Metabolism
Abstract
Fully activated innate immune cells are required for effective responses to infection, but their prompt deactivation and removal are essential for limiting tissue damage. Here, we have identified a critical role for the prolyl hydroxylase enzyme Phd2 in maintaining the balance between appropriate, predominantly neutrophil-mediated pathogen clearance and resolution of the innate immune response. We demonstrate that myeloid-specific loss of Phd2 resulted in an exaggerated inflammatory response to Streptococcus pneumonia, with increases in neutrophil motility, functional capacity, and survival. These enhanced neutrophil responses were dependent upon increases in glycolytic flux and glycogen stores. Systemic administration of a HIF–prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor replicated the Phd2-deficient phenotype of delayed inflammation resolution. Together, these data identify Phd2 as the dominant HIF-hydroxylase in neutrophils under normoxic conditions and link intrinsic regulation of glycolysis and glycogen stores to the resolution of neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of targeting metabolic pathways in the treatment of inflammatory disease.
Authors
Pranvera Sadiku, Joseph A. Willson, Rebecca S. Dickinson, Fiona Murphy, Alison J. Harris, Amy Lewis, David Sammut, Ananda S. Mirchandani, Eilise Ryan, Emily R. Watts, A.A. Roger Thompson, Helen M. Marriott, David H. Dockrell, Cormac T. Taylor, Martin Schneider, Patrick H. Maxwell, Edwin R. Chilvers, Massimilliano Mazzone, Veronica Moral, Chris W. Pugh, Peter J. Ratcliffe, Christopher J. Schofield, Bart Ghesquiere, Peter Carmeliet, Moira K.B. Whyte, Sarah R. Walmsley
Abstract
M2 macrophages, innate lymphoid type 2 cells (ILC2s), eosinophils, Tregs, and invariant NK T cells (iNKT cells) all help to control adipose tissue inflammation, while M1 macrophages, TNF, and other inflammatory cytokines drive inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity. Stromal cells regulate leukocyte responses in lymph nodes, but the role of stromal cells in adipose tissue inflammation is unknown. PDGFRα+ stromal cells are major producers of IL-33 in adipose tissue. Here, we show that mesenchymal cadherin-11 modulates stromal fibroblast function. Cadherin-11–deficient mice displayed increased stromal production of IL-33, with concomitant enhancements in ILC2s and M2 macrophages that helped control adipose tissue inflammation. Higher expression levels of IL-33 in cadherin-11–deficient mice mediated ILC2 activation, resulting in higher IL-13 expression levels and M2 macrophage expansion in adipose tissue. Consistent with reduced adipose tissue inflammation, cadherin-11–deficient mice were protected from obesity-induced glucose intolerance and adipose tissue fibrosis. Importantly, anti–cadherin-11 mAb blockade similarly improved inflammation and glycemic control in obese WT mice. These results suggest that stromal fibroblasts expressing cadherin-11 regulate adipose tissue inflammation and thus highlight cadherin-11 as a potential therapeutic target for the management of obesity.
Authors
Sook Kyung Chang, Ayano C. Kohlgruber, Fumitaka Mizoguchi, Xavier Michelet, Benjamin J. Wolf, Kevin Wei, Pui Y. Lee, Lydia Lynch, Danielle Duquette, Victòria Ceperuelo-Mallafré, Alexander S. Banks, Michael B. Brenner
Abstract
An increase in hepatic glucose production (HGP) represents a key feature of type 2 diabetes. This deficiency in metabolic control of glucose production critically depends on enhanced signaling through hepatic glucagon receptors (GCGRs). Here, we have demonstrated that selective inactivation of the GPCR-associated protein β-arrestin 2 in hepatocytes of adult mice results in greatly increased hepatic GCGR signaling, leading to striking deficits in glucose homeostasis. However, hepatocyte-specific β-arrestin 2 deficiency did not affect hepatic insulin sensitivity or β-adrenergic signaling. Adult mice lacking β-arrestin 1 selectively in hepatocytes did not show any changes in glucose homeostasis. Importantly, hepatocyte-specific overexpression of β-arrestin 2 greatly reduced hepatic GCGR signaling and protected mice against the metabolic deficits caused by the consumption of a high-fat diet. Our data support the concept that strategies aimed at enhancing hepatic β-arrestin 2 activity could prove useful for suppressing HGP for therapeutic purposes.
