Expression and regulation of transcript for the novel transmembrane protein Tmem182 in the adipocyte and muscle lineage

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>White adipose tissue is not only an energy storage organ; it also functions as an endocrine organ. The coordination and integration of numerous gene expression events is required to establish and maintain the adipocyte phenotype.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>We previously observed a 45-fold upregulation for a transcript encoding a novel predicted transmembrane protein, Tmem182, upon brown preadipocyte to adipocyte conversion. Here we use real-time PCR analysis to further characterize Tmem182 transcript expression in the adipocyte lineage. Analysis across a panel of 10 murine tissues revealed highest Tmem182 transcript expression in white adipose tissues (WAT), with 10-fold to 20-fold higher levels than in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Tmem182 transcript expression is ~3-fold upregulated in BAT of genetically obese (<it>ob/ob</it>) mice <it>vs. </it>wild type C57BL/6. Analysis of three <it>in vitro </it>models of white adipogenesis indicates markedly enriched expression of Tmem182 transcript in adipocytes <it>vs. </it>preadipocytes. Compared to 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, a 157-fold higher level of Tmem182 transcript is detected at 3 day post-induction of adipogenesis and an ~2500-fold higher level in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. TNFα treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes resulted in a ~90% decrease in Tmem182 transcript level. As skeletal muscle and heart were also found to express Tmem182 transcript, we assessed expression in C2C12 myogenesis and observed a ~770-fold upregulation upon conversion of myoblasts to myocytes.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>WAT is the most prominent site of Tmem182 transcript expression and levels of transcript for Tmem182 are altered in adipose tissues of <it>ob/ob </it>mice and upon exposure of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα. The dramatic upregulation of Tmem182 transcript during <it>in vitro </it>adipogenesis and myogenesis suggests Tmem182 may function in intracellular pathways important in these two cell types.</p

Differential screening identifies transcripts with depot-dependent expression in white adipose tissues

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The co-morbidities of obesity are tied to location of excess fat in the intra-abdominal as compared to subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) depot. Genes distinctly expressed in WAT depots may impart depot-dependent physiological functions. To identify such genes, we prepared subtractive cDNA libraries from murine subcutaneous (SC) or intra-abdominal epididymal (EP) white adipocytes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Differential screening and qPCR validation identified 7 transcripts with 2.5-fold or greater enrichment in EP <it>vs</it>. SC adipocytes. Boc, a component of the hedgehog signaling pathway demonstrated highest enrichment (~12-fold) in EP adipocytes. We also identified a dramatic enrichment in SC adipocytes <it>vs</it>. EP adipocytes and in SC WAT <it>vs</it>. EP WAT for transcript(s) for the major urinary proteins (Mups), small secreted proteins with pheromone functions that are members of the lipocalin family. Expression of Boc and Mup transcript was further assessed in murine tissues, adipogenesis models, and obesity. qPCR analysis reveals that EP WAT is a major site of expression of Boc transcript. Furthermore, Boc transcript expression decreased in obese EP WAT with a concomitant upregulation of Boc transcript in the obese SC WAT depot. Assessment of the Boc binding partner Cdon in adipose tissue and cell fractions thereof, revealed transcript expression similar to Boc; suggestive of a role for the Boc-Cdon axis in WAT depot function. Mup transcripts were predominantly expressed in liver and in the SC and RP WAT depots and increased several thousand-fold during differentiation of primary murine preadipocytes to adipocytes. Mup transcripts were also markedly reduced in SC WAT and liver of <it>ob/ob </it>genetically obese mice compared to wild type.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Further assessment of WAT depot-enriched transcripts may uncover distinctions in WAT depot gene expression that illuminate the physiological impact of regional adiposity.</p

A lipopolysaccharide-induced DNA-binding protein for a class II gene in B cells is distinct from NF-kappa B

