Adipogenic genes expression in relation to hepatic steatosis in the liver of two duck species

Some studies have shown that expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), a key regulator of adipogenesis, and of some adipocyte-specific genes or adipokines are expressed in hepatic steatosis, leading to the concept of ‘adipogenic hepatic steatosis’ or ‘hepatic adiposis.’ Most of these studies were conducted in genetic obese mouse models or after manipulation of gene expression. The relevance of this concept to other species and more physiological models was here addressed in ducks which are able to develop hepatic steatosis after overfeeding. The expression of PPARG and other adipocyte-specific genes was thus analyzed in the liver of ducks fed ad libitum or overfed and compared with those observed in adipose tissues. Pekin (Anas platyrhynchos) and Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) were analyzed, as metabolic responses to overfeeding differ according to these two species, Muscovy ducks having a greater ability to synthesize and store lipids in the liver than Pekin ducks. Our results indicate that adipocyte-specific genes are expressed in the liver of ducks, PPARG and fatty acid-binding protein 4 being upregulated and adiponectin and leptin receptor downregulated by overfeeding. However, these expression levels are much lower than those observed in adipose tissue suggesting that fatty liver cells are not transformed to adipocytes, although some hepato-specific functions are decreased in fatty liver when compared with normal liver.     

桃蛀螟成虫Orco嗅觉受体基因的克隆及组织表达谱分析

【目的】克隆桃蛀螟Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée)的Orco嗅觉受体基因, 并研究其在不同组织的表达谱。【方法】利用PCR技术克隆桃蛀螟触角Orco基因, 对该基因编码的氨基酸序列进行生物信息学分析, 并利用荧光定量PCR技术分析该基因在的表达量。【结果】获得桃蛀螟成虫Orco的cDNA全长序列, 并命名为CpunOrco（GenBank登录号： JX101681）。该基因的开放阅读框全长1 425 bp, 编码475个氨基酸, 序列中有7个跨膜区。对桃蛀螟成虫不同组织中CpunOrco的荧光定量PCR结果表明, CpunOrco主要在触角和下颚须中表达, 雄虫触角中的表达量高于雌虫, 并且该基因在其他组织中也有一定的表达。【结论】本研究明确了该嗅觉受体基因在桃蛀螟成虫不同组织内的表达水平, 为进一步研究其功能提供了理论依据。     

PCK1 expression is correlated with the plasma glucose level in the duck

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (soluble) (PCK1) is a key gene in gluconeogenesis and glyceroneogenesis. Although its functions have been extensively studied in mice, bats and humans, little is known in ducks. Here, PCK1 functions were studied using a duck domestication model and a 48‐h fasting experiment. We found PCK1 expression significantly decreased in two breeds of domestic ducks (Jinyun Pockmark ducks and Cherry Valley ducks) as compared with wild ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Simultaneously, plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and free fatty acid in domestic ducks were lower than in wild ducks. When compared with fed ducks, the plasma triglyceride level was observed to be significantly decreased, while the glucose and free fatty acid levels remained constant in 48‐h fasting ducks. The expression analysis of gluconeogenic genes revealed that fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase genes (FBP1 and FBP2) and the glucose‐6‐phosphatase gene (G6PC2) were not changed, whereas PCK1 was significantly upregulated. In addition, the reported regulators of PCK1, including forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) gene and orphan nuclear receptor NR4A family genes (NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3), exhibited similar expression levels between 48‐h fasting ducks and fed ducks, suggesting that PCK1 is not regulated by these genes in the duck under fasting conditions. In conclusion, PCK1 expression may affect plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and free fatty acid during the duck domestication process. This work demonstrates for the first time in duck that PCK1 is a key gene in maintaining plasma glucose homeostasis during fasting and that the upregulated expression of PCK1 may be responsible for constant plasma free fatty acid level by the glyceroneogenesis process.     