Authors
Lu Zhu, Mario Rossi, Yinghong Cui, Regina J. Lee, Wataru Sakamoto, Nicole A. Perry, Nikhil M. Urs, Marc G. Caron, Vsevolod V. Gurevich, Grzegorz Godlewski, George Kunos, Minyong Chen, Wei Chen, Jürgen Wess
Abstract
Obesity increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) via activation of proopiomelanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ArcN), and this action requires simultaneous withdrawal of tonic neuropeptide Y (NPY) sympathoinhibition. However, the sites and neurocircuitry by which NPY decreases SNA are unclear. Here, using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to selectively activate or inhibit ArcN NPY neurons expressing agouti-related peptide (AgRP) in mice, we have demonstrated that this neuronal population tonically suppresses splanchnic SNA (SSNA), arterial pressure, and heart rate via projections to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). First, we found that ArcN NPY/AgRP fibers closely appose PVN and DMH presympathetic neurons. Second, nanoinjections of NPY or an NPY receptor Y1 (NPY1R) antagonist into PVN or DMH decreased or increased SSNA, respectively. Third, blockade of DMH NPY1R reversed the sympathoinhibition elicited by selective, DREADD-mediated activation of ArcN NPY/AgRP neurons. Finally, stimulation of ArcN NPY/AgRP terminal fields in the PVN and DMH decreased SSNA. Considering that chronic obesity decreases ArcN NPY content, we propose that the ArcN NPY neuropathway to the PVN and DMH is pivotal in obesity-induced elevations in SNA.
Authors
Zhigang Shi, Christopher J. Madden, Virginia L. Brooks
Abstract
Epidemiologic and animal studies implicate overconsumption of fructose in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but the molecular mechanisms underlying fructose-induced chronic liver diseases remain largely unknown. Here, we have presented evidence supporting the essential function of the lipogenic transcription factor carbohydrate response element–binding protein (ChREBP) in mediating adaptive responses to fructose and protecting against fructose-induced hepatotoxicity. In WT mice, a high-fructose diet (HFrD) activated hepatic lipogenesis in a ChREBP-dependent manner; however, in Chrebp-KO mice, a HFrD induced steatohepatitis. In Chrebp-KO mouse livers, a HFrD reduced levels of molecular chaperones and activated the C/EBP homologous protein–dependent (CHOP-dependent) unfolded protein response, whereas administration of a chemical chaperone or Chop shRNA rescued liver injury. Elevated expression levels of cholesterol biosynthesis genes in HFrD-fed Chrebp-KO livers were paralleled by an increased nuclear abundance of sterol regulatory element–binding protein 2 (SREBP2). Atorvastatin-mediated inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis or depletion of hepatic Srebp2 reversed fructose-induced liver injury in Chrebp-KO mice. Mechanistically, we determined that ChREBP binds to nuclear SREBP2 to promote its ubiquitination and destabilization in cultured cells. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that ChREBP provides hepatoprotection against a HFrD by preventing overactivation of cholesterol biosynthesis and the subsequent CHOP-mediated, proapoptotic unfolded protein response. Our findings also identified a role for ChREBP in regulating SREBP2-dependent cholesterol metabolism.
Authors
Deqiang Q. Zhang, Xin Tong, Kyle VanDommelen, Neil Gupta, Kenneth Stamper, Graham F. Brady, Zhuoxian Meng, Jiandie D. Lin, Liangyou Y. Rui, M. Bishr Omary, Lei Yin
Abstract
Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are at high risk for reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) and development of herpes zoster (HZ). Here, we found that macrophages from patients with CAD actively suppress T cell activation and expansion, leading to defective VZV-specific T cell immunity. Monocyte-derived and plaque-infiltrating macrophages from patients with CAD spontaneously expressed high surface density of the immunoinhibitory ligand programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), thereby providing negative signals to programmed death-1+ (PD-1+) T cells. We determined that aberrant PD-L1 expression in patient-derived macrophages was metabolically controlled. Oversupply of the glycolytic intermediate pyruvate in mitochondria from CAD macrophages promoted expression of PD-L1 via induction of the bone morphogenetic protein 4/phosphorylated SMAD1/5/IFN regulatory factor 1 (BMP4/p-SMAD1/5/IRF1) signaling pathway. Thus, CAD macrophages respond to nutrient excess by activating the immunoinhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint, leading to impaired T cell immunity. This finding indicates that metabolite-based immunotherapy may be a potential strategy for restoring adaptive immunity in CAD.
