Glyoxylate reductase (GLYR) is a key enzyme in plant metabolism which catalyzes the detoxification of both photorespiratory glyoxylate and succinic semialdehdye, an intermediate of the γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) pathway. Two isoforms of GLYR exist in plants, GLYR1 and GLYR2, and while GLYR2 is known to be localized in plastids, GLYR1 has been reported to be localized in either peroxisomes or the cytosol. Here, the intracellular localization of Arabidopsis GLYR1 was reappraised by conducting microscopy-based experiments that address some novel mechanisms by which proteins can be directed to peroxisomes. For instance, the C-terminal tripeptide sequence of GLYR1, -SRE, despite its resemblance to a type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal, was not sufficient for peroxisomal targeting. Collectively, the results define the cytosol as the intracellular location of GLYR1 and provide a useful reference for future studies of proteins proposed to be localized to peroxisomes and/or the cytosol. / NSERC

The putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α ligand, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) induced cytoplasmic lipid droplet (LD) formation in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. Currently, the mechanism(s) by which CLA isomers affects hepatic LD formation is unclear. We have investigated the role of PPARα and fatty acid (FA) activation in the regulation of hepatic LD formation induced by CLA isomers [cis-9,trans-11 (c9,t11), trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12)] and linoleic acid (LA) in an in vitro model of lipid accumulation. Dose response of c9,t11 and t10,c12 CLA isomers as well as LA in quiescent H4IIE cells was assessed by Oil Red O staining and subsequent quantification after 24 hours. LD formation was induced by the CLA isomers similar to LA in a dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with the acyl CoA synthetase (ACS) inhibitor, triacsin C, resulted in significantly reduced LD formation. A similar reduction in lipid accumulation was observed with the PPARα activator, Wy14643. Furthermore, CLA isomers promoted H4IIE viability at 60 µM but decreased viability at a higher dose of 180 µM. To further understand the role of PPARα in hepatic steatosis, we studied the level and phosphorylation of PPARα in livers of male lean and fa/fa Zucker rats fed either a control diet or fa/fa Zucker rats fed a CLA isomer (0.4% wt/wt c9,t11 or 0.4% wt/wt t10,c12) diet for 8 weeks. Immunoblotting results showed that only the t10,c12 CLA isomer significantly reduced phospho-PPARα S21 compared to the lean control (ln Ctl) and it was associated with a significant increase in the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK).These changes were not observed with the c9,t11 CLA isomer. Taken together, we have shown that CLA isomers directly induce LD formation in quiescent H4IIEs by activation of the lipid storage pathway which was significantly reduced by triacsin C or Wy14643. Also, we demonstrate for the first time that only the t10,c12 CLA isomer significantly reduced PPARα phosphorylation while it increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These results indicate that the anti-steatotic effects of the t10,c12 CLA isomer is associated with changes in PPARα phosphorylation and thereby its activity in a MAPK-independent manner.

ABCD2 (D2) is a peroxisomal ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter that is expressed in brain, adrenal and liver. D2 is transcriptionally regulated by key transcriptional factors that control lipid and glucose metabolism. Therefore, we examined its role in adipose tissue. These studies revealed that D2 is highly abundant in adipose tissue and upregulated during adipogenesis. However, D2 deficiency does not affect either adipogenesis or lipid accumulation. An examination of the lipid profile of adipose tissue revealed the accumulation of C20 and C22 fatty acids in D2 deficient (D2‐/‐) mice. When challenged with a diet enriched in erucic acid (C22:1, 10% kcal), this lipid accumulated in both liver and adipose tissue. Following 8 weeks of diet, D2‐/‐ mice showed increased adiposity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia and steatosis. Analysis of the hepatic lipid profile showed significant changes away from poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and toward C18‐22 mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). RT‐PCR of the mRNA from the adipose tissue and liver revealed significant changes in lipogenic (ACC, SCD1 & 2) and PUFA synthesis (Δ5 & 6‐desaturase) genes in D2‐/‐ mice. The molecular mechanisms by which D2 regulates lipid metabolism in adipose tissue remains unclear. To explore potential mechanisms, the subcellular localization of D2 in adipose tissue was determined. Our results demonstrated that D2 resides in a distinct subclass of peroxisomes that does not containing classical peroxisomal markers such as pex19 or PMP70, but are positive for pex14. In conclusion, our studies reveal a novel role of D2 and peroxisomes in the protection from disruptions of lipid metabolism induced by dietary erucic acid and that D2 resides in a unique compartment within adipocytes that plays a yet to be elucidated role in the regulation of lipid metabolism.

