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McKay EJ, Luijten I, Weng X, Martinez de Morentin PB, De Frutos González E, Gao Z, Kolonin MG, Heisler LK, Semple RK. Mesenchymal-specific Alms1 knockout in mice recapitulates metabolic features of Alström syndrome. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101933. [PMID: 38583571 PMCID: PMC11047791 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alström Syndrome (AS), caused by biallelic ALMS1 mutations, includes obesity with disproportionately severe insulin resistant diabetes, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver. Prior studies suggest that hyperphagia is accounted for by loss of ALMS1 function in hypothalamic neurones, whereas disproportionate metabolic complications may be due to impaired adipose tissue expandability. We tested this by comparing the metabolic effects of global and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-specific Alms1 knockout. METHODS Global Alms1 knockout (KO) mice were generated by crossing floxed Alms1 and CAG-Cre mice. A Pdgfrα-Cre driver was used to abrogate Alms1 function selectively in MSCs and their descendants, including preadipocytes. We combined metabolic phenotyping of global and Pdgfrα+ Alms1-KO mice on a 45% fat diet with measurements of body composition and food intake, and histological analysis of metabolic tissues. RESULTS Assessed on 45% fat diet to promote adipose expansion, global Alms1 KO caused hyperphagia, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and fatty liver. Pdgfrα-cre driven KO of Alms1 (MSC KO) recapitulated insulin resistance, fatty liver, and dyslipidaemia in both sexes. Other phenotypes were sexually dimorphic: increased fat mass was only present in female Alms1 MSC KO mice. Hyperphagia was not evident in male Alms1 MSC KO mice, but was found in MSC KO females, despite no neuronal Pdgfrα expression. CONCLUSIONS Mesenchymal deletion of Alms1 recapitulates metabolic features of AS, including fatty liver. This confirms a key role for Alms1 in the adipose lineage, where its loss is sufficient to cause systemic metabolic effects and damage to remote organs. Hyperphagia in females may depend on Alms1 deficiency in oligodendrocyte precursor cells rather than neurones. AS should be regarded as a forme fruste of lipodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J McKay
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ineke Luijten
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xiong Weng
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Pablo B Martinez de Morentin
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Elvira De Frutos González
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Área de Fisiología Humana, Departamento de Ciencias básicas de la Salud, Facultad de ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zhanguo Gao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mikhail G Kolonin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lora K Heisler
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Robert K Semple
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Ali S, Baig S, Wanninayake S, da Silva Xavier G, Dawson C, Paisey R, Geberhiwot T. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues in monogenic syndromic obesity: Real-world data from a large cohort of Alström syndrome patients. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:989-996. [PMID: 38151964 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM To examine the real-world efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in monogenic obesity in patients with Alström syndrome (ALMS). METHODS We screened 72 UK adult patients with ALMS and offered treatment to 34 patients meeting one of the following criteria: body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher, insulin resistance, suboptimal glycaemic control on antihyperglycaemic medications or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. RESULTS In total, 30 patients, with a mean age of 31 ± 11 years and a male to-female ratio of 2:1, completed 6 months of treatment with GLP-1 RAs either in the form of semaglutide or exenatide. On average, treatment with GLP-1 RAs reduced body weight by 5.4 ± 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6-7) kg and HbA1c by 12 ± 3.3 (95% CI 8.7-15.3) mmol/mol, equating to 6% weight loss (P < .01) and 1.1% absolute reduction in HbA1c (P < .01). Significant improvements were also observed in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase. The improvement of metabolic variables in our cohort of monogenic syndromic obesity was comparable with data for polygenic obesity, irrespective of weight loss. CONCLUSIONS Data from our centre highlight the non-inferiority of GLP-1 RAs in monogenic syndromic obesity to the available GLP-1 RA-use data in polygenic obesity, therefore, these agents can be considered as a treatment option in patients with ALMS, as well as other forms of monogenic obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Ali
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shanat Baig
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Charlotte Dawson
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard Paisey
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, Torbay, UK
| | - Tarekegn Geberhiwot