Class II (Ia) major histocompatibility complex molecules are cell surface proteins normally expressed by a limited subset of cells of the immune system. These molecules regulate the activation of T cells and are required for the presentation of antigens and the initiation of immune responses. The expression of Ia in B cells is determined by both the developmental stage of the B cell and by certain external stimuli. It has been demonstrated previously that treatment of B cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in increased surface expression of Ia protein. However, we have confirmed that LPS treatment results in a significant decrease in mRNA encoding the Ia proteins which persists for at least 18 h. Within the upstream regulatory region of A alpha k, an NF-kappa B-like binding site is present. We have identified an LPS-induced DNA-binding protein in extracts from athymic mice whose spleens consist predominantly of B cells. Binding activity is present in low levels in unstimulated spleen cells and is increased by LPS treatment. This protein binds to two sites in a regulatory region of the Ia A alpha k gene, one of which contains the NF-kappa B-like binding site. DNA fragments containing these sites cross-compete for protein binding. Analysis by DNase I footprinting identified a target binding sequence, named the LPS-responsive element. Although this target sequence contains an NF-kappa B-like binding site, competition with a mutant oligonucleotide demonstrated that bases critical for NF-kappa B binding are not required for binding of the LPS-inducible protein. Therefore, we hypothesized that this inducible protein represents a new mediator of LPS action, distinct from NF-kappa B, and may be one mechanism to account for the decrease in mRNA encoding the Ia proteins

Regulation of Angiopoietin-Like Proteins (ANGPTLs) 3 and 8 by Insulin

Objective: Circulating ANGPTL8 has recently been used as a marker of insulin action. We studied expression and insulin regulation of ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL3 in vivo and in vitro. Design and Methods: Expression of ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL3 was studied in 34 paired samples of human liver and adipose tissue. Effects of insulin on 1) plasma concentrations and adipose tissue expression of ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL3 (in vivo 6-h euglycemic hyperinsulinemia; n = 18), and 2) ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL3 gene and protein expression in immortalized human hepatocytes (IHH) and adipocytes were measured. Effect of ANGPTL3 on secretion of ANGPTL8 in cells stably over-expressing ANGPTL3, -8, or both was determined. Results: ANGPTL3 was only expressed in the liver, whereas ANGPTL8 was expressed in both tissues. In vivo hyperinsulinemia significantly decreased both plasma ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL3 at 3 and 6 hours. Insulin increased ANGPTL8 expression in human adipose tissue 14- and 18-fold at 3 and 6 hours and ANGPTL8 was the most insulin-responsive transcript on microarray. Insulin also increased ANPGTL8 in cultured adipocytes and IHH but the protein mainly remained intracellular. In vitro in IHH, insulin decreased ANGPTL3 gene expression and secretion of ANGPTL3 into growth medium. Overexpression of ANGPTL8 in CHO cells did not result in its release into culture medium while abundant secretion occurred in cells co-expressing ANGPTL3 and -8. Conclusions: Insulin decreases plasma ANGPTL3 by decreasing ANGPTL3 expression in the liver. Insulin markedly increases ANGPTL8 in adipose tissue and the liver but not in plasma. These data show that measurement of plasma ANGPTL3 but not -8 reflects insulin action in target tissues.Peer reviewe

