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Keywords = sterol O-acyltransferase 1

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25 pages, 4767 KB  
Review
Targeting Pathways Implicated in Cholesterol Metabolism for Novel Cancer Therapy
by Yi Zhou, Vishakha Sharma, Xiaoyu Li, Rajeev K. Singla, Ankush Kumar, Ashishkumar Kyada, Suhas Ballal, Deepak Nathiya, Apurva Koul, Mohammad Khalid, Monica Gulati, Sandeep Arora, Tapan Behl, Joachim Kavalakatt, Bairong Shen and Anupam Bishayee
Cancers 2026, 18(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18030428 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 2066
Abstract
Cholesterol acts as a metabolic cue that reshapes diverse signaling networks, including hedgehog and several sterol-regulated pathways orchestrated by key proteins, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2), sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1), Niemann–Pick type C1 (NPC1), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). [...] Read more.
Cholesterol acts as a metabolic cue that reshapes diverse signaling networks, including hedgehog and several sterol-regulated pathways orchestrated by key proteins, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2), sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1), Niemann–Pick type C1 (NPC1), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Research over the past decade has highlighted cholesterol metabolism as a key modulator of cancer development and a promising therapeutic target. By integrating mechanistic and translational evidence, this review seeks to clarify how cholesterol metabolism interfaces with oncogenic signaling and set directions for future investigation. Accumulating preclinical and clinical data suggest that dysregulated cholesterol levels, often associated with high-fat diets, may contribute to tumorigenesis and malignant transformation. Implicated pathways, such as SREBP, NPC1, PCSK9, and SOAT1, orchestrate various processes of lipid metabolism, including cholesterol synthesis, esterification, receptor degradation, and transport, that harbor a tumorigenic environment and promote oncogenic processes. Additionally, these enzymes and corresponding pathways provide a promising direction for developing metabolism-oriented anticancer strategies. Cholesterol metabolism dysregulation serves as a major avenue for cancer signaling and growth, but studies also highlight key molecular mechanisms and targets for future treatments. Future studies should focus on expanding studies into further cancer types, investigating combination therapies, and developing novel inhibitors of key molecular targets. Full article
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20 pages, 4231 KB  
Article
Inhibiting the Cholesterol Storage Enzyme ACAT1/SOAT1 in Aging Apolipoprotein E4 Mice Alters Their Brains’ Inflammatory Profiles
by Thao N. Huynh, Emma N. Fikse, Adrianna L. De La Torre, Matthew C. Havrda, Catherine C. Y. Chang and Ta Yuan Chang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13690; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413690 - 21 Dec 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3933
Abstract
Aging and apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) are the two most significant risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Compared to APOE3, APOE4 disrupts cholesterol homeostasis, increases cholesteryl esters (CEs), and exacerbates neuroinflammation in brain cells, including microglia. Targeting CEs and neuroinflammation [...] Read more.
Aging and apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) are the two most significant risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Compared to APOE3, APOE4 disrupts cholesterol homeostasis, increases cholesteryl esters (CEs), and exacerbates neuroinflammation in brain cells, including microglia. Targeting CEs and neuroinflammation could be a novel strategy to ameliorate APOE4-dependent phenotypes. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a key macromolecule in inflammation, and its regulation is associated with the cholesterol content of lipid rafts in cell membranes. We previously demonstrated that in normal microglia expressing APOE3, inhibiting the cholesterol storage enzyme acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1/SOAT1) reduces CEs, dampened neuroinflammation via modulating the fate of TLR4. We also showed that treating myelin debris-loaded normal microglia with ACAT inhibitor F12511 reduced cellular CEs and activated ABC transporter 1 (ABCA1) for cholesterol efflux. This study found that treating primary microglia expressing APOE4 with F12511 also reduces CEs, activates ABCA1, and dampens LPS-dependent NFκB activation. In vivo, two-week injections of nanoparticle F12511, which consists of DSPE-PEG2000, phosphatidylcholine, and F12511, to aged female APOE4 mice reduced TLR4 protein content and decreased proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β in mice brains. Overall, our work suggests nanoparticle F12511 is a novel agent to ameliorate LOAD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroinflammation: Advancements in Pathophysiology and Therapies)
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23 pages, 5375 KB  
Article
Inhibiting the Cholesterol Storage Enzyme ACAT1/SOAT1 in Myelin Debris-Treated Microglial Cell Lines Activates the Gene Expression of Cholesterol Efflux Transporter ABCA1
by Thao N. Huynh, Matthew C. Havrda, George J. Zanazzi, Catherine C. Y. Chang and Ta Yuan Chang
Biomolecules 2024, 14(10), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101301 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5958
Abstract
Aging is the major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the aged brain, myelin debris accumulates and is cleared by microglia. Phagocytosed myelin debris increases neutral lipid droplet content in microglia. Neutral lipids include cholesteryl esters (CE) and triacylglycerol (TAG). To examine [...] Read more.