ABCD2 (D2) has been proposed as a peroxisomal long-chain acyl-CoA transporter that is essential for very long chain fatty acid metabolism. In the livers of mice, D2 is highly induced by fenofibrate, a PPARα ligand that has been widely used as a lipid lowering agent in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. To determine if D2 is a modifier of fibrate responses, wild-type and D2 deficient mice were treated with fenofibrate for 14 days. The absence of D2 altered expression of gene clusters associated with lipid metabolism, including PPARα signaling. Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which express high levels of D2, we confirmed that knock-down of D2 modified genomic responses to fibrate treatment. We next evaluated the impact of D2 on effects of fibrates in a mouse model of dietinduced obesity. Fenofibrate treatment opposed the development of obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance. However, these effects were unaffected by D2 genotype. We concluded that D2 can modulate genomic responses to fibrates, but that these effects are not sufficiently robust to alter the effects of fibrates on diet-induced obesity phenotypes. Although proposed as a peroxisomal transporter, the intracellular localization of D2, especially in adipose tissue, has not been validated with direct experimental evidence. Sequential centrifugation of mouse adipose homogenates generated a fraction enriched with D2, but lacked well-known peroxisome markers including catalase, PEX19, and ABCD3 (D3). Electron microscopic imaging of this fraction confirmed the presence of D2 protein on an organelle with evidence of a dense matrix and a diameter of ~200 nm, the typical structure and size of a microperoxisome. D2 and PEX19 antibodies recognized distinct structures in mouse adipose. Immunoisolation of the D2-containing compartment from adipose tissue confirmed the scarcity of PEX19. Proteomic profiling of the D2 compartment revealed the presence of proteins associated peroxisome, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and mitochondria. We conclude that D2 is localized to a distinct subclass of peroxisomes that lack many peroxisome proteins and may physically associate with mitochondria and the ER.

The putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α ligand, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) induced cytoplasmic lipid droplet (LD) formation in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. Currently, the mechanism(s) by which CLA isomers affects hepatic LD formation is unclear. We have investigated the role of PPARα and fatty acid (FA) activation in the regulation of hepatic LD formation induced by CLA isomers [cis-9,trans-11 (c9,t11), trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12)] and linoleic acid (LA) in an in vitro model of lipid accumulation. Dose response of c9,t11 and t10,c12 CLA isomers as well as LA in quiescent H4IIE cells was assessed by Oil Red O staining and subsequent quantification after 24 hours. LD formation was induced by the CLA isomers similar to LA in a dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with the acyl CoA synthetase (ACS) inhibitor, triacsin C, resulted in significantly reduced LD formation. A similar reduction in lipid accumulation was observed with the PPARα activator, Wy14643. Furthermore, CLA isomers promoted H4IIE viability at 60 µM but decreased viability at a higher dose of 180 µM. To further understand the role of PPARα in hepatic steatosis, we studied the level and phosphorylation of PPARα in livers of male lean and fa/fa Zucker rats fed either a control diet or fa/fa Zucker rats fed a CLA isomer (0.4% wt/wt c9,t11 or 0.4% wt/wt t10,c12) diet for 8 weeks. Immunoblotting results showed that only the t10,c12 CLA isomer significantly reduced phospho-PPARα S21 compared to the lean control (ln Ctl) and it was associated with a significant increase in the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK).These changes were not observed with the c9,t11 CLA isomer. Taken together, we have shown that CLA isomers directly induce LD formation in quiescent H4IIEs by activation of the lipid storage pathway which was significantly reduced by triacsin C or Wy14643. Also, we demonstrate for the first time that only the t10,c12 CLA isomer significantly reduced PPARα phosphorylation while it increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These results indicate that the anti-steatotic effects of the t10,c12 CLA isomer is associated with changes in PPARα phosphorylation and thereby its activity in a MAPK-independent manner.