Adipose differentiation related protein: expression, purification of recombinant protein in Escherichia coli and characterization of its fatty acid binding properties

Adipose differentiation related protein (ADRP) is a 53 kDa protein encoded by a cDNA originally cloned by differential hybridization from murine adipocytes. ADRP is induced during the early onset of the adipose differentiation program and is expressed at high level in mature adipocytes. We have demonstrated that ADRP stimulated the uptake of fatty acids thereby providing evidence for a functional role of ADRP in lipid metabolism. In the present paper, the murine ADRP has been expressed as a recombinant histidine-tagged protein in Escherichia coli, and purified from expressing cultures in order to examine its biochemical properties. We report here that the purified recombinant ADRP binds fatty acids and exhibits stoichiometric saturable binding of NBD-stearic acid with a K(d)=0.145+/-0.003 microM and a B(max)=0.99+/-0.05. Analysis of fluorescence emission spectra indicates that the polarity of the ADRP binding site is near epsilon approximately 23, close to that observed for fatty acid binding sites in other lipid binding proteins such as the liver fatty acid binding protein. The data presented here provide evidence that isolated ADRP purified in the experimental conditions described here can be used for functional studies.     

Isolation and characterization of 18 microsatellites in the Peking duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and their application in other waterfowl species

We have isolated and characterized 18 microsatellite loci in the Peking duck (Anas platyrhynchos). The average number of alleles per locus was 3.5, ranging from one to six in domestic Peking ducks (n = 40). All of the markers were polymorphic in a sample of five mallards (A. platyrhynchos; two to eight alleles). Seventeen of the 18 markers amplified in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) with 11 being polymorphic in our sample (n = 14). Amplification of the markers in different species comprising the subfamilies Anatinae and Anserinae indicates their potential value for population genetic applications in a wide range of waterfowl species.     

Adipocyte Differentiation‐related Protein in Human Skeletal Muscle: Relationship to Insulin Sensitivity

Objective: To determine whether adipocyte differentiation‐related protein (ADRP), a lipid droplet—associated protein that binds to and sequesters intracellular fatty acids, is 1) expressed in human skeletal muscle and 2) differentially regulated in human skeletal muscle obtained from obese non‐diabetic (OND) and obese diabetic (OD) subjects. Research Methods and Procedures: Ten OND subjects and 15 OD subjects underwent a weight loss or pharmacological intervention program to improve insulin sensitivity. Anthropometric data, hemoglobin A_1C, fasting glucose, lipids, and glucose disposal rate were determined at baseline and at completion of studies. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle (SkM) were obtained in the fasting state from OND and OD subjects. Protein expression was determined by Western blotting. Results: ADRP was highly expressed in SkM from OND (4.4 ± 1.54 AU/10 μg, protein, n = 10) and OD (5.02 ± 1.33 AU/10 μg, n = 12) subjects. OND subjects undergoing weight loss had decreased triglyceride levels and improved insulin action. SkM ADRP content increased with weight loss from 5.14 ± 2.15 AU/10 μg to 9.92 ± 1.57 AU/10 μg (p < 0.025). OD subjects were treated with either troglitazone or metformin, together with glyburide, for 3 to 4 months. Both treatments attained similar levels of glycemic control. OD subjects with lower baseline ADRP content (2.85 ± 1.07 AU/10 μg, n = 6) displayed up‐regulation of ADRP expression (to 9.27 ± 2.76 AU/10 μg, p < 0.025). Discussion: ADRP is the predominant lipid droplet—associated protein in SkM, and low ADRP expression is up‐regulated in circumstances of improved glucose tolerance. Up‐regulation of ADRP may act to sequester fatty acids as triglycerides in discrete lipid droplets that could protect muscle from the detrimental effects of fatty acids on insulin action and glucose tolerance.     

