Lipid synthesis is promoted by hypoxic adipocyte-derived exosomes in 3T3-L1 cells

Hypoxia occurs within adipose tissues as a result of adipocyte hypertrophy and is associated with adipocyte dysfunction in obesity. Here, we examined whether hypoxia affects the characteristics of adipocyte-derived exosomes. Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted from most cell types as an information carrier between donor and recipient cells, containing a variety of proteins as well as genetic materials. Cultured differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed to hypoxic conditions and the protein content of the exosomes produced from these cells was compared by quantitative proteomic analysis. A total of 231 proteins were identified in the adipocyte-derived exosomes. Some of these proteins showed altered expression levels under hypoxic conditions. These results were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Especially, hypoxic adipocyte-released exosomes were enriched in enzymes related to de novo lipogenesis such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and fatty acid synthase (FASN). The total amount of proteins secreted from exosomes increased by 3–4-fold under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, hypoxia-derived exosomes promoted lipid accumulation in recipient 3T3-L1 adipocytes, compared with those produced under normoxic conditions. FASN levels were increased in undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells treated with FASN-containing hypoxic adipocytes-derived exosomes. This is a study to characterize the proteomic profiles of adipocyte-derived exosomes. Exosomal proteins derived from hypoxic adipocytes may affect lipogenic activity in neighboring preadipocytes and adipocytes.     

Proteomic analysis of hypoxia‐induced U373MG glioma secretome reveals novel hypoxia‐dependent migration factors

High‐grade gliomas are one of the most common brain tumors and notorious for poor prognosis due to their malignant nature. Gliomas have an extensive area of hypoxia, which is critical for glioma progression by inducing aggressiveness and activating the angiogenesis process in the tumor microenvironment. To resolve the factors responsible for the highly malignant nature of gliomas, we comprehensively profiled the U373MG glioma cell secretome—exosome and soluble fraction under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. A total of 239 proteins were identified from the exosome and soluble fractions. Vascular endothelial growth factor, stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) and stanniocalcin 2, and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 and 6, enriched in the soluble fraction, and lysyl oxidase homolog 2 enriched in the exosomal fraction were identified as upregulated proteins by hypoxia based on a label‐free quantitative analysis. STCs and insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins, which were identified as secretory proteins under hypoxic conditions, were highly correlated with glioma grade in human patients by microarray analysis. An in vitro scratch wound assay revealed that STC1 and 2 have important functions in the induction of cell migration in a hypoxia‐dependent manner, suggesting that they are hypoxia‐dependent migration factors.     

XOMA 052, an anti‐IL‐1β monoclonal antibody,prevents IL‐1β‐mediated insulin resistance in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes

Objective:

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) has recently been implicated as a major cytokine that is involved in the pancreatic islet inflammation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This inflammation impairs insulin secretion by inducing beta‐cell apoptosis. Recent evidence has suggested that in obesity‐induced inflammation, IL‐1β plays a key role in causing insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.

Design and Methods:

To further investigate the pathophysiological role of IL‐1β in causing insulin resistance, the inhibitory effects of IL‐1β on several insulin‐dependent metabolic processes in vitro has been neutralized by XOMA 052. The role IL‐1β plays in insulin resistance in adipose tissue was assessed using differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and several parameters involved in insulin signaling and lipid metabolism were examined.

Results and Conclusion:

IL‐1β inhibited insulin‐induced activation of Akt phosphorylation, glucose transport, and fatty acid uptake. IL‐1β also blocked insulin‐mediated downregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 expression. Co‐preincubation of IL‐1β with XOMA 052 neutralized nearly all of these inhibitory effects in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. These studies provide evidence, therefore, that IL‐1β is a key proinflammatory cytokine that is involved in inducing insulin resistance. These studies also suggest that the monoclonal antibody XOMA 052 may be a possible therapeutic to effectively neutralize cytokine‐mediated insulin resistance in adipose tissue.     