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Hilgendorf KI, Myers BR, Reiter JF. Emerging mechanistic understanding of cilia function in cellular signalling. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-023-00698-5. [PMID: 38366037 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Primary cilia are solitary, immotile sensory organelles present on most cells in the body that participate broadly in human health, physiology and disease. Cilia generate a unique environment for signal transduction with tight control of protein, lipid and second messenger concentrations within a relatively small compartment, enabling reception, transmission and integration of biological information. In this Review, we discuss how cilia function as signalling hubs in cell-cell communication using three signalling pathways as examples: ciliary G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway and polycystin ion channels. We review how defects in these ciliary signalling pathways lead to a heterogeneous group of conditions known as 'ciliopathies', including metabolic syndromes, birth defects and polycystic kidney disease. Emerging understanding of these pathways' transduction mechanisms reveals common themes between these cilia-based signalling pathways that may apply to other pathways as well. These mechanistic insights reveal how cilia orchestrate normal and pathophysiological signalling outputs broadly throughout human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren I Hilgendorf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Benjamin R Myers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Jeremy F Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Perge K, Capel E, Villanueva C, Gautheron J, Diallo S, Auclair M, Rondeau S, Morichon R, Brioude F, Jéru I, Rossi M, Nicolino M, Vigouroux C. Ciliopathy due to POC1A deficiency: clinical and metabolic features, and cellular modeling. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:151-164. [PMID: 38245004 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SOFT syndrome (MIM#614813), denoting Short stature, Onychodysplasia, Facial dysmorphism, and hypoTrichosis, is a rare primordial dwarfism syndrome caused by biallelic variants in POC1A, encoding a centriolar protein. SOFT syndrome, characterized by severe growth failure of prenatal onset and dysmorphic features, was recently associated with insulin resistance. This study aims to further explore its endocrinological features and pathophysiological mechanisms. DESIGN/METHODS We present clinical, biochemical, and genetic features of 2 unrelated patients carrying biallelic pathogenic POC1A variants. Cellular models of the disease were generated using patients' fibroblasts and POC1A-deleted human adipose stem cells. RESULTS Both patients present with clinical features of SOFT syndrome, along with hyperinsulinemia, diabetes or glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, liver steatosis, and central fat distribution. They also display resistance to the effects of IGF-1. Cellular studies show that the lack of POC1A protein expression impairs ciliogenesis and adipocyte differentiation, induces cellular senescence, and leads to resistance to insulin and IGF-1. An altered subcellular localization of insulin receptors and, to a lesser extent, IGF1 receptors could also contribute to resistance to insulin and IGF1. CONCLUSIONS Severe growth retardation, IGF-1 resistance, and centripetal fat repartition associated with insulin resistance-related metabolic abnormalities should be considered as typical features of SOFT syndrome caused by biallelic POC1A null variants. Adipocyte dysfunction and cellular senescence likely contribute to the metabolic consequences of POC1A deficiency. SOFT syndrome should be included within the group of monogenic ciliopathies with metabolic and adipose tissue involvement, which already encompasses Bardet-Biedl and Alström syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Perge
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Department, Femme Mère Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron F69500, France
- Claude Bernard University, Lyon 1, Lyon F69100, France
| | - Emilie Capel
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
| | - Carine Villanueva
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Department, Femme Mère Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron F69500, France
| | - Jérémie Gautheron
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
| | - Safiatou Diallo
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
| | - Martine Auclair
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Rondeau
- Department of Molecular Biology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris F75015, France
| | - Romain Morichon
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
- Cytometry and Imagery platform Saint-Antoine (CISA), Inserm UMS30 Lumic, Paris F75012, France
| | - Frédéric Brioude
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Armand Trousseau University Hospital, Paris F75012, France
| | - Isabelle Jéru
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, Paris F75012, France
| | - Massimiliamo Rossi
- Genetics Department, Referral Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, Femme Mère Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon F69500, France
- UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS, GENDEV Team, Bron F69500, France
| | - Marc Nicolino
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Department, Femme Mère Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron F69500, France
- Claude Bernard University, Lyon 1, Lyon F69100, France
| | - Corinne Vigouroux
- Sorbonne University, Inserm U938, Saint-Antoine Research Centre, and Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, F75012 Paris, France
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, Paris F75012, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, National Reference Center for Rare Diseases of Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity (PRISIS), Paris F75012, France