Aging is the major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the aged brain, myelin debris accumulates and is cleared by microglia. Phagocytosed myelin debris increases neutral lipid droplet content in microglia. Neutral lipids include cholesteryl esters (CE) and triacylglycerol (TAG). To examine the effects of myelin debris on neutral lipid content in microglia, we added myelin debris to human HMC3 and mouse N9 cells. The results obtained when using 3H-oleate as a precursor in intact cells reveal that myelin debris significantly increases the biosynthesis of CE but not TAG. Mass analyses have shown that myelin debris increases both CE and TAG. The increase in CE biosynthesis was abolished using inhibitors of the cholesterol storage enzyme acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1/SOAT1). ACAT1 inhibitors are promising drug candidates for AD treatment. In myelin debris-loaded microglia, treatment with two different ACAT1 inhibitors, K604 and F12511, increased the mRNA and protein content of ATP-binding cassette subfamily A1 (ABCA1), a protein that is located at the plasma membrane and which controls cellular cholesterol disposal. The effect of the ACAT1 inhibitor on ABCA1 was abolished by preincubating cells with the liver X receptor (LXR) antagonist GSK2033. We conclude that ACAT1 inhibitors prevent the accumulation of cholesterol and CE in myelin debris-treated microglia by activating ABCA1 gene expression via the LXR pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecular Approaches and Drugs for Neurodegeneration)
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14 pages, 3173 KB  
Article
MiR-206 Suppresses Triacylglycerol Accumulation via Fatty Acid Elongase 6 in Dairy Cow Mammary Epithelial Cells
by Xin Zhao, Yu Liu, Yupeng Li, Yuxin Zhang, Chunlei Yang and Dawei Yao
Animals 2024, 14(17), 2590; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172590 - 6 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1704
Abstract
Cow milk possesses high nutritional value due to its rich array of beneficial fatty acids. It is important to understand the mechanisms involved in lipid metabolism in dairy cows. These mechanisms are driven by a complex molecular regulatory network. In addition, there are [...] Read more.
Cow milk possesses high nutritional value due to its rich array of beneficial fatty acids. It is important to understand the mechanisms involved in lipid metabolism in dairy cows. These mechanisms are driven by a complex molecular regulatory network. In addition, there are many regulatory factors involved in the process of fatty acid metabolism, including transcription factors and non-coding RNAs, amongst others. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the expression of target genes and modulate various biological processes, including lipid metabolism. Specifically, miR-206 has been reported to impair lipid accumulation in nonruminant hepatocytes. However, the effects and regulatory mechanisms of miR-206 on lipid metabolism in bovine mammary cells remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of miR-206 on lipid-related genes and TAG accumulation. The direct downstream gene of miR-206 was subsequently determined via a dual-luciferase assay. Finally, the fatty acid content of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) upon ELOVL6 inhibition was examined. The results revealed that miR-206 overexpression significantly decreased triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration and abundances of the following: acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase alpha (ACACA); fatty acid synthase (FASN); sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1); diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1); 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 6 (AGPAT6); lipin 1 (LPIN1); and fatty acid elongase 6 (ELOVL6). Overexpression of miR-206 was also associated with an increase in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 2 (PNPLA2), while inhibition of miR-206 promoted milk fat metabolism in vitro. In addition, we found that ELOVL6 is a direct target gene of miR-206 through mutation of the binding site. Furthermore, ELOVL6 intervention significantly decreased the TAG levels and elongation indexes of C16:0 and C16:1n-7 in BMECs. Finally, ELOVL6 siRNA partially alleviated the increased TAG accumulation caused by miR-206 inhibition. In summary, we found that miR-206 inhibits milk fatty acid synthesis and lipid accumulation by targeting ELOVL6 in BMECs. The results presented in this paper may contribute to the development of strategies for enhancing the quality of cow milk and its beneficial fatty acids, from the perspective of miRNA–mRNA networks. Full article
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14 pages, 1866 KB  
Article
Sterol O-Acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1): A Genetic Modifier of Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1
by Nicole Y. Farhat, Derek Alexander, Kyli McKee, James Iben, Jorge L. Rodriguez-Gil, Christopher A. Wassif, Niamh X. Cawley, William E. Balch and Forbes D. Porter
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084217 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3140
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal disorder due to impaired intracellular cholesterol transport out of the endolysosomal compartment. Marked heterogeneity has been observed in individuals with the same NPC1 genotype, thus suggesting a significant effect of modifier genes. Prior work demonstrated [...] Read more.
