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Liang D, Li G. Pulling the trigger: Noncoding RNAs in white adipose tissue browning. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:399-420. [PMID: 38157150 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09866-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
White adipose tissue (WAT) serves as the primary site for energy storage and endocrine regulation in mammals, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized for thermogenesis and energy expenditure. The conversion of white adipocytes to brown-like fat cells, known as browning, has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for reversing obesity and its associated co-morbidities. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of transcripts that do not encode proteins but exert regulatory functions on gene expression at various levels. Recent studies have shed light on the involvement of ncRNAs in adipose tissue development, differentiation, and function. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of ncRNAs in adipose biology, with a focus on their role and intricate mechanisms in WAT browning. Also, we discuss the potential applications and challenges of ncRNA-based therapies for overweight and its metabolic disorders, so as to combat the obesity epidemic in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehuan Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
- Fifth School of Clinical Medicine (Beijing Hospital), Peking University, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoping Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
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Yan C, Zhan Y, Yuan S, Cao Y, Chen Y, Dong M, Zhang H, Chen L, Jiang R, Liu W, Jin W, Huang Y. Nuciferine prevents obesity by activating brown adipose tissue. Food Funct 2024; 15:967-976. [PMID: 38175708 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03632d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in obesity and related diseases. Increasing the amount or activity of BAT could prevent obesity. Therefore, a safe and effective method of activating BAT is urgently required. Here, we evaluated the potential effects of lotus leaf extract (LLE) on BAT function. We found that LLE substantially increased UCP1 mRNA and protein levels as well as thermogenic protein expression in primary brown adipocytes. Additionally, LLE treatment reduced diet-induced obesity and improved glucose homeostasis owing to BAT activation and increased energy expenditure. We found that nuciferine, an active ingredient of LLE, could dose-dependently activate BAT in vitro and in vivo, alleviate diet-induced obesity, and improve glucose homeostasis by increasing energy expenditure. Mechanistically, we found that nuciferine induced PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1-α) expression, which is a key gene involved in mitochondrial biogenesis promoter activity, by directly binding to RXRA. Furthermore, RXRA knockdown abolished expression of the nuciferine-induced mitochondrial and thermogenesis-related gene in primary brown adipocytes. In summary, we found that LLE and nuciferine have a notable effect on BAT activation and highlight the potential applications of the main component of LLE in preventing obesity and treating metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlong Yan
- Yanbian University Agriculture College, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Yang Zhan
- Jiangzhong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shouli Yuan
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Beijing, China
| | - Yujing Cao
- Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
| | - Yi Chen
- Chinese PLA General Hospital First Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Dong
- Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
| | - Hanlin Zhang
- Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
| | - Rui Jiang
- Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Jiangzhong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wanzhu Jin
- Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
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Tan X, Zhu T, Zhang L, Fu L, Hu Y, Li H, Li C, Zhang J, Liang B, Liu J. miR-669a-5p promotes adipogenic differentiation and induces browning in preadipocytes. Adipocyte 2022; 11:120-132. [PMID: 35094659 PMCID: PMC8803067 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2022.2030570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major global health issue that contributes to the occurrence of metabolic disorders. Based on this fact, understanding the underlying mechanisms and to uncover promising therapeutic approaches for obesity have attracted intense investigation. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) can help burns excess calories. Therefore, promoting White adipose tissue (WAT) browning and BAT activation is an attractive strategy for obesity treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs, which are involved in regulation of adipogenic processes and metabolic functions. Evidence is accumulating that miRNAs are important regulators for both brown adipocyte differentiation and white adipocyte browning. Here we report that the expression of miR-669a-5p increases during the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 and C3H10T1/2 adipocytes. miR-669a-5p supplementation promotes adipogenic differentiation and causes browning of 3T3-L1 and C3H10T1/2 cells. Moreover, the expression of miR-669a-5p is upregulated in iWAT of mice exposed to cold. These data demonstrate that miR-669a-5p plays a role in regulating adipocyte differentiation and fat browning.Abbreviations: Acadl: long-chain acyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase; Acadm: medium-chain acyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase; Acadvl: very long-chain acyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase, very long chain; Aco2: mitochondrial aconitase 2; BAT: brown adipose tissue; Bmper: BMP-binding endothelial regulator; Cpt1-b:carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b; Cpt2: carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2; Crat: carnitine acetyltransferase; Cs: citrate synthase; C2MC: Chromosome 2 miRNA cluster; DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium; eWAT: epididymal white adipose tissue; ETC: electron transport chain; FAO: fatty acid oxidation; Fabp4:fatty acid binding protein 4; FBS: fetal bovine serum; Hadha: hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex subunit alpha; Hadhb: hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex subunit beta; HFD: high fat diet; Idh3a: isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 alpha; iWAT: inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue; Lpl: lipoprotein lipase; Mdh2: malate dehydrogenase 2; NBCS: NewBorn Calf Serum; mt-Nd1: mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1; Ndufb8:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B8; Nrf1: nuclear respiratory factor 1; Pgc1α: peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha; Pgc1b: peroxisome proliferative activated receptor, gamma, coactivator 1 beta; Pparγ: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma; Prdm16: PR domain containing 16; Rgs4: regulator of G-protein signaling 4; Sdhb: succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit B; Sdhc: succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit C; Sdhd: succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit D; Sh3d21: SH3 domain containing 21; Sfmbt2: Scm-like with four mbt domains 2; TG: triglyceride; TCA: tricarboxylic acid cycle; Tfam: transcription factor A, mitochondrial; TMRE: tetramethylrhodamine, methyl ester; Ucp1: uncoupling protein 1; Uqcrc2: ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase core protein 2; WAT: White adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Linqiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Lin Fu
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Chengbin Li
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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Ma L, Gilani A, Yi Q, Tang L. MicroRNAs as Mediators of Adipose Thermogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Obesity. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1657. [PMID: 36421371 PMCID: PMC9687157 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a growing health problem worldwide, associated with an increased risk of multiple chronic diseases. The thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) correlates with leanness in adults. Understanding the mechanisms behind BAT activation and the process of white fat "browning" has important implications for developing new treatments to combat obesity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small transcriptional regulators that control gene expression in various tissues, including adipose tissue. Recent studies show that miRNAs are involved in adipogenesis and adipose tissue thermogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the role of miRNAs in adipocyte thermogenesis and obesity. The potential for miRNA-based therapies for obesity and recommendations for future research are highlighted, which may help provide new targets for treating obesity and obesity-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunkun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ankit Gilani
- Weill Center for Metabolic Health, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646099, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Role of microRNA in Endocrine Disruptor-Induced Immunomodulation of Metabolic Health. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12111034. [DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of poor metabolic health is growing exponentially worldwide. This condition is associated with complex comorbidities that lead to a compromised quality of life. One of the contributing factors recently gaining attention is exposure to environmental chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Considerable evidence suggests that EDCs can alter the endocrine system through immunomodulation. More concerning, EDC exposure during the fetal development stage has prominent adverse effects later in life, which may pass on to subsequent generations. Although the mechanism of action for this phenomenon is mostly unexplored, recent reports implicate that non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRs), may play a vital role in this scenario. MiRs are significant contributors in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Studies demonstrating the immunomodulation of EDCs via miRs in metabolic health or towards the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Hypothesis are still deficient. The aim of the current review was to focus on studies that demonstrate the impact of EDCs primarily on innate immunity and the potential role of miRs in metabolic health.
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