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Adeva-Andany MM, Domínguez-Montero A, Adeva-Contreras L, Fernández-Fernández C, Carneiro-Freire N, González-Lucán M. Body Fat Distribution Contributes to Defining the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Human Diseases. Curr Diabetes Rev 2024; 20:e160823219824. [PMID: 37587805 DOI: 10.2174/1573399820666230816111624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The risk for metabolic and cardiovascular complications of obesity is defined by body fat distribution rather than global adiposity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat (including hepatic steatosis) reflects insulin resistance and predicts type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In humans, available evidence indicates that the ability to store triglycerides in the subcutaneous adipose tissue reflects enhanced insulin sensitivity. Prospective studies document an association between larger subcutaneous fat mass at baseline and reduced incidence of impaired glucose tolerance. Case-control studies reveal an association between genetic predisposition to insulin resistance and a lower amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma (PPAR-γ) promotes subcutaneous adipocyte differentiation and subcutaneous fat deposition, improving insulin resistance and reducing visceral fat. Thiazolidinediones reproduce the effects of PPAR-γ activation and therefore increase the amount of subcutaneous fat while enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing visceral fat. Partial or virtually complete lack of adipose tissue (lipodystrophy) is associated with insulin resistance and its clinical manifestations, including essential hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced HDL-c, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. Patients with Prader Willi syndrome manifest severe subcutaneous obesity without insulin resistance. The impaired ability to accumulate fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue may be due to deficient triglyceride synthesis, inadequate formation of lipid droplets, or defective adipocyte differentiation. Lean and obese humans develop insulin resistance when the capacity to store fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue is exhausted and deposition of triglycerides is no longer attainable at that location. Existing adipocytes become large and reflect the presence of insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M Adeva-Andany
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | - Alberto Domínguez-Montero
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Fernández-Fernández
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | - Natalia Carneiro-Freire
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
| | - Manuel González-Lucán
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Juan Cardona, c/ Pardo Bazán s/n, 15406 Ferrol, Spain
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Bea-Mascato B, Gómez-Castañeda E, Sánchez-Corrales YE, Castellano S, Valverde D. Loss of the centrosomal protein ALMS1 alters lipid metabolism and the regulation of extracellular matrix-related processes. Biol Direct 2023; 18:84. [PMID: 38062477 PMCID: PMC10704752 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00441-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alström syndrome (ALMS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is associated with mutations in ALMS1 gene. The main clinical manifestations of ALMS are retinal dystrophy, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dilated cardiomyopathy and multi-organ fibrosis, characteristic in kidneys and liver. Depletion of the protein encoded by ALMS1 has been associated with the alteration of different processes regulated via the primary cilium, such as the NOTCH or TGF-β signalling pathways. However, the cellular impact of these deregulated pathways in the absence of ALMS1 remains unknown. METHODS In this study, we integrated RNA-seq and proteomic analysis to determine the gene expression profile of hTERT-BJ-5ta ALMS1 knockout fibroblasts after TGF-β stimulation. In addition, we studied alterations in cross-signalling between the TGF-β pathway and the AKT pathway in this cell line. RESULTS We found that ALMS1 depletion affects the TGF-β pathway and its cross-signalling with other pathways such as PI3K/AKT, EGFR1 or p53. In addition, alterations associated with ALMS1 depletion clustered around the processes of extracellular matrix regulation and lipid metabolism in both the transcriptome and proteome. By studying the enriched pathways of common genes differentially expressed in the transcriptome and proteome, collagen fibril organisation, β-oxidation of fatty acids and eicosanoid metabolism emerged as key processes altered by the absence of ALMS1. Finally, an overactivation of the AKT pathway was determined in the absence of ALMS1 that could be explained by a decrease in PTEN gene expression. CONCLUSION ALMS1 deficiency disrupts cross-signalling between the TGF-β pathway and other dependent pathways in hTERT-BJ-5ta cells. Furthermore, altered cross-signalling impacts the regulation of extracellular matrix-related processes and fatty acid metabolism, and leads to over-activation of the AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brais Bea-Mascato
- CINBIO Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende s/n, Vigo, 36310, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Raras y Medicina Pediátrica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Eduardo Gómez-Castañeda
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yara E Sánchez-Corrales
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sergi Castellano
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Genomics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Valverde
- CINBIO Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende s/n, Vigo, 36310, Spain.
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Raras y Medicina Pediátrica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain.