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal disorder due to impaired intracellular cholesterol transport out of the endolysosomal compartment. Marked heterogeneity has been observed in individuals with the same NPC1 genotype, thus suggesting a significant effect of modifier genes. Prior work demonstrated that decreased SOAT1 activity decreased disease severity in an NPC1 mouse model. Thus, we hypothesized that a polymorphism associated with decreased SOAT1 expression might influence the NPC1 phenotype. Phenotyping and genomic sequencing of 117 individuals with NPC1 was performed as part of a Natural History trial. Phenotyping included determination of disease severity and disease burden. Significant clinical heterogeneity is present in individuals homozygous for the NPC1I1061T variant and in siblings. Analysis of the SOAT1 polymorphism, rs1044925 (A>C), showed a significant association of the C-allele with earlier age of neurological onset. The C-allele may be associated with a higher Annualized Severity Index Score as well as increased frequency of liver disease and seizures. A polymorphism associated with decreased expression of SOAT1 appears to be a genetic modifier of the NPC1 phenotype. This finding is consistent with prior data showing decreased phenotypic severity in Npc1-/-:Soat1-/- mice and supports efforts to investigate the potential of SOAT1 inhibitors as a potential therapy for NPC1. Full article
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14 pages, 2565 KB  
Article
The Role of Fatty Acid Synthase in the Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell to Foam Cell Transition
by Bethany J. Bogan, Holly C. Williams, Claire M. Holden, Vraj Patel, Giji Joseph, Christopher Fierro, Hugo Sepulveda, W. Robert Taylor, Amir Rezvan and Alejandra San Martin
Cells 2024, 13(8), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13080658 - 9 Apr 2024
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4507
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), in their contractile and differentiated state, are fundamental for maintaining vascular function. Upon exposure to cholesterol (CHO), VSMCs undergo dedifferentiation, adopting characteristics of foam cells—lipid-laden, macrophage-like cells pivotal in atherosclerotic plaque formation. CHO uptake by VSMCs leads to [...] Read more.
