The expression of GPIHBP1, an endothelial cell binding site for lipoprotein lipase and chylomicrons, is induced by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma

Single-cell Transcriptomics Reveals the Aggressive Landscape of High-Grade Serous Carcinoma and Therapeutic Targets in Tumor Microenvironment

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is characterized by early abdominal metastasis, leading to a dismal prognosis. In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on 109,573 cells from 34 tumor samples of 18 HGSC patients, including both primary tumors and their metastatic sites. Our analysis revealed a distinct S100A9+ tumor cell subtype present in both primary and metastatic sites, strongly associated with poor overall survival. This subtype exhibited high expression of S100A8, S100A9, ADGRF1, CEACAM6, CST6, NDRG2, MUC4, PI3, SDC1, and C15orf48. Individual knockdown of these ten marker genes, validated through in vitro and in vivo models, significantly inhibited ovarian cancer growth and invasion. Around S100A9+ tumor cells, a population of HK2+_CAF was identified, characterized by activated glycolysis metabolism, correlating with shorter overall survival in patients. Notably, similar to CAFs, immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) subtypes underwent glycolipid metabolism reprogramming via PPARgamma regulation, promoting tumor metastasis. These findings shed light on the mechanisms driving the aggressiveness of HGSC, offering crucial insights for the development of novel therapeutic targets against this formidable cancer.

The evolving functions of the vasculature in regulating adipose tissue biology in health and obesity

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ and a crucial regulator of energy storage and systemic metabolic homeostasis. Additionally, adipose tissue is a pivotal regulator of cardiovascular health and disease, mediated in part by the endocrine and paracrine secretion of several bioactive products, such as adipokines. Adipose vasculature has an instrumental role in the modulation of adipose tissue expansion, homeostasis and metabolism. The role of the adipose vasculature has been extensively explored in the context of obesity, which is recognized as a global health problem. Obesity-induced accumulation of fat, in combination with vascular rarefaction, promotes adipocyte dysfunction and induces oxidative stress, hypoxia and inflammation. It is now recognized that obesity-associated endothelial dysfunction often precedes the development of cardiovascular diseases. Investigations have revealed heterogeneity within the vascular niche and dynamic reciprocity between vascular and adipose cells, which can become dysregulated in obesity. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving functions of the vasculature in regulating adipose tissue biology in health and obesity.

Oxaliplatin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice is connected to the changes in energy metabolism in the heart tissue

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based alkylating chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer treatment. At high cumulative dosage, the negative effect of oxaliplatin on the heart becomes evident and is linked to a growing number of clinical reports. The aim of this study was to determine how chronic oxaliplatin treatment causes the changes in energy-related metabolic activity in the heart that leads to cardiotoxicity and heart damage in mice. C57BL/6 male mice were treated with a human equivalent dosage of intraperitoneal oxaliplatin (0 and 10 mg/kg) once a week for eight weeks. During the treatment, mice were followed for physiological parameters, ECG, histology and RNA sequencing of the heart. We identified that oxaliplatin induces strong changes in the heart and affects the heart's energy-related metabolic profile. Histological post-mortem evaluation identified focal myocardial necrosis infiltrated with a small number of associated neutrophils. Accumulated doses of oxaliplatin led to significant changes in gene expression related to energy related metabolic pathways including fatty acid (FA) oxidation, amino acid metabolism, glycolysis, electron transport chain, and NAD synthesis pathway. At high accumulative doses of oxaliplatin, the heart shifts its metabolism from FAs to glycolysis and increases lactate production. It also leads to strong overexpression of genes in NAD synthesis pathways such as Nmrk2. Changes in gene expression associated with energy metabolic pathways can be used to develop diagnostic methods to detect oxaliplatin-induced cardiotoxicity early on as well as therapy to compensate for the energy deficit in the heart to prevent heart damage.

Spatial transcriptomic profiles of mouse uterine microenvironments at pregnancy day 7.5†

Uterine dysfunctions lead to fertility disorders and pregnancy complications. Normal uterine functions at pregnancy depend on crosstalk among multiple cell types in uterine microenvironments. Here, we performed the spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-seq assays to determine local gene expression profiles at the embryo implantation site of the mouse uterus on pregnancy day 7.5 (D7.5). The spatial transcriptomic annotation identified 11 domains of distinct gene signatures, including a mesometrial myometrium, an anti-mesometrial myometrium, a mesometrial decidua enriched with natural killer cells, a vascular sinus zone for maternal vessel remodeling, a fetal-maternal interface, a primary decidual zone, a transition decidual zone, a secondary decidual zone, undifferentiated stroma, uterine glands, and the embryo. The scRNA-Seq identified 12 types of cells in the D7.5 uterus including three types of stromal fibroblasts with differentiated and undifferentiated markers, one cluster of epithelium including luminal and glandular epithelium, mesothelium, endothelia, pericytes, myelomonocytic cell, natural killer cells, and lymphocyte B. These single-cell RNA signatures were then utilized to deconvolute the cell-type compositions of each individual uterine microenvironment. Functional annotation assays on spatial transcriptomic data revealed uterine microenvironments with distinguished metabolic preferences, immune responses, and various cellular behaviors that are regulated by region-specific endocrine and paracrine signals. Global interactome among regions is also projected based on the spatial transcriptomic data. This study provides high-resolution transcriptome profiles with locality information at the embryo implantation site to facilitate further investigations on molecular mechanisms for normal pregnancy progression.

Cardiac Metabolism and Contractile Function in Mice with Reduced Trans-Endothelial Fatty Acid Transport

The heart is a metabolic omnivore that combusts a considerable amount of energy substrates, mainly long-chain fatty acids (FAs) and others such as glucose, lactate, ketone bodies, and amino acids. There is emerging evidence that muscle-type continuous capillaries comprise the rate-limiting barrier that regulates FA uptake into cardiomyocytes. The transport of FAs across the capillary endothelium is composed of three major steps-the lipolysis of triglyceride on the luminal side of the endothelium, FA uptake by the plasma membrane, and intracellular FA transport by cytosolic proteins. In the heart, impaired trans-endothelial FA (TEFA) transport causes reduced FA uptake, with a compensatory increase in glucose use. In most cases, mice with reduced FA uptake exhibit preserved cardiac function under unstressed conditions. When the workload is increased, however, the total energy supply relative to its demand (estimated with pool size in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle) is significantly diminished, resulting in contractile dysfunction. The supplementation of alternative fuels, such as medium-chain FAs and ketone bodies, at least partially restores contractile dysfunction, indicating that energy insufficiency due to reduced FA supply is the predominant cause of cardiac dysfunction. Based on recent in vivo findings, this review provides the following information related to TEFA transport: (1) the mechanisms of FA uptake by the heart, including TEFA transport; (2) the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of genes associated with TEFA transport; (3) in vivo cardiac metabolism and contractile function in mice with reduced TEFA transport under unstressed conditions; and (4) in vivo contractile dysfunction in mice with reduced TEFA transport under diseased conditions, including an increased afterload and streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Trans-endothelial trafficking of metabolic substrates and its importance in cardio-metabolic disease