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Stephenson EJ, Kinney CE, Stayton AS, Han JC. Energy expenditure deficits drive obesity in a mouse model of Alström syndrome. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:2786-2798. [PMID: 37712194 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alström syndrome (AS) is a rare multisystem disorder of which early onset childhood obesity is a cardinal feature. Like humans with AS, animal models with Alms1 loss-of-function mutations develop obesity, supporting the notion that ALMS1 is required for the regulatory control of energy balance across species. This study aimed to determine which component(s) of energy balance are reliant on ALMS1. METHODS Comprehensive energy balance phenotyping was performed on Alms1tvrm102 mice at both 8 and 18 weeks of age. RESULTS It was found that adiposity gains occurred early and rapidly in Alms1tvrm102 male mice but much later in females. Rapid increases in body fat in males were due to a marked reduction in energy expenditure (EE) during early life and not due to any genotype-specific increases in energy intake under chow conditions. Energy intake did increase in a genotype-specific manner when mice were provided a high-fat diet, exacerbating the effects of reduced EE on obesity progression. The EE deficit observed in male Alms1tvrm102 mice did not persist as mice aged. CONCLUSIONS Either loss of ALMS1 causes a developmental delay in the mechanisms controlling early life EE or activation of compensatory mechanisms occurs after obesity is established in AS. Future studies will determine how ALMS1 modulates EE and how sex moderates this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Stephenson
- Department of Anatomy, College of Graduate Studies and Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Clint E Kinney
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amanda S Stayton
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, James D. Eason Transplant Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joan C Han
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Kravis Children's Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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McKay EJ, Luijten I, Weng X, Martinez de Morentin PB, De Frutos González E, Gao Z, Kolonin MG, Heisler LK, Semple RK. Mesenchymal-specific Alms1 knockout in mice recapitulates key metabolic features of Alström Syndrome. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.12.562074. [PMID: 37873427 PMCID: PMC10592792 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.12.562074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Alström Syndrome (AS), a multi-system disease caused by mutations in the ALMS1 gene, includes obesity with disproportionately severe insulin resistant diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hepatosteatosis. How loss of ALMS1 causes this phenotype is poorly understood, but prior studies have circumstancially implicated impaired adipose tissue expandability. We set out to test this by comparing the metabolic effects of selective Alms1 knockout in mesenchymal cells including preadipocytes to those of global Alms1 knockout. Methods Global Alms1 knockout (KO) mice were generated by crossing floxed Alms1 and CAG-Cre mice. A Pdgfrα -Cre driver was used to abrogate Alms1 function selectively in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their descendants, including preadipocytes. We combined metabolic phenotyping of global and Pdgfrα + Alms1 -KO mice on a 45% fat diet with measurements of body composition and food intake, and histological analysis of metabolic tissues. Results Global Alms1 KO caused hyperphagia, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and fatty liver. Pdgfrα - cre driven KO of Alms1 (MSC KO) recapitulated insulin resistance, fatty liver, and dyslipidaemia in both sexes. Other phenotypes were sexually dimorphic: increased fat mass was only present in female Alms1 MSC KO mice. Hyperphagia was not evident in male Alms1 MSC KO mice, but was found in MSC KO females, despite no neuronal Pdgfr α expression. Conclusions Mesenchymal deletion of Alms1 recapitulates the metabolic features of AS, including severe fatty liver. This confirms a key role for Alms1 in the adipose lineage, where its loss is sufficient to cause systemic metabolic effects and damage to remote organs. AS should be regarded as a forme fruste of lipodystrophy. Therapies should prioritise targeting positive energy balance.
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Brewer KM, Brewer KK, Richardson NC, Berbari NF. Neuronal cilia in energy homeostasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1082141. [PMID: 36568981 PMCID: PMC9773564 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1082141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of genetic disorders termed ciliopathies are associated with obesity. The mechanisms behind cilia dysfunction and altered energy homeostasis in these syndromes are complex and likely involve deficits in both development and adult homeostasis. Interestingly, several cilia-associated gene mutations also lead to morbid obesity. While cilia have critical and diverse functions in energy homeostasis, including their roles in centrally mediated food intake and peripheral tissues, many questions remain. Here, we briefly discuss syndromic ciliopathies and monogenic cilia signaling mutations associated with obesity. We then focus on potential ways neuronal cilia regulate energy homeostasis. We discuss the literature around cilia and leptin-melanocortin signaling and changes in ciliary G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. We also discuss the different brain regions where cilia are implicated in energy homeostasis and the potential for cilia dysfunction in neural development to contribute to obesity. We close with a short discussion on the challenges and opportunities associated with studies looking at neuronal cilia and energy homeostasis. This review highlights how neuronal cilia-mediated signaling is critical for proper energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Brewer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Katlyn K. Brewer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Richardson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nicolas F. Berbari
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,*Correspondence: Nicolas F. Berbari,
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Scamfer SR, Lee MD, Hilgendorf KI. Ciliary control of adipocyte progenitor cell fate regulates energy storage. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1083372. [PMID: 36561368 PMCID: PMC9763467 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1083372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary cilium is a cellular sensory organelle found in most cells in our body. This includes adipocyte progenitor cells in our adipose tissue, a complex organ involved in energy storage, endocrine signaling, and thermogenesis. Numerous studies have shown that the primary cilium plays a critical role in directing the cell fate of adipocyte progenitor cells in multiple adipose tissue types. Accordingly, diseases with dysfunctional cilia called ciliopathies have a broad range of clinical manifestations, including obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes our current understanding of how the primary cilium regulates adipocyte progenitor cell fate in multiple contexts and illustrates the importance of the primary cilium in regulating energy storage and adipose tissue function.