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), manufactured for a variety of industrial and consumer applications, are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Their accumulation in humans and wildlife raises serious health concerns. Here, we examined the potential effects of PFOA and PFOS on the innate immune system in mice. Short-term dietary exposure to high doses reduces the total number and subpopulations of circulating white blood cells. Moreover, production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages in the peritoneal cavity and bone marrow, but not in the spleen following exposure to in vitro or in vivo stimulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharides is enhanced. With respect to adaptive immunity, PFOS reduces the total numbers of thymocytes and splenocytes and subpopulations thereof in a dose dependent fashion. Furthermore, comparison of wild-type mice and the corresponding knock-out strain lacking peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha revealed that these immunological changes are partially dependent on this receptor. Our further studies also show that sub-chronic dietary exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of PFOS does not alter the cellularity of the thymus and spleen and exerts no influence on humoral immune responses. To facilitate examination of the effects of PFOA and PFOS on the hepatic immune system, we developed a procedure for mechanical disruption that yields a larger number of functionally competent immune cells from this organ. In our last study, lower doses of PFOA or PFOS induced hypertrophy of hepatocytes and altered the hepatic immune status. Thus, we find that short-term, high- and low-dose exposure of mice to these fluorochemicals is immunohepatotoxic. / Perfluorooktanat (PFOA) och perfluorooktansulfonat (PFOS) som tillverkas för många olika industri och konsumentprodukter, är globalt förekommande miljögifter. Deras ackumulering i människor och djur ger upphov till en stark oro för hälsoproblem. Vi har granskat effekterna av PFOA och PFOS på det medfödda, ospecifika immunförsvaret. Exponering för höga doser via maten under kort tid minskar det totala antalet cirkulerande vita blodkroppar samt delpopulationerna.. Immunsvaret ökar dock efter stimulering med bakteriella lipopolysaccharider både in vitro och in vivo , dvs produktionen av proinflammatoriska cytokiner av makrofager i bukhålan och benmärgen, men inte i mjälten ökar.. När det gäller adaptiv, specifik immunitet minskar PFOS det totala antalet tymocyter och splenocyter och deras olika subpopulationer. Vid exponering för lägre doser av PFOS induceras hepatomegali utan att påverka tymus eller mjälten.   Vi kunde visa att peroxisomal proliferator-aktiverad receptor-alfa medierar effekterna utav PFOS i tymus samt delar av effekterna av PFOS i mjälten genom att använda möss som saknade denna receptor. . Dettastöds av vår studie med subkronisk exponering för en miljömässig dos av PFOS vilken inte ändrade den cellulära sammansättningen i vare sig  tymus eller mjälte och inte hade  något inflytande på det humorala immunsvaret. För att underlätta studier av hur PFOA och PFOS påverkar immunsystemet i levern utvecklade vi en metod för framrening av immunceller via mekanisk sönderdelning av levern, vilket gavett större antal av funktionella  immunceller från detta organ. I vår sista studie kunde vi påvisa att lägre doser av PFOA eller PFOS inducerade hypertrofi av hepatocyter samt en påverkan av leverns immunförsvar.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Increases in the expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are widely known to be involved in aberrant growth in the early stage of colon cancer development. We herein demonstrated that the novel indole compound MW-03 reduced PGE2-induced cAMP formation by catalization to an inactive metabolite by inducing 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. MW-03 also inhibited colon cancer cell growth by arresting the cell cycle at the S phase. Although the target of MW-03 for cell cycle inhibition has not yet been identified, these dual anti-cancer effects of MW-03 itself and/or its leading compound(s) on colon cancer cells may reduce colon cancer development and, thus, have potential as a novel treatment for the early stage of this disease.

No description available.

