DDB1-Mediated CRY1 Degradation Promotes FOXO1-Driven Gluconeogenesis in Liver

Targeted protein degradation through ubiquitination is an important step in the regulation of glucose metabolism. Here, we present evidence that the DDB1-CUL4A ubiquitin E3 ligase functions as a novel metabolic regulator that promotes FOXO1-driven hepatic gluconeogenesis. In vivo, hepatocyte-specific Ddb1 deletion leads to impaired hepatic gluconeogenesis in the mouse liver but protects mice from high-fat diet-induced hyperglycemia. Lack of Ddb1 downregulates FOXO1 protein expression and impairs FOXO1-driven gluconeogenic response. Mechanistically, we discovered that DDB1 enhances FOXO1 protein stability via degrading the circadian protein cryptochrome 1 (CRY1), a known target of DDB1 E3 ligase. In the Cry1 depletion condition, insulin fails to reduce the nuclear FOXO1 abundance and suppress gluconeogenic gene expression. Chronic depletion of Cry1 in the mouse liver not only increases FOXO1 protein but also enhances hepatic gluconeogenesis. Thus, we have identified the DDB1-mediated CRY1 degradation as an important target of insulin action on glucose homeostasis.

Lipogenic transcription factor ChREBP mediates fructose-induced metabolic adaptations to prevent hepatotoxicity

Epidemiologic and animal studies implicate overconsumption of fructose in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but the molecular mechanisms underlying fructose-induced chronic liver diseases remain largely unknown. Here, we have presented evidence supporting the essential function of the lipogenic transcription factor carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) in mediating adaptive responses to fructose and protecting against fructose-induced hepatotoxicity. In WT mice, a high-fructose diet (HFrD) activated hepatic lipogenesis in a ChREBP-dependent manner; however, in Chrebp-KO mice, a HFrD induced steatohepatitis. In Chrebp-KO mouse livers, a HFrD reduced levels of molecular chaperones and activated the C/EBP homologous protein-dependent (CHOP-dependent) unfolded protein response, whereas administration of a chemical chaperone or Chop shRNA rescued liver injury. Elevated expression levels of cholesterol biosynthesis genes in HFrD-fed Chrebp-KO livers were paralleled by an increased nuclear abundance of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). Atorvastatin-mediated inhibition of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis or depletion of hepatic Srebp2 reversed fructose-induced liver injury in Chrebp-KO mice. Mechanistically, we determined that ChREBP binds to nuclear SREBP2 to promote its ubiquitination and destabilization in cultured cells. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that ChREBP provides hepatoprotection against a HFrD by preventing overactivation of cholesterol biosynthesis and the subsequent CHOP-mediated, proapoptotic unfolded protein response. Our findings also identified a role for ChREBP in regulating SREBP2-dependent cholesterol metabolism.

E4BP4 is an insulin-induced stabilizer of nuclear SREBP-1c and promotes SREBP-1c-mediated lipogenesis

Upon food intake, insulin stimulates de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in hepatocytes via the AKT-mTORC1-sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c pathway. How insulin maintains the maximal SREBP-1c activities during the entire feeding state remains elusive. We previously reported that insulin induced b-ZIP transcription factor, E4-binding protein 4 (E4BP4), in hepatocytes. In the current study, we show that insulin injection increases hepatic E4bp4 expression by activating the AKT-mTORC1-SREBP-1c pathway in hepatocytes. E4bp4-deficient hepatocytes not only fail to maintain robust DNL but also become resistant to SREBP-1c-induced lipogenesis. In vivo, acute depletion of E4bp4 in the liver by adenoviral shRNA reduces the expression of lipogenic enzymes and results in reduced levels of serum triglycerides and cholesterol during the postprandial phase. In hepatocytes, E4BP4 interacts with nuclear SREBP-1c to preserve its acetylation, and subsequently protects it from ubiquitination-dependent degradation. In conclusion, the current studies uncover a novel positive feedback pathway mediated by E4BP4 to augment SREBP-1c-mediated DNL in the liver during the fed state.