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), in their contractile and differentiated state, are fundamental for maintaining vascular function. Upon exposure to cholesterol (CHO), VSMCs undergo dedifferentiation, adopting characteristics of foam cells—lipid-laden, macrophage-like cells pivotal in atherosclerotic plaque formation. CHO uptake by VSMCs leads to two primary pathways: ABCA1-mediated efflux or storage in lipid droplets as cholesterol esters (CEs). CE formation, involving the condensation of free CHO and fatty acids, is catalyzed by sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1). The necessary fatty acids are synthesized by the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN), which we found to be upregulated in atherosclerotic human coronary arteries. This observation led us to hypothesize that FASN-mediated fatty acid biosynthesis is crucial in the transformation of VSMCs into foam cells. Our study reveals that CHO treatment upregulates FASN in human aortic SMCs, concurrent with increased expression of CD68 and upregulation of KLF4, markers associated with the foam cell transition. Crucially, downregulation of FASN inhibits the CHO-induced upregulation of CD68 and KLF4 in VSMCs. Additionally, FASN-deficient VSMCs exhibit hindered lipid accumulation and an impaired transition to the foam cell phenotype following CHO exposure, while the addition of the fatty acid palmitate, the main FASN product, exacerbates this transition. FASN-deficient cells also show decreased SOAT1 expression and elevated ABCA1. Notably, similar effects are observed in KLF4-deficient cells. Our findings demonstrate that FASN plays an essential role in the CHO-induced upregulation of KLF4 and the VSMC to foam cell transition and suggest that targeting FASN could be a novel therapeutic strategy to regulate VSMC phenotypic modulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Cardiovascular Disease)
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15 pages, 4380 KB  
Article
Ferrous Ion Alleviates Lipid Deposition and Inflammatory Responses Caused by a High Cottonseed Meal Diet by Modulating Hepatic Iron Transport Homeostasis and Controlling Ferroptosis in Juvenile Ctenopharyngodon idellus
by Hengchen Liu, Shiyou Chen, Yan Lin, Wenqiang Jiang, Yongfeng Zhao, Siyue Lu, Linghong Miao and Xianping Ge
Antioxidants 2023, 12(11), 1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12111968 - 6 Nov 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4047
Abstract
To investigate the mechanisms through which ferrous ion (Fe2+) addition improves the utilization of a cottonseed meal (CSM) diet, two experimental diets with equal nitrogen and energy content (low-cottonseed meal (LCM) and high-cottonseed meal (HCM) diets, respectively) containing 16.31% and 38.46% [...] Read more.
To investigate the mechanisms through which ferrous ion (Fe2+) addition improves the utilization of a cottonseed meal (CSM) diet, two experimental diets with equal nitrogen and energy content (low-cottonseed meal (LCM) and high-cottonseed meal (HCM) diets, respectively) containing 16.31% and 38.46% CSM were prepared. Additionally, the HCM diet was supplemented with graded levels of FeSO4·7H2O to establish two different Fe2+ supplementation groups (HCM + 0.2%Fe2+ and HCM + 0.4%Fe2+). Juvenile Ctenopharyngodon idellus (grass carps) (5.0 ± 0.5 g) were fed one of these four diets (HCM, LCM, HCM + 0.2%Fe2+ and HCM + 0.4%Fe2+ diets) for eight weeks. Our findings revealed that the HCM diet significantly increased lipid peroxide (LPO) concentration and the expression of lipogenic genes, e.g., sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (srebp1) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (scd), leading to excessive lipid droplet deposition in the liver (p < 0.05). However, these effects were significantly reduced in the HCM + 0.2%Fe2+ and HCM + 0.4%Fe2+ groups (p < 0.05). Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was also significantly lower in the HCM and HCM + 0.2%Fe2+ groups compared to the LCM group (p < 0.05), whereas low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration was significantly higher in the HCM + 0.2%Fe2+ and HCM + 0.4%Fe2+ groups than in the LCM group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma levels of liver functional indices, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and glucose (GLU), were significantly lower in the HCM + 0.4%Fe2+ group (p < 0.05). Regarding the expression of genes related to iron transport regulation, transferrin 2 (tfr2) expression in the HCM group and Fe2+ supplementation groups were significantly suppressed compared to the LCM group (p < 0.05). The addition of 0.4% Fe2+ in the HCM diet activated hepcidin expression and suppressed ferroportin-1 (fpn1) expression (p < 0.05). Compared to the LCM group, the expression of genes associated with ferroptosis and inflammation, including acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4b (acsl4b), lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (lpcat3), cyclooxygenase (cox), interleukin 1β (il-1β), and nuclear factor kappa b (nfκb), were significantly increased in the HCM group (p < 0.05), whereas Fe2+ supplementation in the HCM diet significantly inhibited their expression (p < 0.05) and significantly suppressed lipoxygenase (lox) expression (p < 0.05). Compared with the HCM group without Fe2+ supplementation, Fe2+ supplementation in the HCM diet significantly upregulated the expression of genes associated with ferroptosis, such as heat shock protein beta-associated protein1 (hspbap1), glutamate cysteine ligase (gcl), and glutathione peroxidase 4a (gpx4a) (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased the expression of the inflammation-related genes interleukin 15/10 (il-15/il-10) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FeSO4·7H2O supplementation in the HCM diet maintained iron transport and homeostasis in the liver of juvenile grass carps, thus reducing the occurrence of ferroptosis and alleviating hepatic lipid deposition and inflammatory responses caused by high dietary CSM contents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants Benefits in Aquaculture 2.0)
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15 pages, 1665 KB  
Review
Cholesterol Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer
by Artur Rebelo, Jörg Kleeff and Yoshiaki Sunami
Cancers 2023, 15(21), 5177; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15215177 - 27 Oct 2023
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6420
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer’s substantial impact on cancer-related mortality, responsible for 8% of cancer deaths and ranking fourth in the US, persists despite advancements, with a five-year relative survival rate of only 11%. Forecasts predict a 70% surge in new cases and a 72% increase [...] Read more.