Wdnm1-like, a new adipokine with a role in MMP-2 activation

White adipose tissue functions in energy storage and as an endocrine organ. DNA microarray analysis led us to identify Wdnm1-like, a distant member of the whey acidic protein/four-disulfide core (WAP/4-DSC) family, as a differentiation-dependent gene in white and brown adipogenesis. Wdnm1-like is a novel 6.8-kDa protein, and Western blot analysis reveals secretion into culture media. Wdnm1-like transcript is selectively expressed in adipose tissue and liver and is enriched ∼500-fold in white adipose depots vs. brown. Cellular fractionation of WAT demonstrates Wdnm1-like transcript expression is restricted to the adipocyte population. Studies in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, an in vitro model of white adipogenesis, indicate Wdnm1-like transcript increases within 6 h of adipogenic induction with an ∼17,000-fold increase by day 7. Dramatic upregulation of Wdnm1-like also accompanies white adipogenesis of ScAP-23 preadipocytes and primary preadipocytes. TNF-α treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased Wdnm1-like transcript level 2.4-fold and was attenuated by pretreatment with the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580. A number of WAP/4-DSC family proteins function as protease inhibitors. This, taken with the role of extracellular remodeling in adipogenesis, led us to address effects of Wdnm1-like on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Gelatin zymography of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells transfected with a Wdnm1-like expression construct revealed markedly increased levels of active MMP-2. Our findings identify a new member of the adipocyte “secretome” that functions to enhance MMP-2 activity. We postulate that Wdnm1-like may play roles in remodeling of the extracellular milieu in adipogenesis, as well as in tumor microenvironments where adipocytes are key stromal components

The immunoglobulin superfamily protein differentiation of embryonic stem cells 1 (dies1) has a regulatory role in preadipocyte to adipocyte conversion.

Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells 1 (Dies1) was recently identified as a novel type I immunoglobulin (IgG) domain-containing plasma membrane protein important for effective differentiation of a murine pluripotent embryonic stem cell line. In this setting, Dies1 enhances bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling. Here we show Dies1 transcript expression is induced ∼225-fold during in vitro adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes. Immunocytochemical imaging using ectopic expression of Flag-tagged Dies1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes revealed localization to the adipocyte plasma membrane. Modulation of adipocyte phenotype with with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) treatment or by siRNA knockdown of the master pro-adipogenic transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) resulted in a 90% and 60% reduction of Dies1 transcript levels, respectively. Moreover, siRNA-mediated Dies1 knockdown in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes inhibited adipogenic conversion. Such cultures had a 35% decrease in lipid content and a 45%-65% reduction in expression of key adipocyte transcripts, including that for PPARγ. The standard protocol for full in vitro adipogenic conversion of committed preadipocytes, such as 3T3-L1, does not include BMP4 treatment. Thus we posit the positive role of Dies1 in adipogenesis, unlike that for Dies1 in differentiation of embryonic stem cells, does not include its pro-BMP4 effects. In support of this idea, 3T3-L1 adipocytes knocked down for Dies1 did not evidence decreased phospho-Smad1 levels upon BMP4 exposure. qPCR analysis of Dies1 transcript in multiple murine and human tissues reveals high enrichment in white adipose tissue (WAT). Interestingly, we observed a 10-fold induction of Dies1 transcript in WAT of fasted vs. fed mice, suggesting a role for Dies1 in nutritional response of mature fat cells in vivo. Together our data identify Dies1 as a new differentiation-dependent adipocyte plasma membrane protein whose expression is required for effective adipogenesis and that may also play a role in regard to nutritional status in WAT

Data on regulation of the gene for the adipocyte-enriched micropeptide Adig/Smaf1 by qPCR analysis and luciferase reporter assay

This article describes qPCR analysis for the Adig/Smaf1 gene in multiple in vitro adipocyte differentiation models including white and brown adipogenesis, cell lines and primary cultures. The article also contains qPCR data for transcript levels of Adig/Smaf1 in a wide panel of murine tissues. Expression of Adig/Smaf1 transcript in white and brown adipose tissue in fasted and refed mice is reported and also data for Adig/Smaf1 transcript expression in genetically obese ob/ob mice. Data on the effects of siRNA-mediated knockdown of Srebp1c on Adig/Smaf1 transcript levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes are shown. Luciferase reporter assays provide data for regulation of an ~ 2 kb fragment of the 5′ flanking region of Adig/Smaf1 gene by PPARγ/RXRα. This data is related to a research article describing Adig/Smaf1 protein expression, “Expression, regulation and functional assessment of the 80 amino acid Small Adipocyte Factor 1 (Smaf1) protein in adipocytes” (G. Ren, P. Eskandari, S. Wang, C.M. Smas, 2016) [1]