1 up-regulation, and Rb hyperphosphorylation, consistent with dys-regulated cell proliferation. PyMT/Cav-1 (-/-) mice also developed markedly advanced metastatic lung disease. Conversely, recombinant expression of Cav-1 in a highly metastatic PyMT mammary carcinoma-derived cell line, namely Met-1 cells, suppressed lung metastasis by approximately 4.5-fold. In vitro, these Cav-1-expressing Met-1 cells (Met-1/Cav-1) demonstrated a approximately 4.8-fold reduction in invasion through Matrigel-coated membranes. Interestingly, delivery of a cell permeable peptide encoding the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (residues 82-101) into Met-1 cells was sufficient to inhibit invasion. Coincident with this decreased invasive index, Met-1/Cav-1 cells exhibited marked reductions in MMP-9 and MMP-2 secretion and associated gelatinolytic activity, as well as diminished ERK-1/2 signaling in response to growth factor stimulation. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that caveolin-1 is a potent suppressor of mammary tumor growth and metastasis using novel in vivo animal model approaches.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Transcriptional regulation of dentin matrix protein 1 by JunB and p300 during osteoblast differentiation.

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic noncollagenous protein localized specifically in the mineralized matrix of bone and dentin. Expression analyses demonstrate that DMP1 is differentially regulated in osteoblasts and odontoblasts. Earlier we have reported on the transcriptional regulation of DMP1 by c-Fos and c-Jun (AP-1) transcription factors. Results from earlier study indicate that c-Fos and c-Jun play an important role in early osteoblast differentiation, whereas they do not have a significant effect on the terminally differentiated osteoblasts. In this paper, we demonstrate a regulatory mechanism by which JunB transcriptionally controls the expression of DMP1 during osteoblast differentiation. The cooperative interaction of JunB with p300 has been shown to dramatically modulate the DMP1 promoter activity during mineralization. Immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrate the interaction of JunB and p300 in vivo. Further, phosphorylation of JunB at Ser-79 was found to be essential for its interaction with p300. Intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity of p300 also plays a critical role in regulating DMP1 gene expression.

3T3 Cells↗