The endothelium acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the movement of biomolecules between the circulation and underlying tissues. Although conditions of metabolic stress are traditionally considered as causes of endothelial dysfunction, a principal driver of cardiovascular disease, accumulating evidence suggests that endothelial cells are also active players in maintaining local metabolic homeostasis, in part, through regulating the supply of metabolic substrates, including lipids and glucose, to energy-demanding organs. Therefore, endothelial dysfunction, in terms of altered trans-endothelial trafficking of these substrates, may in fact be an early contributor towards the establishment of metabolic dysfunction and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin substrate trafficking through the endothelium represents an important area within the vascular and metabolism fields that may offer an opportunity for identifying novel therapeutic targets. This mini-review summarises the emerging mechanisms regulating the trafficking of lipids and glucose through the endothelial barrier and how this may impact on the development of cardio-metabolic disease.

A novel NanoBiT-based assay monitors the interaction between lipoprotein lipase and GPIHBP1 in real time

The hydrolysis of triglycerides in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by LPL is critical for the delivery of triglyceride-derived fatty acids to tissues, including heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissues. Physiologically active LPL is normally bound to the endothelial cell protein glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), which transports LPL across endothelial cells, anchors LPL to the vascular wall, and stabilizes LPL activity. Disruption of LPL-GPIHBP1 binding significantly alters triglyceride metabolism and lipid partitioning. In this study, we modified the NanoLuc® Binary Technology split-luciferase system to develop a novel assay that monitors the binding of LPL to GPIHBP1 on endothelial cells in real time. We validated the specificity and sensitivity of the assay using endothelial lipase and a mutant version of LPL and found that this assay reliably and specifically detected the interaction between LPL and GPIHBP1. We then interrogated various endogenous and exogenous inhibitors of LPL-mediated lipolysis for their ability to disrupt the binding of LPL to GPIHBP1. We found that angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL)4 and ANGPTL3-ANGPTL8 complexes disrupted the interactions of LPL and GPIHBP1, whereas the exogenous LPL blockers we tested (tyloxapol, poloxamer-407, and tetrahydrolipstatin) did not. We also found that chylomicrons could dissociate LPL from GPIHBP1 and found evidence that this dissociation was mediated in part by the fatty acids produced by lipolysis. These results demonstrate the ability of this assay to monitor LPL-GPIHBP1 binding and to probe how various agents influence this important complex.

An upstream enhancer regulates Gpihbp1 expression in a tissue-specific manner

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), the protein that shuttles LPL to the capillary lumen, is essential for plasma triglyceride metabolism. When GPIHBP1 is absent, LPL remains stranded within the interstitial spaces and plasma triglyceride hydrolysis is impaired, resulting in severe hypertriglyceridemia. While the functions of GPIHBP1 in intravascular lipolysis are reasonably well understood, no one has yet identified DNA sequences regulating GPIHBP1 expression. In the current studies, we identified an enhancer element located ∼3.6 kb upstream from exon 1 of mouse Gpihbp1. To examine the importance of the enhancer, we used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create mice lacking the enhancer (Gpihbp1Enh/Enh). Removing the enhancer reduced Gpihbp1 expression by >90% in the liver and by ∼50% in heart and brown adipose tissue. The reduced expression of GPIHBP1 was insufficient to prevent LPL from reaching the capillary lumen, and it did not lead to hypertriglyceridemia-even when mice were fed a high-fat diet. Compound heterozygotes (Gpihbp1Enh/- mice) displayed further reductions in Gpihbp1 expression and exhibited partial mislocalization of LPL (increased amounts of LPL within the interstitial spaces of the heart), but the plasma triglyceride levels were not perturbed. The enhancer element that we identified represents the first insight into DNA sequences controlling Gpihbp1 expression.

Decreased GPIHBP1 protein levels in visceral adipose tissue partly underlie the hypertriglyceridemic phenotype in insulin resistance

GPIHBP1 is a protein localized at the endothelial cell surface that facilitates triglyceride (TG) lipolysis by binding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Whether Glycosyl Phosphatidyl Inositol high density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) function is impaired and may underlie the hyperTG phenotype observed in type 2 diabetes is not yet established. To elucidate the mechanism underlying impaired TG homeostasis in insulin resistance state we studied the effect of insulin on GPIHBP1 protein expression in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) under flow conditions. Next, we assessed visceral adipose tissue GPIHBP1 protein expression in type 2 diabetes Lepr^db/db mouse model as well as in subjects with ranging levels of insulin resistance. We report that insulin reduces the expression of GPIHBP1 protein in HMVECs. Furthermore, GPIHBP1 protein expression in visceral adipose tissue in Lepr^db/db mice is significantly reduced as is the active monomeric form of GPIHBP1 as compared to Lepr^db/m mice. A similar decrease in GPIHBP1 protein was observed in subjects with increased body weight. GPIHBP1 protein expression was negatively associated with insulin and HOMA-IR.

In conclusion, our data suggest that decreased GPIHBP1 availability in insulin resistant state may hamper peripheral lipolysis capacity.

Lipoprotein lipase transporter GPIHBP1 and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism

Increased plasma triglyceride serves as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which hydrolyzes circulating triglyceride, plays a crucial role in normal lipid metabolism and energy balance. Hypertriglyceridemia is possibly caused by gene mutations resulting in LPL dysfunction. There are many factors that both positively and negatively interact with LPL thereby impacting TG lipolysis. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), a newly identified factor, appears essential for transporting LPL to the luminal side of the blood vessel and offering a platform for TG hydrolysis. Numerous lines of evidence indicate that GPIHBP1 exerts distinct functions and plays diverse roles in human triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) metabolism. In this review, we discuss the GPIHBP1 gene, protein, its expression and function and subsequently focus on its regulation and provide critical evidence supporting its role in TRL metabolism. Underlying mechanisms of action are highlighted, additional studies discussed and potential therapeutic targets reviewed.

Angiopoietin-like 4 directs uptake of dietary fat away from adipose during fasting

Objective

Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a fasting-induced inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and a regulator of plasma triglyceride metabolism. Here, we examined the kinetics of Angptl4 induction and tested the hypothesis that ANGPTL4 functions physiologically to reduce triglyceride delivery to adipose tissue during nutrient deprivation.