异色瓢虫气味结合蛋白基因HaxyOBP1和HaxyOBP6的克隆及表达谱分析

【目的】本研究旨在探索异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis气味结合蛋白的结构和分布,更好地了解气味结合蛋白在异色瓢虫嗅觉系统中的作用。【方法】利用生物信息学方法克隆异色瓢虫2个气味结合蛋白基因序列并对其蛋白结构进行分析;通过实时荧光定量PCR分析克隆获得的这2个基因在异色瓢虫各个发育阶段和成虫不同组织中的表达水平。【结果】本研究成功克隆得到异色瓢虫两个气味结合蛋白基因HaxyOBP1和HaxyOBP6(GenBank登录号分别为MG757923和MG757927)。HaxyOBP1开放阅读框全长447 bp,编码148个氨基酸,具有6个保守的半胱氨酸,表明HaxyOBP1属于Classic OBPs。HaxyOBP1在异色瓢虫各发育阶段均有表达,在雄性成虫中表达量最高;组织表达谱分析表明HaxyOBP1在雄虫头部表达量最高。HaxyOBP6开放阅读框全长414 bp,编码137个氨基酸,具有4个保守的半胱氨酸,表明HaxyOBP6属于Minus-C OBPs。HaxyOBP6在成虫期的表达量明显高于幼虫阶段,并且在雄成虫中的表达量显著高于雌成虫;组织表达谱分析表明HaxyOBP6在雄成虫头部和雌成虫翅中表达量最高。【结论】本研究克隆得到异色瓢虫两个气味结合蛋白基因,表达谱分析表明HaxyOBP1和HaxyOBP6分别在异色瓢虫成虫头和翅中具有较高的表达水平,说明气味结合蛋白基因可能在异色瓢虫非嗅觉组织中同样具有重要作用。本研究结果为深入研究异色瓢虫气味结合蛋白结构和功能奠定了基础。     

PPARalpha activation increases triglyceride mass and adipose differentiation-related protein in hepatocytes

Adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) is a lipid droplet-associated protein that is expressed in various tissues. In mice treated with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) agonist Wy14,643 (Wy), hepatic mRNA and protein levels of ADRP as well as hepatic triglyceride content increased. Also in primary mouse hepatocytes, Wy increased ADRP expression and intracellular triglyceride mass. The triglyceride mass increased in spite of unchanged triglyceride biosynthesis and increased palmitic acid oxidation. However, Wy incubation decreased the secretion of newly synthesized triglycerides, whereas apolipoprotein B secretion increased. Thus, decreased availability of triglycerides for VLDL assembly could help to explain the cellular accumulation of triglycerides after Wy treatment. We hypothesized that this effect could be mediated by increased ADRP expression. Similar to PPARalpha activation, adenovirus-mediated ADRP overexpression in mouse hepatocytes enhanced cellular triglyceride mass and decreased the secretion of newly synthesized triglycerides. In ADRP-overexpressing cells, Wy incubation resulted in a further decrease in triglyceride secretion. This effect of Wy was not attributable to decreased cellular triglycerides after increased fatty acid oxidation because the triglyceride mass in Wy-treated ADRP-overexpressing cells was unchanged. In summary, PPARalpha activation prevents the availability of triglycerides for VLDL assembly and increases hepatic triglyceride content in part by increasing the expression of ADRP.     

The dominant MHC class I gene is adjacent to the polymorphic<Emphasis Type="Italic"> TAP2</Emphasis> gene in the duck,<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Anas platyrhynchos</Emphasis>

We are investigating the expression and linkage of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes in the duck (Anas platyrhynchos) with a view toward understanding the susceptibility of ducks to two medically important viruses: influenza A and hepatitis B. In mammals, there are multiple MHC class I loci, and alleles at a locus are polymorphic and co-dominantly expressed. In contrast, in lower vertebrates the expression of one locus predominates. Southern-blot analysis and amplification of genomic sequences suggested that ducks have at least four loci encoding MHC class I. To identify expressed MHC genes, we constructed an unamplified cDNA library from the spleen of a single duck and screened for MHC class I. We sequenced 44 positive clones and identified four MHC class I sequences, each sharing approximately 85% nucleotide identity. Allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization to a Northern blot indicated that only two of these sequences were abundantly expressed. In chickens, the dominantly expressed MHC class I gene lies adjacent to the transporter of antigen processing (TAP2) gene. To investigate whether this organization is also found in ducks, we cloned the gene encoding TAP2 from the cDNA library. PCR amplification from genomic DNA allowed us to determine that the dominantly expressed MHC class I gene was adjacent to TAP2. Furthermore, we amplified two alleles of the TAP2 gene from this duck that have significant and clustered amino acid differences that may influence the peptides transported. This organization has implications for the ability of ducks to eliminate viral pathogens.The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper have been submitted to the GenBank nucleotide sequence database and have been assigned the accession numbers AY294416–22     

Adipose differentiation-related protein: a gonadotropin- and prostaglandin-regulated protein in primate periovulatory follicles