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Cheng WY, Ma MJ, Yuan SQ, Qi XL, Rong WN, Sheng XL. New pathogenic variants of ALMS1 gene in two Chinese families with Alström Syndrome. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:386. [PMID: 36162988 PMCID: PMC9511775 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Alström Syndrome (AS) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease with the characteristics of multiorgan dysfunction. Due to the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations of AS, genetic testing is crucial for the diagnosis of AS. Herein, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to determine the genetic causes and characterize the clinical features of three affected patients in two Chinese families with Alström Syndrome. Materials and methods Three affected patients (initially diagnosed as achromatopsia). and five asymptomatic members were recruited for both genetic and clinical tests. The complete ophthalmic examinations and systemic examinations were performed on all participants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for mutation detection. The silico analysis was also applied to predict the pathogenesis of identified pathogenic variants. Results In family 1, the proband showed low vision, hyperopia, photophobia, nystagmus, and total color blindness. DNA analysis revealed that she carried a compound heterozygote with two novel pathogenic variants in the ALMS1 gene NM_015120.4:c.10379del (NP_055935.4:p.(Asp2252Tyr)) and NM_015120.4:c.11641_11642del (NP_055935.4:p.(Val3881ThrfsTer11)). Further systemic examinations showed short stature, acanthosis nigricans, and sensorineural hearing loss. In family 2, two affected siblings presented the low vision, hyperopia, photophobia, nystagmus, and total color blindness. DNA analysis revealed that they carried a same compound heterozygote with two novel pathogenic variants in the ALMS1 gene NM_015120.4:c.10379del (NP_055935.4:p.(Asn3460IlefsTer49)), NM_015120.4:c.10819C > T (NP_055935.4:p.(Arg3607Trp)). Further systemic examinations showed obesity and mild abnormalities of lipid metabolism. According to the genetic testing results and further systemic analysis, the three affected patients were finally diagnosed as Alström Syndrome (AS). Conclusions We found two new compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of the ALMS1 gene and determined the diagnosis as Alström Syndrome in three patients of two Chinese families. Our study extends the genotypic and phenotypic spectrums for ALMS1 -AS and emphasizes the importance of gene testing in assisting the clinical diagnosis for cases with phenotypic diversities, which would help the AS patients with early diagnosis and treatment to reduce future systemic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Cheng
- Third Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, No 936, Huanghe East Road, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, 750001, Ningxia, China
| | - Mei-Jiao Ma
- Gansu Aier Ophthalmology and Optometry Hospital, 1228-437, Guazhou Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, 730050, Gansu, China
| | - Shi-Qin Yuan
- Third Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, No 936, Huanghe East Road, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, 750001, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiao-Long Qi
- Third Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, No 936, Huanghe East Road, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, 750001, Ningxia, China
| | - Wei-Ning Rong
- Third Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, No 936, Huanghe East Road, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, 750001, Ningxia, China.
| | - Xun-Lun Sheng
- Gansu Aier Ophthalmology and Optometry Hospital, 1228-437, Guazhou Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, 730050, Gansu, China.