Methods

Gene expression, LPL activity, and triglyceride uptake were examined in fasted and fed wild-type and Angptl4^−/− mice.

Results

Angptl4 was strongly induced early in fasting, and this induction was suppressed in mice with access to food during the light cycle. Fasted Angptl4^−/− mice manifested increased LPL activity and triglyceride uptake in adipose tissue compared to wild-type mice.

Conclusions

Angptl4 is induced early in fasting to divert uptake of fatty acids and triglycerides away from adipose tissues.

•Angptl4 is induced within the first few hours of fasting.

•Angptl4 expression is driven by fasting rather than circadian rhythms.

•Fasted Angptl4^−/− mice have increased triglyceride uptake in adipose tissue.

•Angptl4^−/− mice also have increased LPL activity specifically in adipose tissue.

•Data support a model where ANGPTL4 acts locally in adipose during fasting.

Mutating a conserved cysteine in GPIHBP1 reduces amounts of GPIHBP1 in capillaries and abolishes LPL binding

Mutation of conserved cysteines in proteins of the Ly6 family cause human disease-chylomicronemia in the case of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored HDL binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in the case of CD59. A mutation in a conserved cysteine in CD59 prevented the protein from reaching the surface of blood cells. In contrast, mutation of conserved cysteines in human GPIHBP1 had little effect on GPIHBP1 trafficking to the surface of cultured CHO cells. The latter findings were somewhat surprising and raised questions about whether CHO cell studies accurately model the fate of mutant GPIHBP1 proteins in vivo. To explore this concern, we created mice harboring a GPIHBP1 cysteine mutation (p.C63Y). The p.C63Y mutation abolished the ability of mouse GPIHBP1 to bind LPL, resulting in severe chylomicronemia. The mutant GPIHBP1 was detectable by immunohistochemistry on the surface of endothelial cells, but the level of expression was ∼70% lower than in WT mice. The mutant GPIHBP1 protein in mouse tissues was predominantly monomeric. We conclude that mutation of a conserved cysteine in GPIHBP1 abolishes the ability of GPIHBP1 to bind LPL, resulting in mislocalization of LPL and severe chylomicronemia. The mutation reduced but did not eliminate GPIHBP1 on the surface of endothelial cells in vivo.

Emerging strategies of targeting lipoprotein lipase for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases

Although statins and other pharmacological approaches have improved the management of lipid abnormalities, there exists a need for newer treatment modalities especially for the management of hypertriglyceridemia. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), by promoting hydrolytic cleavage of the triglyceride core of lipoproteins, is a crucial node in the management of plasma lipid levels. Although LPL expression and activity modulation is observed as a pleiotropic action of some the commonly used lipid lowering drugs, the deliberate development of drugs targeting LPL has not occurred yet. In this review, we present the biology of LPL, highlight the LPL modulation property of currently used drugs and review the novel emerging approaches to target LPL.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activation favours selective subcutaneous lipid deposition by coordinately regulating lipoprotein lipase modulators, fatty acid transporters and lipogenic enzymes

AIM

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ activation is associated with preferential lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated fatty acid storage in peripheral subcutaneous fat depots. How PPARγ agonism acts upon the multi-level modulation of depot-specific lipid storage remains incompletely understood.

METHODS

We evaluated herein triglyceride-derived lipid incorporation into adipose tissue depots, LPL mass and activity, mRNA levels and content of proteins involved in the modulation of LPL activity and fatty acid transport, and the expression/activity of enzymes defining adipose tissue lipogenic potential in rats treated with the PPARγ ligand rosiglitazone (30 mg kg(-1)  day(-1) , 23 days) after either a 10-h fasting period or a 17-h fast followed by 6 h of ad libitum refeeding.

RESULTS

Rosiglitazone stimulated lipid accretion in subcutaneous fat (SF) ~twofold and significantly reduced that of visceral fat (VF) to nearly half. PPARγ activation selectively increased LPL mass, activity and the expression of its chaperone LMF1 in SF. In VF, rosiglitazone had no effect on LPL activity and downregulated the mRNA levels of the transendothelial transporter GPIHBP1. Overexpression of lipid uptake and fatty acid transport proteins (FAT/CD36, FATP1 and FABP4) and stimulation of lipogenic enzyme activities (GPAT, AGPAT and DGAT) upon rosiglitazone treatment were of higher magnitude in SF.

CONCLUSIONS

Together these findings demonstrate that the depot-specific transcriptional control of LPL induced by PPARγ activation extends to its key interacting proteins and post-translational modulators to favour subcutaneous lipid storage.

Cardiomyocyte-endothelial cell control of lipoprotein lipase

In people with diabetes, inadequate pharmaceutical management predisposes the patient to heart failure, which is the leading cause of diabetes related death. One instigator for this cardiac dysfunction is change in fuel utilization by the heart. Thus, following diabetes, when cardiac glucose utilization is impaired, the heart undergoes metabolic transformation wherein it switches to using fats as an exclusive source of energy. Although this switching is geared to help the heart initially, in the long term, this has detrimental effects on cardiac function. These include the generation of noxious byproducts, which damage the cardiomyocytes, and ultimately result in increased morbidity and mortality. A key perpetrator that may be responsible for organizing this metabolic disequilibrium is lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the enzyme responsible for providing fat to the hearts. Either exaggeration or reduction in its activity following diabetes could lead to heart dysfunction. Given the disturbing news that diabetes is rampant across the globe, gaining more insight into the mechanism(s) by which cardiac LPL is regulated may assist other researchers in devising new therapeutic strategies to restore metabolic equilibrium, to help prevent or delay heart disease seen during diabetes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Heart Lipid Metabolism edited by G.D. Lopaschuk.

Targeting fatty acid metabolism to improve glucose metabolism

Disturbances in fatty acid metabolism in adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, gut and pancreas play an important role in the development of insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Alterations in diet composition may contribute to prevent and/or reverse these disturbances through modulation of fatty acid metabolism. Besides an increased fat mass, adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by an altered capacity to store lipids and an altered secretion of adipokines, may result in lipid overflow, systemic inflammation and excessive lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues like liver, skeletal muscle and the pancreas. These impairments together promote the development of impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, intrinsic functional impairments in either of these organs may contribute to lipotoxicity and insulin resistance. The present review provides an overview of fatty acid metabolism-related pathways in adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas and gut, which can be targeted by diet or food components, thereby improving glucose metabolism.