The midcycle LH surge stimulates a rise in follicular fluid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is necessary for normal ovulation. To examine PGE2-regulated processes in primate follicles, monkey granulosa cells were cultured with hCG alone or with hCG and PGE2, and the resulting total RNA was subjected to microarray analysis. Twenty PGE2-regulated mRNAs were identified, and we selected a lipid droplet protein, adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP), for further study. To determine whether hCG and PGE2 regulate ADRP expression in vivo, monkeys received gonadotropins to stimulate multiple follicular development. Human chorionic gonadotropin was then administered alone or with the PG synthesis inhibitor celecoxib, and follicular aspirates or whole ovaries were obtained at times that span the 40-h periovulatory interval. Administration of hCG increased granulosa cell ADRP mRNA and protein, with peak levels measured just before the expected time of ovulation. Treatment with hCG and celecoxib decreased granulosa cell ADRP mRNA levels compared with those of animals treated with hCG only. ADRP was detected by immunocytochemistry in many monkey tissues that synthesize prostaglandins but was not consistently expressed by steroidogenic tissues. Granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles immunostained for ADRP after, but not before, hCG administration; ADRP colocalized with large lipid droplets within the granulosa cell cytoplasm. These studies identify ADRP as a novel gonadotropin- and PGE2-regulated protein in the granulosa cells of primate periovulatory follicles. Because ADRP facilitates arachidonic acid uptake in non-ovarian cells, ADRP-associated lipid droplets may enhance arachidonic acid uptake by granulosa cells to provide a precursor for periovulatory prostaglandin production.     

Adipocyte differentiation-related protein is induced by LRP1-mediated aggregated LDL internalization in human vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages

Aggregated LDL (agLDL) is internalized by LDL receptor-related protein (LRP1) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs). AgLDL is, therefore, a potent inducer of massive intracellular cholesteryl ester accumulation in lipid droplets. The adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP) has been found on the surface of lipid droplets. The objectives of this work were to analyze whether agLDL uptake modulates ADRP expression levels and whether the effect of agLDL internalization on ADRP expression depends on LRP1 in human VSMCs and HMDMs. AgLDL strongly upregulates ADRP mRNA (real-time PCR) and protein expression (Western blot) in human VSMCs (mRNA: by 3.06-fold; protein: 8.58-fold) and HMDMs (mRNA: by 3.5-fold; protein: by 3.71-fold). Treatment of VSMCs and HMDMs with small anti-LRP1-interfering RNA (siRNA-LRP1) leads to specific inhibition of LRP1 expression. siRNA-LRP1 treatment significantly reduced agLDL-induced ADRP overexpression in HMDMs (by 69%) and in VSMCs (by 53%). Immunohystochemical studies evidence a colocolocalization between ADRP/macrophages and ADRP/VSMCs in advanced lipid-enriched atherosclerotic plaques. These results demonstrate that agLDL-LRP1 engagement induces ADRP overexpression in both HMDMs and human VSMCs and that ADRP is highly expressed in advanced lipid-enriched human atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, LRP1-mediated agLDL uptake might play a pivotal role in vascular foam cell formation.     

绿豆象气味结合蛋白基因的克隆及表达分析

【目的】对绿豆象Callosobruchus chinensis气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins, OBPs)基因进行克隆、鉴定和组织表达分析,为研究OBPs在绿豆象嗅觉感受过程中的功能奠定基础。【方法】基于绿豆象触角转录组数据,通过RT-PCR克隆绿豆象6个OBP基因并进行生物信息学分析;通过qRT-PCR分析OBP基因在绿豆象雌雄成虫头(不含触角)、触角、腹、足和翅各组织中的表达情况。【结果】获得了6个绿豆象OBP基因的开放阅读框,命名为CchiOBP1-CchiOBP6(GenBank登录号: MN832700-MN832703, MN901841-MN901842);CchiOBP5为一段C端不完整的Minus-C OBP,其余均属于完整的Classical OBPs,预测6个CchiOBPs均含有信号肽。系统发育分析表明CchiOBP1, CchiOBP2和CchiOBP5与叶甲科(Chrysomelidae)昆虫OBPs的亲缘关系较近,CchiOBP3, CchiOBP4和CchiOBP6与天牛科(Cerambycidae)昆虫OBPs的亲缘关系较近。qRT-PCR结果表明,6个CchiOBPs基因在绿豆象成虫的触角、头(不含触角)、腹、翅和足部均有不同的表达量,CchiOBP1-4和CchiOBP6在雌雄成虫触角中均呈现高表达,且极显著高于在其他组织中的。CchiOBP5在雌成虫触角和头部(不含触角)中呈现高表达,但在雄成虫中表现为在足部的表达量显著高于在其他组织中的,在触角中的表达量最低。【结论】确定了绿豆象6个CchiOBPs基因的核苷酸和氨基酸序列组成,其中有5个CchiOBPs基因在绿豆象雌雄成虫触角中高表达,推测其在绿豆象嗅觉识别寄主植物过程中发挥重要作用。     