Authors
Ryu Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Shirai, Hong Namkoong, Hui Zhang, Gerald J. Berry, Barbara B. Wallis, Benedikt Schaefgen, David G. Harrison, Jennifer A. Tremmel, John C. Giacomini, Jörg J. Goronzy, Cornelia M. Weyand
Abstract
Somatostatin secreted by pancreatic δ cells mediates important paracrine interactions in Langerhans islets, including maintenance of glucose metabolism through the control of reciprocal insulin and glucagon secretion. Disruption of this circuit contributes to the development of diabetes. However, the precise mechanisms that control somatostatin secretion from islets remain elusive. Here, we found that a super-complex comprising the cullin 4B-RING E3 ligase (CRL4B) and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) epigenetically regulates somatostatin secretion in islets. Constitutive ablation of CUL4B, the core component of the CRL4B-PRC2 complex, in δ cells impaired glucose tolerance and decreased insulin secretion through enhanced somatostatin release. Moreover, mechanistic studies showed that the CRL4B-PRC2 complex, under the control of the δ cell–specific transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX), determines the levels of intracellular calcium and cAMP through histone posttranslational modifications, thereby altering expression of the Cav1.2 calcium channel and adenylyl cyclase 6 (AC6) and modulating somatostatin secretion. In response to high glucose levels or urocortin 3 (UCN3) stimulation, increased expression of cullin 4B (CUL4B) and the PRC2 subunit histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH2 and reciprocal decreases in Cav1.2 and AC6 expression were found to regulate somatostatin secretion. Our results reveal an epigenetic regulatory mechanism of δ cell paracrine interactions in which CRL4B-PRC2 complexes, Cav1.2, and AC6 expression fine-tune somatostatin secretion and facilitate glucose homeostasis in pancreatic islets.
Authors
Qing Li, Min Cui, Fan Yang, Na Li, Baichun Jiang, Zhen Yu, Daolai Zhang, Yijing Wang, Xibin Zhu, Huili Hu, Pei-Shan Li, Shang-Lei Ning, Si Wang, Haibo Qi, Hechen Song, Dongfang He, Amy Lin, Jingjing Zhang, Feng Liu, Jiajun Zhao, Ling Gao, Fan Yi, Tian Xue, Jin-Peng Sun, Yaoqin Gong, Xiao Yu
Abstract
Tumor recurrence is the leading cause of breast cancer–related death. Recurrences are largely driven by cancer cells that survive therapeutic intervention. This poorly understood population is referred to as minimal residual disease. Here, using mouse models that faithfully recapitulate human disease together with organoid cultures, we have demonstrated that residual cells acquire a transcriptionally distinct state from normal epithelium and primary tumors. Gene expression changes and functional characterization revealed altered lipid metabolism and elevated ROS as hallmarks of the cells that survive tumor regression. These residual cells exhibited increased oxidative DNA damage, potentiating the acquisition of somatic mutations during hormonal-induced expansion of the mammary cell population. Inhibition of either cellular fatty acid synthesis or fatty acid transport into mitochondria reduced cellular ROS levels and DNA damage, linking these features to lipid metabolism. Direct perturbation of these hallmarks in vivo, either by scavenging ROS or by halting the cyclic mammary cell population expansion, attenuated tumor recurrence. Finally, these observations were mirrored in transcriptomic and histological signatures of residual cancer cells from neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer patients. These results highlight the potential of lipid metabolism and ROS as therapeutic targets for reducing tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients.
Authors
Kristina M. Havas, Vladislava Milchevskaya, Ksenija Radic, Ashna Alladin, Eleni Kafkia, Marta Garcia, Jens Stolte, Bernd Klaus, Nicole Rotmensz, Toby J. Gibson, Barbara Burwinkel, Andreas Schneeweiss, Giancarlo Pruneri, Kiran R. Patil, Rocio Sotillo, Martin Jechlinger
Abstract
Genetic variants at the solute carrier family 39 member 8 (
Authors
Wen Lin, David R. Vann, Paschalis-Thomas Doulias, Tao Wang, Gavin Landesberg, Xueli Li, Emanuela Ricciotti, Rosario Scalia, Miao He, Nicholas J. Hand, Daniel J. Rader
Abstract
Glucocorticoid steroids such as prednisone are prescribed for chronic muscle conditions
such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where their use is associated with prolonged
ambulation. The positive effects of chronic steroid treatment in muscular dystrophy are
paradoxical because these steroids are also known to trigger muscle atrophy. Chronic
steroid use usually involves once-daily dosing, although weekly dosing in children has
been suggested for its reduced side effects on behavior. In this work, we tested steroid
dosing in mice and found that a single pulse of glucocorticoid steroids improved
sarcolemmal repair through increased expression of annexins A1 and A6, which mediate
myofiber repair. This increased expression was dependent on glucocorticoid response
elements upstream of annexins and was reinforced by the expression of forkhead box O1
(FOXO1). We compared weekly versus daily steroid treatment in mouse models of acute muscle
injury and in muscular dystrophy and determined that both regimens provided comparable
benefits in terms of annexin gene expression and muscle repair. However, daily dosing
activated atrophic pathways, including F-box protein 32 (
Authors
Mattia Quattrocelli, David Y. Barefield, James L. Warner, Andy H. Vo, Michele Hadhazy, Judy U. Earley, Alexis R. Demonbreun, Elizabeth M. McNally
Copyright © 2026 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)