Pancreatic cancer’s substantial impact on cancer-related mortality, responsible for 8% of cancer deaths and ranking fourth in the US, persists despite advancements, with a five-year relative survival rate of only 11%. Forecasts predict a 70% surge in new cases and a 72% increase in global pancreatic cancer-related deaths by 2040. This review explores the intrinsic metabolic reprogramming of pancreatic cancer, focusing on the mevalonate pathway, including cholesterol biosynthesis, transportation, targeting strategies, and clinical studies. The mevalonate pathway, central to cellular metabolism, significantly shapes pancreatic cancer progression. Acetyl coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA) serves a dual role in fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis, fueling acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) development. Enzymes, including acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) synthase, and HMG-CoA reductase, are key enzymes in pancreatic cancer. Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, e.g., by using statins, shows promise in delaying PanIN progression and impeding pancreatic cancer. Dysregulation of cholesterol modification, uptake, and transport significantly impacts tumor progression, with Sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) driving cholesterol ester (CE) accumulation and disrupted low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression contributing to cancer recurrence. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) expression in tumor stroma influences immune suppression. Clinical trials targeting cholesterol metabolism, including statins and SOAT1 inhibitors, exhibit potential anti-tumor effects, and combination therapies enhance efficacy. This review provides insights into cholesterol metabolism’s convergence with pancreatic cancer, shedding light on therapeutic avenues and ongoing clinical investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Cancer Biology)
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18 pages, 1567 KB  
Article
Acute ACAT1/SOAT1 Blockade Increases MAM Cholesterol and Strengthens ER-Mitochondria Connectivity
by Taylor C. Harned, Radu V. Stan, Ze Cao, Rajarshi Chakrabarti, Henry N. Higgs, Catherine C. Y. Chang and Ta Yuan Chang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065525 - 14 Mar 2023
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7012
Abstract
Cholesterol is a key component of all mammalian cell membranes. Disruptions in cholesterol metabolism have been observed in the context of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The genetic and pharmacological blockade of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1/sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1/SOAT1), [...] Read more.
Cholesterol is a key component of all mammalian cell membranes. Disruptions in cholesterol metabolism have been observed in the context of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The genetic and pharmacological blockade of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1/sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1/SOAT1), a cholesterol storage enzyme found on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and enriched at the mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM), has been shown to reduce amyloid pathology and rescue cognitive deficits in mouse models of AD. Additionally, blocking ACAT1/SOAT1 activity stimulates autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis; however, the exact molecular connection between the ACAT1/SOAT1 blockade and these observed benefits remain unknown. Here, using biochemical fractionation techniques, we observe cholesterol accumulation at the MAM which leads to ACAT1/SOAT1 enrichment in this domain. MAM proteomics data suggests that ACAT1/SOAT1 inhibition strengthens the ER-mitochondria connection. Confocal and electron microscopy confirms that ACAT1/SOAT1 inhibition increases the number of ER-mitochondria contact sites and strengthens this connection by shortening the distance between these two organelles. This work demonstrates how directly manipulating local cholesterol levels at the MAM can alter inter-organellar contact sites and suggests that cholesterol buildup at the MAM is the impetus behind the therapeutic benefits of ACAT1/SOAT1 inhibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Twist and Turn of Lipids in Human Diseases)
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15 pages, 3551 KB  
Article
Moderate Treadmill Exercise Alleviates NAFLD by Regulating the Biogenesis and Autophagy of Lipid Droplet
by Yangjun Yang, Xi Li, Zonghan Liu, Xinyu Ruan, Huihui Wang, Qiang Zhang, Lu Cao, Luchen Song, Yinghong Chen and Yi Sun
Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4910; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224910 - 20 Nov 2022
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 6834
Abstract
Lipid droplet is a dynamic organelle that undergoes periods of biogenesis and degradation under environmental stimuli. The excessive accumulation of lipid droplets is the major characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Moderate aerobic exercise is a powerful intervention protecting against the progress [...] Read more.