Angiopoietin-like 4 Modifies the Interactions between Lipoprotein Lipase and Its Endothelial Cell Transporter GPIHBP1

The release of fatty acids from plasma triglycerides for tissue uptake is critically dependent on the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Hydrolysis of plasma triglycerides by LPL can be disrupted by the protein angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), and ANGPTL4 has been shown to inactivate LPL in vitro. However, in vivo LPL is often complexed to glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) on the surface of capillary endothelial cells. GPIHBP1 is responsible for trafficking LPL across capillary endothelial cells and anchors LPL to the capillary wall during lipolysis. How ANGPTL4 interacts with LPL in this context is not known. In this study, we investigated the interactions of ANGPTL4 with LPL-GPIHBP1 complexes on the surface of endothelial cells. We show that ANGPTL4 was capable of binding and inactivating LPL complexed to GPIHBP1 on the surface of endothelial cells. Once inactivated, LPL dissociated from GPIHBP1. We also show that ANGPTL4-inactivated LPL was incapable of binding GPIHBP1. ANGPTL4 was capable of binding, but not inactivating, LPL at 4 °C, suggesting that binding alone was not sufficient for ANGPTL4's inhibitory activity. We observed that although the N-terminal coiled-coil domain of ANGPTL4 by itself and full-length ANGPTL4 both bound with similar affinities to LPL, the N-terminal fragment was more potent in inactivating both free and GPIHBP1-bound LPL. These results led us to conclude that ANGPTL4 can both bind and inactivate LPL complexed to GPIHBP1 and that inactivation of LPL by ANGPTL4 greatly reduces the affinity of LPL for GPIHBP1.

Intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of cardiac lipoprotein lipase following diabetes

Cardiac lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a pivotal enzyme controlling heart metabolism by providing the majority of fatty acids required by this organ. From activation in cardiomyocytes to secretion to the vascular lumen, cardiac LPL is regulated by multiple pathways, which are altered during diabetes. Hence, dimerization/activation of LPL is modified following diabetes, a process controlled by lipase maturation factor 1. The role of AMP-activated protein kinase, protein kinase D, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, intrinsic factors that regulate the intracellular transport of LPL is also shifted, and is discussed. More recent studies have identified several exogenous factors released from endothelial cells (EC) and adipose tissue that are required for proper functioning of LPL. In response to hyperglycemia, both active and latent heparanase are released from EC to facilitate LPL secretion. Diabetes also increased the expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) in EC, which mediates the transport of LPL across EC. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 secreted from the adipose tissue has the potential to reduce coronary LPL activity. Knowledge of these intrinsic and extrinsic factors could be used develop therapeutic targets to normalize LPL function, and maintain cardiac energy homeostasis after diabetes.

Endothelial cells respond to hyperglycemia by increasing the LPL transporter GPIHBP1

In diabetes, when glucose uptake and oxidation are impaired, the heart is compelled to use fatty acid (FA) almost exclusively for ATP. The vascular content of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the rate-limiting enzyme that determines circulating triglyceride clearance, is largely responsible for this FA delivery and increases following diabetes. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein [GPIHBP1; a protein expressed abundantly in the heart in endothelial cells (EC)] collects LPL from the interstitial space and transfers it across ECs onto the luminal binding sites of these cells, where the enzyme is functional. We tested whether ECs respond to hyperglycemia by increasing GPIHBP1. Streptozotocin diabetes increased cardiac LPL activity and GPIHBP1 gene and protein expression. The increased LPL and GPIHBP1 were located at the capillary lumen. In vitro, passaging EC caused a loss of GPIHBP1, which could be induced on exposure to increasing concentrations of glucose. The high-glucose-induced GPIHBP1 increased LPL shuttling across EC monolayers. GPIHBP1 expression was linked to the EC content of heparanase. Moreover, active heparanase increased GPIHBP1 gene and protein expression. Both ECs and myocyte heparan sulfate proteoglycan-bound platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) released by heparanase caused augmentation of GPIHBP1. Overall, our data suggest that this protein "ensemble" (heparanase-PDGF-GPIHBP1) cooperates in the diabetic heart to regulate FA delivery and utilization by the cardiomyocytes. Interrupting this axis may be a novel therapeutic strategy to restore metabolic equilibrium, curb lipotoxicity, and help prevent or delay heart dysfunction that is characteristic of diabetes.

Endothelium as a gatekeeper of fatty acid transport

The endothelium transcends all clinical disciplines and is crucial to the function of every organ system. A critical, but poorly understood, role of the endothelium is its ability to control the transport of energy supply according to organ needs. Fatty acids (FAs) in particular represent a key energy source that is utilized by a number of tissues, but utilization must be tightly regulated to avoid potentially deleterious consequences of excess accumulation, including insulin resistance. Recent studies have identified important endothelial signaling mechanisms, involving vascular endothelial growth factor-B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and apelin, that mediate endothelial regulation of FA transport. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which these signaling pathways regulate this key endothelial function.

Adipose-specific lipoprotein lipase deficiency more profoundly affects brown than white fat biology

Adipose fat storage is thought to require uptake of circulating triglyceride (TG)-derived fatty acids via lipoprotein lipase (LpL). To determine how LpL affects the biology of adipose tissue, we created adipose-specific LpL knock-out (ATLO) mice, and we compared them with whole body LpL knock-out mice rescued with muscle LpL expression (MCK/L0) and wild type (WT) mice. ATLO LpL mRNA and activity were reduced, respectively, 75 and 70% in gonadal adipose tissue (GAT), 90 and 80% in subcutaneous tissue, and 84 and 85% in brown adipose tissue (BAT). ATLO mice had increased plasma TG levels associated with reduced chylomicron TG uptake into BAT and lung. ATLO BAT, but not GAT, had altered TG composition. GAT from MCK/L0 was smaller and contained less polyunsaturated fatty acids in TG, although GAT from ATLO was normal unless LpL was overexpressed in muscle. High fat diet feeding led to less adipose in MCK/L0 mice but TG acyl composition in subcutaneous tissue and BAT reverted to that of WT. Therefore, adipocyte LpL in BAT modulates plasma lipoprotein clearance, and the greater metabolic activity of this depot makes its lipid composition more dependent on LpL-mediated uptake. Loss of adipose LpL reduces fat accumulation only if accompanied by greater LpL activity in muscle. These data support the role of LpL as the "gatekeeper" for tissue lipid distribution.