Comparative proteome analysis using amine-reactive isobaric tagging reagents coupled with 2D LC/MS/MS in 3T3-L1 adipocytes following hypoxia or normoxia

Hypoxia during the expansion of adipocytes is known to contribute both to the secretion of multiple inflammation-related adipokines as well as to obesity. We therefore investigated the nature of protein changes occurring in adipocytes during hypoxia by observation of the intracellular proteins that are expressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Lysates were utilized for quantitative proteome analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) combined with peptide separation by multi-dimensional liquid chromatography. Antioxidants and elongation factors, as well as glycolytic enzymes were increased in hypoxic adipocytes. These changes were supported by similar changes suggested by real-time PCR. The proteins showing changes are all potential targets for revering the mechanism behind the phenomenon of induction of obese adipocytes by hypoxia. This study can therefore aid in defining the proteomic changes that occur in adipocytes in response to oxygen stress, and can further characterize adipocyte metabolism and adaptation to low oxygen conditions.     

URB is abundantly expressed in adipose tissue and dysregulated in obesity

Dysregulated production of adipocytokines in obesity is involved in the development of metabolic syndrome. URB/DRO1 contains N-terminal signal sequence and is thought to play a role in apoptosis of tumor cells. In the present study, we investigated the expression pattern of URB mRNA in adipose tissue and secretion from cultured adipocytes. In human and mouse, URB mRNA was predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and was downregulated in obese mouse models, such as ob/ob, KKAy, and diet-induced obese mice. In 3T3L1 adipocytes, insulin, TNF-α, H₂O₂ and hypoxia decreased URB mRNA level. This regulation was similar to that for adiponectin and opposite to MCP-1. URB protein was secreted in media of URB cDNA-stably transfected cells and endogenous URB was detected in media of cultured human adipocytes. In conclusion, the expression pattern of URB suggests its role in obesity and the results suggest that URB is secreted, at least in part, from adipocytes.     

Comparative analysis of the secretory proteome of human adipose stromal vascular fraction cells during adipogenesis

Adipogenesis is a complex process that is accompanied by a number of molecular events. In this study, a proteomic approach was adopted to identify secretory factors associated with adipogenesis. A label‐free shotgun proteomic strategy was implemented to analyze proteins secreted by human adipose stromal vascular fraction cells and differentiated adipocytes. A total of 474 proteins were finally identified and classified according to quantitative changes and statistical significances. Briefly, 177 proteins were significantly upregulated during adipogenesis (Class I), whereas 60 proteins were significantly downregulated (Class II). Changes in the expressions of several proteins were confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR and immunoblotting. One obvious finding based on proteomic data was that the amounts of several extracellular modulators of Wnt and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling changed during adipogenesis. The expressions of secreted frizzled‐related proteins, dickkopf‐related proteins, and latent TGF‐β‐binding proteins were found to be altered during adipogenesis, which suggests that they participate in the fine regulation of Wnt and TGF‐β signaling. This study provides useful tools and important clues regarding the roles of secretory factors during adipogenic differentiation, and provides information related to obesity and obesity‐related metabolic diseases.     

Proteomic differences between native and tissue‐engineered tendon and ligament

Tendons and ligaments (T/Ls) play key roles in the musculoskeletal system, but they are susceptible to traumatic or age‐related rupture, leading to severe morbidity as well as increased susceptibility to degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Tissue engineering represents an attractive therapeutic approach to treating T/L injury but it is hampered by our poor understanding of the defining characteristics of the two tissues. The present study aimed to determine differences in the proteomic profile between native T/Ls and tissue engineered (TE) T/L constructs. The canine long digital extensor tendon and anterior cruciate ligament were analyzed along with 3D TE fibrin‐based constructs created from their cells. Native tendon and ligament differed in their content of key structural proteins, with the ligament being more abundant in fibrocartilaginous proteins. 3D T/L TE constructs contained less extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and had a greater proportion of cellular‐associated proteins than native tissue, corresponding to their low collagen and high DNA content. Constructs were able to recapitulate native T/L tissue characteristics particularly with regard to ECM proteins. However, 3D T/L TE constructs had similar ECM and cellular protein compositions indicating that cell source may not be an important factor for T/L tissue engineering.     