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Schreyer E, Obringer C, Messaddeq N, Kieffer B, Zimmet P, Fleming A, Geberhiwot T, Marion V. PATAS, a First-in-Class Therapeutic Peptide Biologic, Improves Whole-Body Insulin Resistance and Associated Comorbidities In Vivo. Diabetes 2022; 71:2034-2047. [PMID: 35822820 DOI: 10.2337/db22-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue is a key regulator of whole-body metabolic fitness because of its role in controlling insulin sensitivity. Obesity is associated with hypertrophic adipocytes with impaired glucose absorption, a phenomenon existing in the ultrarare monogenic disorder Alström syndrome consisting of severe insulin resistance. Inactivation of ALMS1 directly inhibits insulin-mediated glucose absorption in the white adipose tissue and induces severe insulin resistance, which leads to type 2 diabetes, accelerated nonalcoholic liver disease, and fibrosis. These phenotypes were reversed by specific adipocyte-ALMS1 reactivation in vivo. Subsequently, ALMS1 was found to bind to protein kinase C-α (PKCα) in the adipocyte, and upon insulin signaling, PKCα is released from ALMS1. α-Helices in the kinase domain of PKCα were therefore screened to identify a peptide sequence that interfered with the ALMS1-PKCα protein interaction. When incubated with cultured human adipocytes, the stapled peptide termed PATAS, for Peptide derived of PKC Alpha Targeting AlmS, triggered insulin-independent glucose absorption, de novo lipogenesis, and cellular glucose utilization. In vivo, PATAS reduced whole-body insulin resistance, and improved glucose intolerance, fasting glucose, liver steatosis, and fibrosis in rodents. Thus, PATAS represents a novel first-in-class peptide that targets the adipocyte to ameliorate insulin resistance and its associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwige Schreyer
- AdipoPharma SAS, Parc d'Innovation, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Cathy Obringer
- INSERM, UMR_U1112, Ciliopathies Modeling and Associated Therapies Group, Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg (CRBS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nadia Messaddeq
- Institut de Génétique, Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS, UMR_7104, INSERM, U_1258, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Bruno Kieffer
- Institut de Génétique, Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS, UMR_7104, INSERM, U_1258, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Paul Zimmet
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Tarekegn Geberhiwot
- Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, U.K
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, U.K
| | - Vincent Marion
- AdipoPharma SAS, Parc d'Innovation, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- INSERM, UMR_U1112, Ciliopathies Modeling and Associated Therapies Group, Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg (CRBS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Quoraishi S, Mason G, Geberhiwot T, Dalton CL. Hearing Loss in Adults With Alström Syndrome-Experience From the UK National Alström Service. Otol Neurotol 2022; 43:e620-7. [PMID: 35761454 DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the patterns of hearing loss and methods of hearing rehabilitation in the UK national cohort of adults with Alström syndrome. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of electronic patient records. SETTING UK National multi-disciplinary team (MDT) Alström service held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. PATIENTS Forty one adult patients with a diagnosis of Alström syndrome, confirmed via ALMS1 gene sequencing, are under ongoing review within the UK National MDT Alström service. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Magnitude and type of hearing loss were analyzed using patients' audiometric data. Deterioration of hearing was calculated using serial pure tone audiograms. Methods of hearing rehabilitation used by patients and potential candidacy for cochlear implantation were analyzed. RESULTS Of 34 patients with available audiograms, all had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Dual sensory (visual and hearing) loss was present in 32/34 (94%) patients. Hearing deteriorated with advancing age, at 1.23 dB/yr. Severe- profound SNHL was present in 9/34 (26%) cases. Air conduction hearing aids were used in 27/34 (79%) cases, and cochlear implants in 2/34 (5%). CONCLUSIONS Alström syndrome is an ultra-rare genetic disorder with progressive, debilitating multi-system manifestations, including SNHL. The UK National MDT Alström service represents one of the largest reported adult cohorts in the world. SNHL in this group was ubiquitous, showing a rapid decline in hearing with age. Annual audiometric assessment to enable early diagnosis of hearing loss and optimum rehabilitation are paramount to minimize the impact of hearing loss in this condition.
