Dual modulation of both lipid oxidation and synthesis by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α and -1β in cultured myotubes

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family is a key regulator of mitochondrial function, and reduced mRNA expression may contribute to muscle lipid accumulation in obesity and type 2 diabetes. To characterize the effects of PGC-1 on lipid metabolism, we overexpressed PGC-1α and PGC-1β in C2C12 myotubes using adenoviral vectors. Both PGC-1α and -1β increased palmitate oxidation [31% (P<0.01) and 26% (P<0.05), respectively] despite reductions in cellular uptake [by 6% (P<0.05) and 21% (P<0.001)]. Moreover, PGC-1α and -1β increased mRNA expression of genes regulating both lipid oxidation (e.g., CPT1b and ACADL/M) and synthesis (FAS, CS, ACC1/2, and DGAT1). To determine the net effect, we assessed lipid composition in PGC-1-expressing cells. Total lipid content decreased by 42% in palmitate-loaded serum-starved cells overexpressing PGC-1α (P<0.05). In contrast, in serum-replete cells, total lipid content was not significantly altered, but fatty acids C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 were increased 2- to 4-fold for PGC-1α/β (P<0.05). Stable isotope-based dynamic metabolic profiling in serum-replete cells labeled with 13C substrates revealed both increased de novo fatty acid synthesis from glucose and increased fatty acid synthesis by chain elongation with either PGC-1α or -1β expression. These results indicate that PGC-1 can promote both lipid oxidation and synthesis, with net balance determined by the nutrient/hormonal environment.—Espinoza, D. O., Boros, L. G., Crunkhorn, S., Gami, H., Patti, M.-E. Dual Modulation of both lipid oxidation and synthesis by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α and -1β in cultured myotubes