Lipid droplet is a dynamic organelle that undergoes periods of biogenesis and degradation under environmental stimuli. The excessive accumulation of lipid droplets is the major characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Moderate aerobic exercise is a powerful intervention protecting against the progress of NAFLD. However, its impact on lipid droplet dynamics remains ambiguous. Mice were fed with 15 weeks of high-fat diet in order to induce NAFLD. Meanwhile, the mice performed 15 weeks of treadmill exercise. Our results showed that 15 weeks of regular moderate treadmill exercise alleviated obesity, insulin intolerance, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia induced by HFD. Importantly, exercise improved histological phenotypes of NAFLD, including hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and locular ballooning, as well as prevented liver fat deposition and liver injury induced by HFD. Exercise reduced hepatic lipid droplet size, and moreover, it reduced PLIN2 protein level and increased PLIN3 protein level in the liver of HFD mice. Interestingly, our results showed that exercise did not significantly affect the gene expressions of DGAT1, DGAT2, or SEIPIN, which were involved in TG synthesis. However, it did reduce the expressions of FITM2, CIDEA, and FSP27, which were major involved in lipid droplet growth and budding, and lipid droplet expansion. In addition, exercise reduced ATGL protein level in HFD mice, and regulated lipophagy-related markers, including increasing ATG5, LAMP1, LAMP2, LAL, and CTSD, decreasing LC3II/I and p62, and promoting colocalization of LAMP1 with LDs. In summary, our data suggested that 15 weeks of moderate treadmill exercise was beneficial for regulating liver lipid droplet dynamics in HFD mice by inhibiting abnormal lipid droplets expansion and enhancing clearance of lipid droplets by lysosomes during the lipophagic process, which might provide highly flexible turnover for lipid mobilization and metabolism. Abbreviations: β-actin: actin beta; ATG5: autophagy related 5; LAMP2: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; ATGL: adipose triglyceride lipase; CSTD: cathepsin D; LAL: lysosomal acid lipase; DGAT1: diacylglycerol-o-acyltransferase 1; DGAT2: diacylglycerol-o-acyltransferase 2; CIDEA: cell death inducing dffa-like effector a; CIDEC/FSP27: cell death inducing dffa-like effector c; FITM2: fat storage-inducing transmembrane protein 2; PLIN2: adipose differentiation related protein; PLN3: tail-interacting protein 47; HSP90: heat shock protein 90; SREBP1c: sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c; chREBP: carbohydrate response element binding protein. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Obesity)
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17 pages, 5457 KB  
Article
Chromosomally Unstable Gastric Cancers Overexpressing Claudin-6 Disclose Cross-Talk between HNF1A and HNF4A, and Upregulated Cholesterol Metabolism
by Sanyog Dwivedi, Georgina Hernández-Montes, Luis Felipe Montaño and Erika Patricia Rendón-Huerta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 13977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232213977 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3830
Abstract
(1) Abnormally increased expression of claudin-6 in gastric cancer is considered a prognostic marker of the chromosomal unstable molecular subtype. However, a detailed molecular profile analysis of differentially expressed genes and affected pathways associated with claudin-6 increased (Cldn6high) expression has not [...] Read more.