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Mericq V, Huang-Doran I, Al-Naqeb D, Basaure J, Castiglioni C, de Bruin C, Hendriks Y, Bertini E, Alkuraya FS, Losekoot M, Al-Rubeaan K, Semple RK, Wit JM. Biallelic POC1A variants cause syndromic severe insulin resistance with muscle cramps. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 186:543-552. [PMID: 35234134 PMCID: PMC9010808 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe clinical, laboratory, and genetic characteristics of three unrelated cases from Chile, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia with severe insulin resistance, SOFT syndrome, and biallelic pathogenic POC1A variants. DESIGN Observational study. METHODS Probands' phenotypes, including short stature, dysmorphism, and insulin resistance, were compared with previous reports. RESULTS Cases 1 (female) and 3 (male) were homozygous for known pathogenic POC1A variants: c.649C>T, p.(Arg217Trp) and c.241C>T, p.(Arg81*), respectively. Case 2 (male) was compound heterozygous for p.(Arg217Trp) variant and the rare missense variant c.370G>A, p.(Asp124Asn). All three cases exhibited severe insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans, elevated serum triglycerides and decreased HDL, and fatty liver, resembling three previously reported cases. All three also reported severe muscle cramps. Aggregate analysis of the six known cases with biallelic POC1A variants and insulin resistance showed decreased birth weight and length mean (s.d.): -2.8 (0.9) and -3.7 (0.9) SDS, respectively), severe short stature mean (s.d.) height: -4.9 (1.7) SDS) and moderate microcephaly (mean occipitofrontal circumference -3.0 (range: -4.7 to -1.2)). These findings were similar to those reported for patients with SOFT syndrome without insulin resistance. Muscle biopsy in Case 3 showed features of muscle involvement secondary to a neuropathic process. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SOFT syndrome can develop severe dyslipidaemic insulin resistance, independent of the exonic position of the POC1A variant. They also can develop severe muscle cramps. After diagnosis, patients should be regularly screened for insulin resistance and muscle complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Mericq
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
- Correspondence should be addressed to V Mericq or R K Semple; or
| | - Isabel Huang-Doran
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dhekra Al-Naqeb
- Department of Medicine, Medical Genetic Clinic, Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Christiaan de Bruin
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Hendriks
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Centre for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monique Losekoot
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Khalid Al-Rubeaan
- Research and Scientific Centre Director, Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert K Semple
- Center for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to V Mericq or R K Semple; or
| | - Jan M Wit
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Abstract
The primary cilium is a microtubule-based cellular protrusion found on most mammalian cell types in diverse tissues. It functions as a cellular antenna to sense and transduce a broad range of signals, including odorants, light, mechanical stimuli, and chemical ligands. This diversity in signals requires cilia to display a context and cell type-specific repertoire of receptors. Recently, primary cilia have emerged as critical regulators of metabolism. The importance of primary cilia in metabolic disease is highlighted by the clinical features of human genetic disorders with dysfunctional ciliary signaling, which include obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes the current literature on the role of primary cilia in metabolic disease, focusing on the importance of primary cilia in directing white adipose tissue expansion during obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren I Hilgendorf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Ali ES, Girard D, Petrovsky N. Impaired Ca 2+ signaling due to hepatic steatosis mediates hepatic insulin resistance in Alström syndrome mice that is reversed by GLP-1 analog treatment. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C187-C198. [PMID: 34106786 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00020.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ca2+ signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of hepatic metabolism by hormones including insulin. Changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+ regulate synthesis and posttranslational modification of key signaling proteins in the insulin pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that hepatocyte intracellular Ca2+ signaling is altered in lipid-loaded liver cells isolated from obese rodent models. The mechanisms of altered Ca2+-insulin and insulin-Ca2+ signaling pathways in obesity remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the kinetics of insulin-initiated intracellular (initial) Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum is significantly impaired in steatotic hepatocytes from obese Alström syndrome mice. Furthermore, exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog, reversed lipid-induced inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ release kinetics in steatotic hepatocytes, without affecting the total content of intracellular Ca2+ released. Exenatide reversed the lipid-induced inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ release, at least partially, via lipid reduction in hepatocytes, which then restored hormone-regulated cytoplasmic Ca2+ signaling and insulin sensitivity. This data provides additional evidence for the important role of Ca2+ signaling pathways in obesity-associated impaired hepatic lipid homeostasis and insulin signaling. It also highlights a potential advantage of GLP-1 analogs when used to treat type 2 diabetes associated with hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunus S Ali
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Vaxine Pty Ltd, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Bettini S, Bombonato G, Dassie F, Favaretto F, Piffer L, Bizzotto P, Busetto L, Chemello L, Senzolo M, Merkel C, Angeli P, Vettor R, Milan G, Maffei P. Liver Fibrosis and Steatosis in Alström Syndrome: A Genetic Model for Metabolic Syndrome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11050797. [PMID: 33924909 PMCID: PMC8170882 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alström syndrome (ALMS) is an ultra-rare monogenic disease characterized by insulin resistance, multi-organ fibrosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hypertriglyceridemia with high and early incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluated liver fibrosis quantifying liver stiffness (LS) by shear wave elastography (SWE) and steatosis using ultrasound sonographic (US) liver/kidney ratios (L/K) in 18 patients with ALMS and 25 controls, and analyzed the contribution of metabolic and genetic alterations in NAFLD progression. We also genetically characterized patients. LS and L/K values were significantly higher in patients compared with in controls (p < 0.001 versus p = 0.013). In patients, LS correlated with the Fibrosis-4 Index and age, while L/K was associated with triglyceride levels. LS showed an increasing trend in patients with metabolic comorbidities and displayed a significant correlation with waist circumference, the homeostasis model assessment, and glycated hemoglobin A1c. SWE and US represent promising tools to accurately evaluate early liver fibrosis and steatosis in adults and children with ALMS during follow-up. We described a new pathogenic variant of exon 8 in ALMS1. Patients with ALMS displayed enhanced steatosis, an early increased age-dependent LS that is associated with obesity and T2DM but also linked to genetic alterations, suggesting that ALMS1 could be involved in liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bettini
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (L.B.); (R.V.); (G.M.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (F.D.); Tel.: +39-333-204-6896 (S.B.); Tel.: +39-049-821-7021 (F.D.)