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 and the intravascular processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is produced by parenchymal cells, mainly adipocytes and myocytes, but is involved in hydrolysing triglycerides in plasma lipoproteins at the capillary lumen. For decades, the mechanism by which LPL reaches its site of action in capillaries was unclear, but this mystery was recently solved. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein of capillary endothelial cells, 'picks up' LPL from the interstitial spaces and shuttles it across endothelial cells to the capillary lumen. When GPIHBP1 is absent, LPL is mislocalized to the interstitial spaces, leading to severe hypertriglyceridaemia. Some cases of hypertriglyceridaemia in humans are caused by GPIHBP1 mutations that interfere with the ability of GPIHBP1 to bind to LPL, and some are caused by LPL mutations that impair the ability of LPL to bind to GPIHBP1. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the role of GPIHBP1 in health and disease and discuss some of the remaining unresolved issues regarding the processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.

Localization of lipoprotein lipase and GPIHBP1 in mouse pancreas: effects of diet and leptin deficiency

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triglycerides in plasma lipoproteins and enables uptake of lipolysis products for energy production or storage in tissues. Our aim was to study the localization of LPL and its endothelial anchoring protein glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) in mouse pancreas, and effects of diet and leptin deficiency on their expression patterns. For this, immunofluorescence microscopy was used on pancreatic tissue from C57BL/6 mouse embryos (E18), adult mice on normal or high-fat diet, and adult ob/ob-mice treated or not with leptin. The distribution of LPL and GPIHBP1 was compared to insulin, glucagon and CD31. Heparin injections were used to discriminate between intracellular and extracellular LPL.

RESULTS

In the exocrine pancreas LPL was found in capillaries, and was mostly co-localized with GPIHBP1. LPL was releasable by heparin, indicating localization on cell surfaces. Within the islets, most of the LPL was associated with beta cells and could not be released by heparin, indicating that the enzyme remained mostly within cells. Staining for LPL was found also in the glucagon-producing alpha cells, both in embryos (E18) and in adult mice. Only small amounts of LPL were found together with GPIHBP1 within the capillaries of islets. Neither a high fat diet nor fasting/re-feeding markedly altered the distribution pattern of LPL or GPIHBP1 in mouse pancreas. Islets from ob/ob mice appeared completely deficient of LPL in the beta cells, while LPL-staining was normal in alpha cells and in the exocrine pancreas. Leptin treatment of ob/ob mice for 12 days reversed this pattern, so that most of the islets expressed LPL in beta cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that both LPL and GPIHBP1 are present in mouse pancreas, and that LPL expression in beta cells is dependent on leptin.

Linking nutritional regulation of Angptl4, Gpihbp1, and Lmf1 to lipoprotein lipase activity in rodent adipose tissue

Background

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triglycerides in lipoproteins and makes fatty acids available for tissue metabolism. The activity of the enzyme is modulated in a tissue specific manner by interaction with other proteins. We have studied how feeding/fasting and some related perturbations affect the expression, in rat adipose tissue, of three such proteins, LMF1, an ER protein necessary for folding of LPL into its active dimeric form, the endogenous LPL inhibitor ANGPTL4, and GPIHBP1, that transfers LPL across the endothelium.

Results

The system underwent moderate circadian oscillations, for LPL in phase with food intake, for ANGPTL4 and GPIHBP1 in the opposite direction. Studies with cycloheximide showed that whereas LPL protein turns over rapidly, ANGPTL4 protein turns over more slowly. Studies with the transcription blocker Actinomycin D showed that transcripts for ANGPTL4 and GPIHBP1, but not LMF1 or LPL, turn over rapidly. When food was withdrawn the expression of ANGPTL4 and GPIHBP1 increased rapidly, and LPL activity decreased. On re-feeding and after injection of insulin the expression of ANGPTL4 and GPIHBP1 decreased rapidly, and LPL activity increased. In ANGPTL4^−/− mice adipose tissue LPL activity did not show these responses. In old, obese rats that showed signs of insulin resistance, the responses of ANGPTL4 and GPIHBP1 mRNA and of LPL activity were severely blunted (at 26 weeks of age) or almost abolished (at 52 weeks of age).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates directly that ANGPTL4 is necessary for rapid modulation of LPL activity in adipose tissue. ANGPTL4 message levels responded very rapidly to changes in the nutritional state. LPL activity always changed in the opposite direction. This did not happen in Angptl4^−/− mice. GPIHBP1 message levels also changed rapidly and in the same direction as ANGPTL4, i.e. increased on fasting when LPL activity decreased. This was unexpected because GPIHBP1 is known to stabilize LPL. The plasticity of the LPL system is severely blunted or completely lost in insulin resistant rats.

Postprandial inhibition of gastric ghrelin secretion by long-chain fatty acid through GPR120 in isolated gastric ghrelin cells and mice

Ghrelin is a gastric peptide hormone that controls appetite and energy homeostasis. Plasma ghrelin levels rise before a meal and fall quickly thereafter. Elucidation of the regulation of ghrelin secretion has been hampered by the difficulty of directly interrogating ghrelin cells diffusely scattered within the complex gastric mucosa. Therefore, we generated transgenic mice with ghrelin cell expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) to enable characterization of ghrelin secretion in a pure population of isolated gastric ghrelin-expressing GFP (Ghr-GFP) cells. Using quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining, we detected a high level of expression of the long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) receptor GPR120, while the other LCFA receptor, GPR40, was undetectable. In short-term-cultured pure Ghr-GFP cells, the LCFAs docosadienoic acid, linolenic acid, and palmitoleic acid significantly suppressed ghrelin secretion. The physiological mechanism of LCFA inhibition on ghrelin secretion was studied in mice. Serum ghrelin levels were transiently suppressed after gastric gavage of LCFA-rich lipid in mice with pylorus ligation, indicating that the ghrelin cell may directly sense increased gastric LCFA derived from ingested intraluminal lipids. Meal-induced increase in gastric mucosal LCFA was assessed by measuring the transcripts of markers for tissue uptake of LCFA, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid translocase (CD36), glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored HDL-binding protein 1, and nuclear fatty acid receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Quantitative RT-PCR studies indicate significantly increased mRNA levels of lipoprotein lipase, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored HDL-binding protein 1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in postprandial gastric mucosa. These results suggest that meal-related increases in gastric mucosal LCFA interact with GPR120 on ghrelin cells to inhibit ghrelin secretion.