(1) Abnormally increased expression of claudin-6 in gastric cancer is considered a prognostic marker of the chromosomal unstable molecular subtype. However, a detailed molecular profile analysis of differentially expressed genes and affected pathways associated with claudin-6 increased (Cldn6high) expression has not been assessed. (2) The TCGA Stomach Adenocarcinoma Pan-Cancer Atlas Data was evaluated using Cytoscape’s Gene Mania, MCODE, and Cytohubba bioinformatic software. (3) 96.88% of Cldn6high gastric cancer tumors belonging to the chromosomal unstable molecular subtype are associated with a worse prognosis. Cldn6expression coincided with higher mutations in TP53, MIEN1, STARD3, PGAP3, and CCNE1 genes compared to Cldn6low expression. In Cldn6high cancers, 1316 genes were highly expressed. Cholesterol metabolism was the most affected pathway as APOA1, APOA2, APOH, APOC2, APOC3, APOB-100, LDL receptor-related protein 1/2, Sterol O-acyltransferase, STARD3, MAGEA-2, -3, -4, -6, -9B, and -12 genes were overexpressed in Cldn6high gastric cancers; interestingly, APOA2 and MAGEA9b were identified as top hub genes. Functional enrichment of DEGs linked HNF-4α and HNF-1α genes as highly expressed in Cldn6high gastric cancer. (4) Our results suggest that APOA2 and MAGEA9b could be considered as prognostic markers for Cldn6high gastric cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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27 pages, 5558 KB  
Article
Sulforaphane Protects against Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Induced Renal Damage in Rats by Alleviating Mitochondrial and Lipid Metabolism Impairment
by Ana Karina Aranda-Rivera, Alfredo Cruz-Gregorio, Omar Emiliano Aparicio-Trejo, Edilia Tapia, Laura Gabriela Sánchez-Lozada, Fernando Enrique García-Arroyo, Isabel Amador-Martínez, Marisol Orozco-Ibarra, Francisca Fernández-Valverde and José Pedraza-Chaverri
Antioxidants 2022, 11(10), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11101854 - 20 Sep 2022
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5349
Abstract
Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is an animal rodent model that allows the study of obstructive nephropathy in an accelerated manner. During UUO, tubular damage is induced, and alterations such as oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial impairment favor fibrosis development, leading to [...] Read more.
Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is an animal rodent model that allows the study of obstructive nephropathy in an accelerated manner. During UUO, tubular damage is induced, and alterations such as oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial impairment favor fibrosis development, leading to chronic kidney disease progression. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from green cruciferous vegetables, might improve mitochondrial functions and lipid metabolism; however, its role in UUO has been poorly explored. Therefore, we aimed to determine the protective effect of SFN related to mitochondria and lipid metabolism in UUO. Our results showed that in UUO SFN decreased renal damage, attributed to increased mitochondrial biogenesis. We showed that SFN augmented peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1). The increase in biogenesis augmented the mitochondrial mass marker voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and improved mitochondrial structure, as well as complex III (CIII), aconitase 2 (ACO2) and citrate synthase activities in UUO. In addition, lipid metabolism was improved, observed by the downregulation of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), sterol regulatory-element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), which reduces triglyceride (TG) accumulation. Finally, restoring the mitochondrial structure reduced excessive fission by decreasing the fission protein dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP1). Autophagy flux was further restored by reducing beclin and sequestosome (p62) and increasing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and the ratio of microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 II and I (LC3II/LC3I). These results reveal that SFN confers protection against UUO-induced kidney injury by targeting mitochondrial biogenesis, which also improves lipid metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeting Antioxidants to Mitochondria: A Novel Therapeutic Direction)
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25 pages, 3670 KB  
Review
Lipid Metabolism in Glioblastoma: From De Novo Synthesis to Storage
by Yongjun Kou, Feng Geng and Deliang Guo
Biomedicines 2022, 10(8), 1943; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10081943 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 72 | Viewed by 10059
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor. With limited therapeutic options, novel therapies are desperately needed. Recent studies have shown that GBM acquires large amounts of lipids for rapid growth through activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), a master [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor. With limited therapeutic options, novel therapies are desperately needed. Recent studies have shown that GBM acquires large amounts of lipids for rapid growth through activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), a master transcription factor that regulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, and cholesterol uptake. Interestingly, GBM cells divert substantial quantities of lipids into lipid droplets (LDs), a specific storage organelle for neutral lipids, to prevent lipotoxicity by increasing the expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and sterol-O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1), which convert excess fatty acids and cholesterol to triacylglycerol and cholesteryl esters, respectively. In this review, we will summarize recent progress on our understanding of lipid metabolism regulation in GBM to promote tumor growth and discuss novel strategies to specifically induce lipotoxicity to tumor cells through disrupting lipid storage, a promising new avenue for treating GBM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Glioma Metabolism, Epigenetics, and Microenvironment)
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16 pages, 3057 KB  
Article
Betaine Promotes Fat Accumulation and Reduces Injury in Landes Goose Hepatocytes by Regulating Multiple Lipid Metabolism Pathways
by Jiying Liu, Ruilong Song, Shengyan Su, Nannan Qi, Qifa Li, Zhuang Xie and Shali Yu
Animals 2022, 12(12), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12121530 - 13 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3138
Abstract
Betaine is a well-established supplement used in livestock feeding. In our previous study, betaine was shown to result in the redistribution of body fat, a healthier steatosis phenotype, and an increased liver weight and triglyceride storage of the Landes goose liver, which is [...] Read more.