| | - Giancarlo Bombonato
- Internal Medicine 5, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (L.P.); (P.B.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Francesca Dassie
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (L.B.); (R.V.); (G.M.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (F.D.); Tel.: +39-333-204-6896 (S.B.); Tel.: +39-049-821-7021 (F.D.)
| | - Francesca Favaretto
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (L.B.); (R.V.); (G.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Luca Piffer
- Internal Medicine 5, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (L.P.); (P.B.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Bizzotto
- Internal Medicine 5, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (L.P.); (P.B.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Luca Busetto
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (L.B.); (R.V.); (G.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Liliana Chemello
- Internal Medicine 5, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (L.P.); (P.B.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Gastroenterology Department of Oncological and Gastroenterological Surgical Sciences, DiSCOG, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Carlo Merkel
- Internal Medicine 5, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (L.P.); (P.B.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Internal Medicine 5, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.B.); (L.P.); (P.B.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Roberto Vettor
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (L.B.); (R.V.); (G.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Gabriella Milan
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (L.B.); (R.V.); (G.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Pietro Maffei
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.F.); (L.B.); (R.V.); (G.M.); (P.M.)
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Dassie F, Favaretto F, Bettini S, Parolin M, Valenti M, Reschke F, Danne T, Vettor R, Milan G, Maffei P. Alström syndrome: an ultra-rare monogenic disorder as a model for insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Endocrine 2021; 71:618-625. [PMID: 33566311 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02643-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alström syndrome (ALMS) is a monogenic ultra-rare disorder with a prevalence of one per million inhabitants caused by pathogenic variants of ALMS1 gene. ALMS1 is located on chromosome 2p13, spans 23 exons and encodes a predicted 461.2-kDa protein of 4169 amino acids. The infantile cone-rod dystrophy with nystagmus and severe visual impairment is the earliest and most consistent clinical manifestation of ALMS. In addition, infantile transient cardiomyopathy, early childhood obesity with hyperphagia, deafness, insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), systemic fibrosis and progressive renal or liver dysfunction are common findings. ALMS1 encodes a large ubiquitously expressed protein that is associated with the centrosome and the basal body of primary cilium. CURRENT RESEARCH The localisation of ALMS1 to the ciliary basal body suggests its contribution to ciliogenesis and/or normal ciliary function, or centriolar stability. ALMS1 regulate glucose transport through the actin cytoskeleton, which plays an important role in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 transport. Both extreme IR and β-cell failure are the two determinant factors responsible for the development of glucose metabolism alterations in ALMS. TREATMENT Currently, there is no known cure for ALMS other than managing the underlying systemic diseases. When possible, individuals with ALMS and families should be referred to a centre of expertise and followed by a multidisciplinary team. Lifestyle modification, aerobic exercise and dietary induced weight loss are highly recommended as primary treatment for ALMS patients with T2DM and obesity. CONCLUSION Managing a rare disease requires not only medical care but also a support network including patient associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dassie
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Favaretto
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Bettini
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Parolin
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Valenti
- Italian Association of Alström Syndrome Patients-ASS.A.I., Endo-ERN ePAG, Padua, Italy
| | - Felix Reschke
- Department of General Pediatrics, Endocrinology/Diabetology and Clinical Research, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Danne
- Department of General Pediatrics, Endocrinology/Diabetology and Clinical Research, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roberto Vettor
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriella Milan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Maffei
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Kang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
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