L’acyl-CoA oxydase 1 (ACOX1) est l’enzyme qui catalyse la première étape de la voie classique de la β-oxydation peroxysomale. Cette voie catabolise exclusivement les acides gras à très longue chaîne (AGTLC). Chez l’homme, la déficience en ACOX1 est à l’origine de la pseudo adrénoleucodystrophie néonatale (P-NALD), une maladie neurodégénérative rare caractérisée par une accumulation des AGTLC dans le plasma et les tissus, une hépatomégalie, un retard du développement moteur et une démyélinisation de la matière blanche cérébrale. Chez la souris, l’extinction du gène Acox1 provoque une accumulation des AGTLC dans le plasma, un retard de croissance, une stéatose hépatique et le développement d’une hépatocarcinogenèse avec l’âge. Cependant, ces souris ne développent pas de symptômes cérébraux contrairement aux patients P NALD. Au cours de ce travail, on a pu montrer sur des fibroblastes issus de patients atteints de P NALD qu’en absence d’activité ACOX1, les peroxysomes sont diminués en nombre et augmentés en taille avec un niveau de β-oxydation peroxysomale fortement réduit. L’accumulation des AGTLC suite à la déficience en ACOX1 dans ces cellules provoque, au niveau transcriptionnel, la perturbation de la voie de synthèse du cholestérol et déclenche une réaction inflammatoire caractérisée par l’activation de la voie de l’IL-1 et la sécrétion d’IL-6 et d’IL-8. Le rôle métabolique important que joue l’ACOX1 dans l’homéostasie énergétique cellulaire a pu être souligné chez l’homme et chez la souris. En effet, la déficience en ACOX1 dans les fibroblastes de patients P-NALD perturbe la morphologie de la mitochondrie qui apparaît anormale ainsi que le métabolisme énergétique mitochondrial caractérisé par une inhibition de PGC-1α par acétylation, une surexpression de l’activité du complexe V et une diminution du taux d’ATP mitochondrial. L’absence dans le foie de l’activité ACOX1, chez la souris Acox1-/-, se traduit par des perturbations, au niveau mitochondrial, dela biogenèse et du métabolisme énergétique. Ces perturbations mitochondriales se caractérisent par une diminution de l’activité du complexe IV de la chaîne respiratoire accompagnée d’une diminution de la respiration. Cependant, ces perturbations n’affectent pas le taux d’ATP total. Les altérations mitochondriales observées chez les souris Acox1-/- sont en grande partie corrigées par l’expression de l’ACOX1 humaine. Ceci montre le rôle indispensable de l’ACOX1 dans l’homéostasie de la fonction mitochondriale.L’ensemble des résultats obtenus au cours de ce travail confirme l’importance de l’activité acyl-CoA oxydase 1 pour la dégradation des AGTLC au niveau du système de β-oxydation peroxysomale et pour la biogenèse du peroxysome. L’accumulation des substrats non métabolisés en absence d’ACOX1 pourrait être à l’origine de la perturbation de la fonction mitochondriale montrant à quel point l’activité de l’ACOX1 est indispensable au métabolisme cellulaire / Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation pathway of very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFAs). In humans, ACOX1 deficiency, also called pseudo-neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, is an autosomal recessive and a severe form of the peroxisomal β-oxidation deficiency. Patients suffer from severe delayed motor development followed by a progressive neurological regression including progressive hypodensity of cerebral white matter, hepatomegaly and deafness and die during late-infantile period. Elevated plasma and tissues VLCFAs levels are detected in these patients. Mice lacking ACOX1 develop severe microvesicular steatohepatitis with increased intrahepatic H2O2 levels and hepatocellular regeneration. Liver cell proliferation in Acox1-/- mice leads to complete replacement of steatotic hepatocytes with hepatocytes that exhibit massive spontaneous peroxisome proliferation. Older mice develop hepatocellular carcinomas due to the sustained activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα). Contrary to humans, mice lacking ACOX1 have no apparent neurological disorder. Based on fibroblasts cell model from P-NALD patients, we show that ACOX1 deficiency lead to abolition of peroxysomal β-oxidation of cerotic acid (C26:0) and modification of peroxysomal morphology which appear reduced in number and enlarged in size. Moreover, accumulation of VLCFAs in ACOX1 deficiency in human fibroblasts interferes at the transcription level with cholesterol synthesis pathway. Furthermore, these cells show activation of interleukin-1b pathway with elevated production of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 as an inflammatory response to metabolic disturbance due to VLCFAs accumulation. Furthermore, we show in this study that the ACOX1 deficiency in human fibroblasts and in mice liver leads to alteration of the mitochondrial ultra structure, changes in the expression and activity of mitochondrial chain complexes. These alterations of mitochondrial functions are accompanied by reduction in mitochondrial ATP levels in human fibroblasts and decreased mitochondrial respiration in ACOX1 deficient mice. Interestingly, the mitochondrial changes observed in Acox1-/- mice are restored by expression of human ACOX1 in liver suggesting an essential role of human and murine Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 activity in preventing mitochondrial and lipid disturbance.Together, the results presented in this work underscore the important role of ACOX1 in humans and mice to ensure peroxisomal β-oxidation, VLCFAs catabolism and to preserve peroxisomal morphology. Given mitochondrial perturbation in ACOX1 deficiency, it is clear that this enzyme plays a pivotal role in preventing VLCFAs accumulation and their cellular toxicity and guarantees mitochondrial normal morphology and function in response to energy demand