Betaine is a well-established supplement used in livestock feeding. In our previous study, betaine was shown to result in the redistribution of body fat, a healthier steatosis phenotype, and an increased liver weight and triglyceride storage of the Landes goose liver, which is used for foie-gras production. However, these effects are not found in other species and strains, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we studied the underpinning molecular mechanisms by developing an in vitro fatty liver cell model using primary Landes goose hepatocytes and a high-glucose culture medium. Oil red-O staining, a mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and a qRT-PCR were used to quantify lipid droplet characteristics, mitochondrial β-oxidation, and fatty acid metabolism-related gene expression, respectively. Our in vitro model successfully simulated steatosis caused by overfeeding. Betaine supplementation resulted in small, well-distributed lipid droplets, consistent with previous experiments in vivo. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential was restored, and gene expression of fatty acid synthesis genes (e.g., sterol regulatory-element binding protein, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and 2) was lower after betaine supplementation. By contrast, the expression of lipid hydrolysis transfer genes (mitochondrial transfer protein and lipoprotein lipase) was higher. Overall, the results provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for the use of betaine in animal production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Physiology)
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11 pages, 2083 KB  
Article
cAMP Response Element Binding Protein 1 (CREB1) Promotes Monounsaturated Fatty Acid Synthesis and Triacylglycerol Accumulation in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells
by Dawei Yao, Chunlei Yang, Jing Ma, Lili Chen, Jun Luo, Yi Ma and Juan. J. Loor
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101871 - 14 Oct 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4017
Abstract
cAMP response element binding protein 1 (CREB1) is a member of the leucine zipper transcription factor family of DNA binding proteins. Although studies in non-ruminants have demonstrated a crucial role of CREB1 in lipid synthesis in liver and adipose tissue, it is unknown [...] Read more.
cAMP response element binding protein 1 (CREB1) is a member of the leucine zipper transcription factor family of DNA binding proteins. Although studies in non-ruminants have demonstrated a crucial role of CREB1 in lipid synthesis in liver and adipose tissue, it is unknown if this transcription regulator exerts control of fatty acid synthesis in ruminant mammary cells. To address this question, we first defined the expression dynamics of CREB1 in mammary tissue during lactation. Analysis of CREB1 in mammary tissue revealed higher mRNA abundance in mammary tissue harvested at peak lactation. Overexpression of CREB1 markedly upregulated sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase α (ACACA), elongase of very long chain fatty acids 6 (ELOVL6), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3), lipin 1 (LPIN1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), but had no effect on glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, mitochondrial (GPAM) or 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 6 (AGPAT6). In addition, overexpressing CREB1 led to a significant increase in the concentration and desaturation index of C16:1 (palmitoleic acid) and C18:1 (oleic acid), along with increased concentration of triacylglycerol. Taken together, these results highlight an important role of CREB1 in regulating lipid synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells. Thus, manipulation of CREB1 in vivo might be one approach to improve the quality of goat milk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Genetics and Livestock Production: The Biodiversity Challenge)
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