Modulation of adipocyte differentiation by omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids involves the ubiquitin‐proteasome system

We have evaluated the effects of three different omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3 PUFAs) – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) on fat accumulation and expression of adipogenic and inflammatory markers using both 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes and differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Our results indicate that ω‐3 PUFAs induce the degradation of fatty acid synthase through the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, which is likely to have beneficial metabolic effect on adipose cells. Omega‐3 PUFAs also increase overall levels of polyubiquitinated proteins, at least in part through decreasing the expression of proteasome subunits. Moreover, adipocytes are resistant to proteasome inhibition, which induces adipophilin while decreasing perilipin expression. On the other hand, ω‐3 PUFAs decrease expression of SREBP1 while inducing expression of adipophilin and GLUT4. Moreover, all three ω‐3 PUFAs appear to induce tumour necrosis factor‐α without affecting NFκB levels. All three ω‐3 PUFAs appear to have overall similar effects. Further research is needed to elucidate their mechanism of action.     

Insulin‐Induced Ectodomain Shedding of Heparin‐Binding Epidermal Growth Factor‐Like Growth Factor in Adipocytes In Vitro

Heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) is synthesized as a type I transmembrane protein, which is proteolytically cleaved to release a soluble form via members of the a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family of proteolytic enzymes. This study was designed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes in vitro. The 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with stable expression of alkaline phosphatase (AP)‐tagged proHB‐EGF (3T3‐L1/HB‐EGF‐AP adipocytes) were developed and AP activities of conditioned media were determined. Using 3T3‐L1/HB‐EGF‐AP adipocytes, we demonstrated that insulin induces HB‐EGF shedding in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. There is no significant increase in insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in undifferentiated 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Studies with metalloprotease inhibitors suggested that insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes is mediated at least in part via ADAM17. Treatment with recombinant HB‐EGF results in a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes, which is significantly suppressed by pharmacologic blockade of ADAM17 (P < 0.01). Moreover, insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes is significantly inhibited by AG1478, an EGF receptor antagonist (P < 0.01). This study provides in vitro evidence that insulin induces HB‐EGF shedding in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Our data also suggest the role of ADAM17 in insulin‐induced HB‐EGF shedding in adipocytes.     

Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha ligands in the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages in obese adipose tissue

Objective: This study was designed to examine the effect of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) ligands on the inflammatory changes induced by the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages in obese adipose tissue. Methods and Procedures: PPAR‐α ligands (Wy‐14,643 and fenofibrate) were added to 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, RAW264 macrophages, or co‐culture of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and RAW264 macrophages in vitro, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) mRNA expression and secretion were examined. PPAR‐α ligands were administered to genetically obese ob/ob mice for 2 weeks. Moreover, the effect of PPAR‐α ligands was also evaluated in the adipose tissue explants and peritoneal macrophages obtained from PPAR‐α‐deficient mice. Results: In the co‐culture of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and RAW264 macrophages, PPAR‐α ligands reduced MCP‐1 and TNF‐α mRNA expression and secretion in vitro relative to vehicle‐treated group. The anti‐inflammatory effect of Wy‐14,643 was observed in adipocytes treated with macrophage‐conditioned media or mouse recombinant TNF‐α and in macrophages treated with adipocyte‐conditioned media or palmitate. Systemic administration of PPAR‐α ligands inhibited the inflammatory changes in adipose tissue from ob/ob mice. Wy‐14,643 also exerted an anti‐inflammatory effect in the adipose tissue explants but not in peritoneal macrophages obtained from PPAR‐α‐deficient mice. Discussion: This study provides evidence for the anti‐inflammatory effect of PPAR‐α ligands in the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages in obese adipose tissue, thereby improving the dysregulation of adipocytokine production and obesity‐related metabolic syndrome.     

Exosomes from hypoxic endothelial cells have increased collagen crosslinking activity through up‐regulation of lysyl oxidase‐like 2

Exosomes are important mediators of intercellular communication. Additionally, they contain a variety of components capable of interacting with the extracellular matrix (ECM), including integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and members of the immunoglobin superfamily. Despite these observations, research on exosome‐ECM interactions is limited. Here, we investigate whether the exosome‐associated lysyl oxidase family member lysyl oxidase‐like 2 (LOXL2) is involved in ECM remodelling. We found that LOXL2 is present on the exterior of endothelial cell (EC)‐derived exosomes, placing it in direct vicinity of the ECM. It is up‐regulated twofold in EC‐derived exosomes cultured under hypoxic conditions. Intact exosomes from hypoxic EC and LOXL2 overexpressing EC show increased activity in a fluorometric lysyl oxidase enzymatic activity assay as well as in a collagen gel contraction assay. Concordantly, knockdown of LOXL2 in exosome‐producing EC in both normal and hypoxic conditions reduces activity of exosomes in both assays. Our findings show for the first time that ECM crosslinking by EC‐derived exosomes is mediated by LOXL2 under the regulation of hypoxia, and implicate a role for exosomes in hypoxia‐regulated focal ECM remodelling, a key process in both fibrosis and wound healing.     