Effects of hyperinsulinemia on lipoprotein lipase, angiopoietin-like protein 4, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

Our aims were to compare the systemic effects of insulin on lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in tissues from subjects with different degrees of insulin sensitivity. The effects of insulin on LPL during a 4-hour hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp were studied in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and postheparin plasma from young healthy subjects (YS), older subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DS), and older control subjects (CS). In addition, we studied the effects of insulin on the expression of 2 recently recognized candidate genes for control of LPL activity: angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1. As an effect of insulin, LPL activity decreased by 20% to 25% in postheparin plasma and increased by 20% to 30% in adipose tissue in all groups. In YS, the levels of ANGPTL4 messenger RNA in adipose tissue decreased 3-fold during the clamp. In contrast, there was no significant change in DS or CS. Regression analysis showed that the ability of insulin to reduce the expression of ANGPTL4 was positively correlated with M-values and inversely correlated with factors linked to the metabolic syndrome. Expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 tended to be higher in YS than in DS or CS, but the expression was not affected by insulin in any of the groups. Our data imply that the insulin-mediated regulation of LPL is not directly linked to the control of glucose turnover by insulin or to ANGPTL4 expression in adipose tissue or plasma. Interestingly, the response of ANGPTL4 expression in adipose tissue to insulin was severely blunted in both DS and CS.

New wrinkles in lipoprotein lipase biology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We summarize recent progress on GPIHBP1, a molecule that transports lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to the capillary lumen, and discuss several newly studied molecules that appear important for the regulation of LPL activity.

RECENT FINDINGS

LPL, the enzyme responsible for the lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, interacts with multiple proteins and is regulated at multiple levels. Several regulators of LPL activity have been known for years and have been investigated thoroughly, but several have been identified only recently, including an endothelial cell protein that transports LPL to the capillary lumen, a microRNA that reduces LPL transcript levels, a sorting protein that targets LPL for uptake and degradation, and a transcription factor that increases the expression of apolipoproteins that regulate LPL activity.

SUMMARY

Proper regulation of LPL is important for controlling the delivery of lipid nutrients to tissues. Recent studies have identified GPIHBP1 as the molecule that transports LPL to the capillary lumen, and have also identified other molecules that are potentially important for regulating LPL activity. These new discoveries open new doors for understanding basic mechanisms of lipolysis and hyperlipidemia.

Cardiac lipoprotein lipase activity in the hypertrophied heart may be regulated by fatty acid flux

Cardiac hypertrophy is characterised by an imbalance between lipid uptake and fatty acid β-oxidation leading to an accumulation of lipids, particularly triacylglycerol (TAG). It is unclear whether uptake mechanisms such as lipoprotein lipase (LPL) can be attenuated to diminish this uptake. Rats were cold acclimated to induce cardiac hypertrophy and increase cardiac LPL. Lipid uptake and metabolism were altered by feeding a ‘Western-style’ high fat diet (WSD) or feeding oxfenicine (2 g/L) in the drinking water. Diastolic stiffness (increased volume change/unit pressure change) was induced in hypertrophied hearts for rats fed WSD (P < 0.05) or WSD + oxfenicine (P < 0.01), although absolute performance of cardiac muscle, estimated from stress–strain calculations was unchanged. Cold acclimation increased cardiac endothelial LPL (P < 0.05) but this was diminished following oxfenicine. Following WSD LPL was further decreased below WSD-fed control hearts (P < 0.05) with no further decrease by oxfenicine supplementation. A negative correlation was noted between plasma TAG and endothelial LPL (correlation coefficient = − 0.654; P < 0.001) but not cardiac TAG concentration. Transcript levels of angiopoietin-like protein-4 (ANGPTL4) were increased 6-fold by WSD (P < 0.05) and increased 15-fold following WSD + oxfenicine (P < 0.001). For CA-hearts fed WSD or WSD + oxfenicine ANGPTL4 mRNA levels were preserved at chow-fed levels. VLDLR protein levels were increased 10-fold (P < 0.01) by CA. ANGPTL4 protein levels were increased 2-fold (P < 0.05) by WSD, but restored following oxfenicine. For CA-hearts WSD increased ANGPTL4 protein levels 3-fold (P < 0.01) with WSD + oxfenicine increasing ANGPTL4 protein 4-fold (P < 0.01). These data suggest that endothelial LPL levels in the heart are altered to maintain FA flux and may exploit ANGPTL4.

Global mapping of cell type-specific open chromatin by FAIRE-seq reveals the regulatory role of the NFI family in adipocyte differentiation

Identification of regulatory elements within the genome is crucial for understanding the mechanisms that govern cell type-specific gene expression. We generated genome-wide maps of open chromatin sites in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (on day 0 and day 8 of differentiation) and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts using formaldehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements coupled with high-throughput sequencing (FAIRE-seq). FAIRE peaks at the promoter were associated with active transcription and histone modifications of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac. Non-promoter FAIRE peaks were characterized by H3K4me1+/me3-, the signature of enhancers, and were largely located in distal regions. The non-promoter FAIRE peaks showed dynamic change during differentiation, while the promoter FAIRE peaks were relatively constant. Functionally, the adipocyte- and preadipocyte-specific non-promoter FAIRE peaks were, respectively, associated with genes up-regulated and down-regulated by differentiation. Genes highly up-regulated during differentiation were associated with multiple clustered adipocyte-specific FAIRE peaks. Among the adipocyte-specific FAIRE peaks, 45.3% and 11.7% overlapped binding sites for, respectively, PPARγ and C/EBPα, the master regulators of adipocyte differentiation. Computational motif analyses of the adipocyte-specific FAIRE peaks revealed enrichment of a binding motif for nuclear family I (NFI) transcription factors. Indeed, ChIP assay showed that NFI occupy the adipocyte-specific FAIRE peaks and/or the PPARγ binding sites near PPARγ, C/EBPα, and aP2 genes. Overexpression of NFIA in 3T3-L1 cells resulted in robust induction of these genes and lipid droplet formation without differentiation stimulus. Overexpression of dominant-negative NFIA or siRNA-mediated knockdown of NFIA or NFIB significantly suppressed both induction of genes and lipid accumulation during differentiation, suggesting a physiological function of these factors in the adipogenic program. Together, our study demonstrates the utility of FAIRE-seq in providing a global view of cell type-specific regulatory elements in the genome and in identifying transcriptional regulators of adipocyte differentiation.

Lipase maturation factor 1: a lipase chaperone involved in lipid metabolism

Mutations in lipase maturation factor 1 (LMF1) are associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia in mice and human subjects. The underlying cause is impaired lipid clearance due to lipase deficiency. LMF1 is a chaperone of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and it is critically required for the post-translational activation of three vascular lipases: lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL) and endothelial lipase (EL). As LMF1 is only required for the maturation of homodimeric, but not monomeric, lipases, it is likely involved in the assembly of inactive lipase subunits into active enzymes and/or the stabilization of active dimers. Herein, we provide an overview of current understanding of LMF1 function and propose that it may play a regulatory role in lipase activation and lipid metabolism. Further studies will be required to test this hypothesis and elucidate the full spectrum of phenotypes in combined lipase deficiency. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism and Disease.

