PI3-kinase-dependent activation of apoptotic machinery occurs on commitment of epidermal keratinocytes to terminal differentiation

We have investigated the earliest events in commitment of human epidermal keratinocytes to terminal differentiation. Phosphorylated Akt and caspase activation were detected in cells exiting the basal layer of the epidermis. Activation of Akt by retroviral transduction of primary cultures of human keratinocytes resulted in an increase in abortive clones founded by transit amplifying cells, while inhibition of the upstream kinase, PI3 kinase, inhibited suspension-induced terminal differentiation. Caspase inhibition also blocked differentiation, the primary mediator being caspase 8. Caspase activation was initiated by 2 hours in suspension, preceding the onset of expression of the terminal differentiation marker involucrin by several hours. Incubation of suspended cells with fibronectin or inhibition of PI3 kinase prevented caspase induction. At 2 hours in suspension, keratinocytes that had committed to terminal differentiation had increased side scatter, were 7AAD positive and annexin V negative; they exhibited loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased cardiolipin oxidation, but with no increase in reactive oxygen species. These properties indicate that the onset of terminal differentiation, while regulated by PI3 kinase and caspases, is not a classical apoptotic process

SIRT2 Suppresses Adipocyte Differentiation by Deacetylating FOXO1 and Enhancing FOXO1's Repressive Interaction with PPARγ

Sirtuin family of proteins possesses NAD-dependent deacetylase and ADP ribosyltransferase activities. They are found to respond to nutrient deprivation and profoundly regulate metabolic functions. We have previously reported that caloric restriction increases the expression of one of the seven mammalian sirtuins, SIRT2, in tissues such as white adipose tissue. Because adipose tissue is a key metabolic organ playing a critical role in whole body energy homeostasis, we went on to explore the function of SIRT2 in adipose tissue. We found short-term food deprivation for 24 h, already induces SIRT2 expression in white and brown adipose tissues. Additionally, cold exposure elevates SIRT2 expression in brown adipose tissue but not in white adipose tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of a β-adrenergic agonist (isoproterenol) enhances SIRT2 expression in white adipose tissue. Retroviral expression of SIRT2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes promotes lipolysis. SIRT2 inhibits 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation in low-glucose (1 g/l) or low-insulin (100 nM) condition. Mechanistically, SIRT2 suppresses adipogenesis by deacetylating FOXO1 to promote FOXO1's binding to PPARγ and subsequent repression on PPARγ transcriptional activity. Overall, our results indicate that SIRT2 responds to nutrient deprivation and energy expenditure to maintain energy homeostasis by promoting lipolysis and inhibiting adipocyte differentiation