黑尾叶蝉卵黄原蛋白受体基因cDNA的克隆、序列分析及表达模式

【目的】卵黄原蛋白受体(vitellogenin receptor,VgR)属于低密度脂蛋白受体,通过介导内吞作用为发育中的卵母细胞摄取卵黄原蛋白,为胚胎发育提供营养物质,在昆虫生殖过程中发挥关键作用。为研究黑尾叶蝉Nephotettix cincticeps VgR(NcVgR)基因的生理功能及其在生殖中的作用,本研究克隆并解析了NcVgR基因的序列,并对其时空表达进行了研究。【方法】根据黑尾叶蝉转录组数据信息,利用RT-PCR克隆了NcVgR基因,并进行了生物信息学分析;利用实时荧光定量PCR研究了不同发育时期、成虫不同组织NcVgR的表达水平。【结果】NcVgR c DNA序列全长6 676 bp,开放阅读框长度5 568 bp,编码1 855个氨基酸,预测编码蛋白的分子量为206 k D,N端前17个氨基酸为信号肽。序列分析显示,NcVgR具有低密度脂蛋白家族的5个经典保守域,即:配体结合域(ligand-binding domain,LBD)、表皮生长因子前体同源域(EGF-precursor homology domain,EGFP)、O-糖链结构域(O-linked sugar domain,OLSD)、跨膜域(transmembrane domain,TMD)和胞质尾域(cytoplasmic domain)。系统发育分析表明,NcVgR与褐飞虱N.lugens VgR亲缘关系最近。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示,NcVgR转录起始时间为5龄若虫,羽化后转录水平逐渐上升,至羽化后8 d达到峰值,随后下降。有意思的是,随着黑尾叶蝉产卵,NcVgR转录水平再次上升,至羽化后16 d达到最高水平。组织定位结果显示,NcVgR在黑尾叶蝉雌成虫卵巢中特异性高表达,而在雌成虫脂肪体和肠道中微量表达,在雌成虫脑及雄成虫中均未检测到表达。【结论】NcVgR在黑尾叶蝉雌成虫卵巢中特异性表达,并且不同发育时期具有不同的表达量,这为研究黑尾叶蝉的生殖调控机理提供了分子信息。     

De novo lipogenesis in the liver and adipose tissues of ducks during early growth stages after hatching

In vivo de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in the liver and adipose tissues of ducks during early developmental stages after hatching has not previously been investigated. In this study, female Peking ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) at weeks 1 to 8 post-hatching were selected for experimentation. We measured the mRNA levels of 6 DNL-related genes in the duck liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue and abdominal adipose tissue by real-time PCR during the 8 weeks. Correlations of the plasma triacylglycerol (TG) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations with fat deposition at these sites were also detected during growth. Our results showed that fat content was highest in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and lowest in the liver during the growth period we studied. Additionally, plasma VLDL and TG were significantly associated with lipid content in adipose tissue (P<0.05), but not in the liver. Lastly, in the growing birds, the expression levels of lipogenic genes (with the exceptions SREBP-1c and SCD1) were much higher in the liver than in the adipose tissues, and the maximal expression levels of these genes occurred at week 4 or 5 at these sites. These findings indicated that the main site of DNL is always the liver in post-hatching ducks, and adipose tissues are of little importance for DNL. Taken together, our results suggested that the plasma lipoproteins contribute greatly to fat deposition in adipose tissues originating from hepatic lipogenesis.