GPIHBP1, an endothelial cell transporter for lipoprotein lipase

Interest in lipolysis and the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins was recently reignited by the discovery of severe hypertriglyceridemia (chylomicronemia) in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1)-deficient mice. GPIHBP1 is expressed exclusively in capillary endothelial cells and binds lipoprotein lipase (LPL) avidly. These findings prompted speculation that GPIHBP1 serves as a binding site for LPL in the capillary lumen, creating "a platform for lipolysis." More recent studies have identified a second and more intriguing role for GPIHBP1-picking up LPL in the subendothelial spaces and transporting it across endothelial cells to the capillary lumen. Here, we review the studies that revealed that GPIHBP1 is the LPL transporter and discuss which amino acid sequences are required for GPIHBP1-LPL interactions. We also discuss the human genetics of LPL transport, focusing on cases of chylomicronemia caused by GPIHBP1 mutations that abolish GPIHBP1's ability to bind LPL, and LPL mutations that prevent LPL binding to GPIHBP1.

The PPAR-RXR Transcriptional Complex in the Vasculature

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and the retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that coordinately regulate gene expression. This PPAR-RXR transcriptional complex plays a critical role in energy balance, including triglyceride metabolism, fatty acid handling and storage, and glucose homeostasis: processes whose dysregulation characterize obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. PPARs and RXRs are also involved directly in inflammatory and vascular responses in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. New insights into fundamental aspects of PPAR and RXR biology, and their actions in the vasculature, continue to appear. Although RXRs are obligate heterodimeric partners for PPAR action, the part that RXRs, and their endogenous retinoid mediators, exert in the vessel wall is less well understood. Biological insights into PPAR-RXRs may help inform interpretation of clinical trials with synthetic PPAR agonists and prospects for future PPAR therapeutics. Importantly, the extensive data establishing a key role for PPARs and RXRs in energy balance, inflammation, and vascular biology stands separately from the clinical experience with any given synthetic PPAR agonist. Both the basic science data and the clinical experience with PPAR agonists identify the need to better understand these important transcriptional regulators.

Genetic determinants of plasma triglycerides

Plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration is reemerging as an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. More complete understanding of the genes and variants that modulate plasma TG should enable development of markers for risk prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapies and might help specify new directions for therapeutic interventions. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified both known and novel loci associated with plasma TG concentration. However, genetic variation at these loci explains only ∼10% of overall TG variation within the population. As the GWAS approach may be reaching its limit for discovering genetic determinants of TG, alternative genetic strategies, such as rare variant sequencing studies and evaluation of animal models, may provide complementary information to flesh out knowledge of clinically and biologically important pathways in TG metabolism. Herein, we review genes recently implicated in TG metabolism and describe how some of these genes likely modulate plasma TG concentration. We also discuss lessons regarding plasma TG metabolism learned from various genomic and genetic experimental approaches. Treatment of patients with moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia with existing therapies is often challenging; thus, gene products and pathways found in recent genetic research studies provide hope for development of more effective clinical strategies.

Adipose tissue endothelial cells from obese human subjects: differences among depots in angiogenic, metabolic, and inflammatory gene expression and cellular senescence

OBJECTIVE

Regional differences among adipose depots in capacities for fatty acid storage, susceptibility to hypoxia, and inflammation likely contribute to complications of obesity. We defined the properties of endothelial cells (EC) isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) biopsied in parallel from obese subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The architecture and properties of the fat tissue capillary network were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. CD34(+)/CD31(+) EC were isolated by immunoselection/depletion. Expression of chemokines, adhesion molecules, angiogenic factor receptors, as well as lipogenic and senescence-related genes were assayed by real-time PCR. Fat cell size and expression of hypoxia-dependent genes were determined in adipocytes from both fat depots.

RESULTS

Hypoxia-related genes were more highly expressed in VAT than SAT adipocytes. VAT adipocytes were smaller than SAT adipocytes. Vascular density and EC abundance were higher in VAT. VAT-EC exhibited a marked angiogenic and inflammatory state with decreased expression of metabolism-related genes, including endothelial lipase, GPIHBP1, and PPAR gamma. VAT-EC had enhanced expression of the cellular senescence markers, IGFBP3 and γ-H2AX, and decreased expression of SIRT1. Exposure to VAT adipocytes caused more EC senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity than SAT adipocytes, an effect reduced in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) neutralizing antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

VAT-EC exhibit a more marked angiogenic and proinflammatory state than SAT-EC. This phenotype may be related to premature EC senescence. VAT-EC may contribute to hypoxia and inflammation in VAT.

GPIHBP1 is responsible for the entry of lipoprotein lipase into capillaries

The lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is the central event in plasma lipid metabolism, providing lipids for storage in adipose tissue and fuel for vital organs such as the heart. LPL is synthesized and secreted by myocytes and adipocytes, but then finds its way into the lumen of capillaries, where it hydrolyzes lipoprotein triglycerides. The mechanism by which LPL reaches the lumen of capillaries has remained an unresolved problem of plasma lipid metabolism. Here, we show that GPIHBP1 is responsible for the transport of LPL into capillaries. In Gpihbp1-deficient mice, LPL is mislocalized to the interstitial spaces surrounding myocytes and adipocytes. Also, we show that GPIHBP1 is located at the basolateral surface of capillary endothelial cells and actively transports LPL across endothelial cells. Our experiments define the function of GPIHBP1 in triglyceride metabolism and provide a mechanism for the transport of LPL into capillaries.

Modulation of plasma TG lipolysis by Angiopoietin-like proteins and GPIHBP1

There is evidence that elevated plasma triglycerides (TG) serve as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Plasma TG levels are determined by the balance between the rate of production of chylomicrons and VLDL in intestine and liver, respectively, and their rate of clearance in peripheral tissues. Lipolytic processing of TG-rich lipoproteins is mediated by the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which is tethered to the capillary endothelium via heparin sulphate proteoglycans. In recent years the Angiopoietin-like proteins ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 have emerged as novel modulators of LPL activity. Studies in transgenic animals supported by in vitro experiments have demonstrated that ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 impair plasma TG clearance by inhibiting LPL activity. In humans, genetic variation within the ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 genes contributes to variation in plasma TG and HDL levels, thereby validating the importance of ANGPTLs in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism in humans. Combined with the discovery of GPIHBP1 as a likely LPL anchor, these findings have led to a readjustment of the mechanism of LPL function. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the role and regulation of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and GPIHBP1, and places the newly acquired knowledge in the context of the established function and mechanism of LPL-mediated lipolysis.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma regulates the expression and function of very-low-density lipoprotein receptor

Very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is a member of the low-density receptor family, highly expressed in adipose tissue, heart, and skeletal muscle. It binds apolipoprotein E-triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and plays a significant role in triglyceride metabolism. PPARgamma is a primary regulator of lipid metabolism in adipocytes and controls the expression of an array of genes involved in lipid trafficking in adipocytes. However, it is not known whether VLDLR is also under the control of PPARgamma. In this study, we investigated the role of PPARgamma in the regulation of VLDLR expression and function in vivo and in vitro. During the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, the levels of VLDLR protein and mRNA increased in parallel with the induction of PPARgamma expression and reached maximum in mature adipocytes. Treatment of differentiated adipocytes with PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone upregulated VLDLR expression in dose- and time-dependent manners. In contrast, specific inhibition of PPARgamma significantly downregulated the protein level of VLDLR. Induction of VLDLR is also demonstrated in vivo in adipose tissue of wild-type (WT) mice treated with pioglitazone. In addition, pioglitazone increased plasma triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance and increased epididymal fat mass in WT mice but failed to induce similar effects in vldlr(-/-) mice. These results were further corroborated by the finding that pioglitazone treatment enhanced adipogenesis and lipid deposition in preadipocytes of WT mice, while its effect in VLDLR-null preadipocytes was significantly blunted. These findings provide direct evidence that VLDLR expression is regulated by PPARgamma and contributes in lipid uptake and adipogenesis.

GPIHBP1 stabilizes lipoprotein lipase and prevents its inhibition by angiopoietin-like 3 and angiopoietin-like 4

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored HDL-binding protein (GPIHBP1) binds both LPL and chylomicrons, suggesting that GPIHBP1 is a platform for LPL-dependent processing of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins. Here, we investigated whether GPIHBP1 affects LPL activity in the absence and presence of LPL inhibitors angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL)3 and ANGPTL4. Like heparin, GPIHBP1 stabilized but did not activate LPL. ANGPTL4 potently inhibited nonstabilized LPL as well as heparin-stabilized LPL but not GPIHBP1-stabilized LPL. Like ANGPTL4, ANGPTL3 inhibited nonstabilized LPL but not GPIHBP1-stabilized LPL. ANGPTL3 also inhibited heparin-stabilized LPL but with less potency than nonstabilized LPL. Consistent with these in vitro findings, fasting serum TGs of Angptl4(-/-)/Gpihbp1(-/-) mice were lower than those of Gpihbp1(-/-) mice and approached those of wild-type littermates. In contrast, serum TGs of Angptl3(-/-)/Gpihbp1(-/-) mice were only slightly lower than those of Gpihbp1(-/-) mice. Treating Gpihbp1(-/-) mice with ANGPTL4- or ANGPTL3-neutralizing antibodies recapitulated the double knockout phenotypes. These data suggest that GPIHBP1 functions as an LPL stabilizer. Moreover, therapeutic agents that prevent LPL inhibition by ANGPTL4 or, to a lesser extent, ANGPTL3, may benefit individuals with hyperlipidemia caused by gene mutations associated with decreased LPL stability.

GPIHBP1 and lipolysis: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will provide an update on the structure of GPIHBP1, a 28-kDa glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein, and its role in the lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.

RECENT FINDINGS

Gpihbp1 knockout mice on a chow diet have milky plasma and plasma triglyceride levels of more than 3000 mg/dl. GPIHBP1 is located on the luminal surface of endothelial cells in tissues where lipolysis occurs: heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. The pattern of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) release into the plasma after an intravenous injection of heparin is abnormal in Gpihbp1-deficient mice, suggesting that GPIHBP1 plays a direct role in binding LPL within the tissues of mice. Transfection of CHO cells with a GPIHBP1 expression vector confers on cells the ability to bind both LPL and chylomicrons. Two regions of GPIHBP1 are required for the binding of LPL - an amino-terminal acidic domain and the cysteine-rich Ly6 domain. GPIHBP1 expression in mice changes with fasting and refeeding and is regulated in part by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma.

SUMMARY

GPIHBP1, an endothelial cell-surface glycoprotein, binds LPL and is required for the lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.

Some Things Just Have to Be Done In Vivo

The recent discovery of a dysfunctional mutation of GPIHBP1 in a man with chylomicronemia implicates this protein in human physiology. GPIHBP1 can be placed in the larger context of other molecular participants in chylomicron docking and hydrolysis on microvascular endothelium, caloric delivery, and remnant lipoprotein generation. Critical questions include the regulation—and dysregulation—of these processes in states of overnutrition, underexertion, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

PPARgamma in the endothelium regulates metabolic responses to high-fat diet in mice

Although endothelial dysfunction, defined as abnormal vasoreactivity, is a common early finding in individuals with type 2 diabetes, the endothelium has not been known to regulate metabolism. As PPARgamma, a transcriptional regulator of energy balance, is expressed in endothelial cells, we set out to investigate the role of endothelial cell PPARgamma in metabolism using mice that lack PPARgamma in the endothelium and BM (gammaEC/BM-KO). When gammaEC/BM-KO mice were fed a high-fat diet, they had decreased adiposity and increased insulin sensitivity compared with control mice, despite increased serum FFA and triglyceride (TG) levels. After fasting or olive oil gavage, gammaEC/BM-KO mice exhibited significant dyslipidemia and failed to respond to the FFA and TG lowering effects of the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone. BM transplantation studies, which reconstituted hematopoietic PPARgamma, established that these metabolic phenotypes were due to endothelial PPARgamma deficiency. We further found that the impairment in TG-rich lipoprotein metabolism in gammaEC/BM-KO mice was associated with fatty acid-mediated lipoprotein lipase inhibition and changes in a PPARgamma-regulated endothelial cell transcriptional program. Despite their metabolic improvements, high-fat diet-fed gammaEC/BM-KO mice had impaired vasoreactivity. Taken together, these data suggest that PPARgamma in the endothelium integrates metabolic and vascular responses and may contribute to the effects of PPARgamma agonists, thus expanding what endothelial function and dysfunction may entail.

GPIHBP1, a GPI-anchored protein required for the lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

GPIHBP1, a small glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein, is required for the lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. GPIHBP1 knockout mice exhibit chylomicronemia, even on a low-fat diet, with plasma triglyceride levels of 3,500-5,000 mg/dl. GPIHBP1 is expressed highly in heart, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle, the same tissues that express high levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). In each of these tissues, GPIHBP1 is located in capillary endothelial cells. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with a GPIHBP1 expression vector bind LPL and chylomicrons avidly. The expression of GPIHBP1 in mice is modulated by fasting and refeeding and is also regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma agonists. Here, we review recent progress in understanding GPIHBP1 and discuss its role in lipolysis.