Extracellular matrix production by mouse 3T3-F442A cells during adipose differentiation in culture

When cultured 3T3-F442A cells undergo adipose differentiation, they produce extracellular matrix (ECM) that is not present in undifferentiated cells. This ECM stains strongly with ruthenium red, tannic acid and with Alcian blue at both pH 1 and 2.5, showing histochemical characteristics similar to sulphated and non-sulphated glycosaminoglycans. Under the electron microscope, ECM was observed bound to the cell surface and in the intercellular space; it was composed of fibrils of several thicknesses with attached granules and fibrous long-spacing forms of collagen. In addition, adipocytes were observed as rounded cells interconnected with the ECM fibrils, thus giving rise to fat cell clusters similar to the adipocyte lobules found in adipose tissue. Since fat cell clusters in culture emerge by clonal expansion of one adipose precursor cell, we suggest that this ECM can keep daughter adipocytes interconnected during differentiation. ECM production by adipocytes might have some significance for the formation of fat cell lobules in vivo.     

Identification of the target proteins of rosiglitazone in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through proteomic analysis of cytosolic and secreted proteins

Rosiglitazone, one of the thiazolidinedione (TZD), is an oral antidiabetic drug that activates a gamma isoform of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ). To identify target proteins induced by rosiglitazone in adipocytes, we first performed simultaneous in-depth proteomic profiling of cytosolic proteins and secreted proteins (secretome) from 3T3-L1 adipocytes using a label-free quantification method with nano-UPLC MS/MS. In total, we identified 646 proteins from 3T3-L1 adipocytes, of which 172 and 162 proteins were upregulated and downregulated >1.5-fold, respectively, in rosiglitazone-treated cells, as compared to controls. Some differentially expressed proteins in particular, including fatty acid translocase (FAT)/CD36, fatty acid binding protein, lipoprotein lipase, acetyl CoA acyltransferase, carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 2, sterol carrier protein, adiponectin, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase could explain the current action mechanism of TZDs. Furthermore, this study is the first to report on two potential target proteins of rosiglitazone, such as adenomatosis polyposis coli 2 (APC2), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A-1 (eIF5A) related to apoptosis and cell division. Our data clearly suggest that in-depth proteomic approaches using cytosolic and secreted proteins are important and necessary for identification of drug targets at the protein level.     

Distinct hypoxic regulation of preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) in preadipocytes and mature adipocytes

Preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) is a secretory soluble protein, which exerts pleiotropic effects on maintenance of cancer stem cell characteristics and commitment of mesenchymal stem cell lineages by inhibiting adipogenesis. Observations that obesity renders the microenvironment of adipose tissues hypoxic and that hypoxia inhibits adipogenesis lead us to investigate whether hypoxia increases the expression of anti-adipogenic Pref-1 in preadipocytes, mature adipocytes, and adipose tissues from obese mouse. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, hypoxia induces Pref-1 by a hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)-dependent mechanism accompanied by increase in the levels of the active histone mark, acetylated H3K9/14 (H3K9/14Ac). Adipogenesis increased the levels of the heterochromatin histone mark, trimethylated H3K27 (H3K27me3), whereas it decreased the levels of H3K4me3 and H3K9/14Ac euchromatin marks of the mouse Pref-1 promoter. However, differently from preadipocytes, in mature adipocytes hypoxia failed to reverse the repressive epigenetic changes of Pref-1 promoter and to increase its expression. Short term (8 weeks) high fat diet (HFD) increased HIF-1α protein in subcutaneous and epididymal adipose tissues, but did not increase Pref-1 expression. Unlike in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, HIF-1α did not increase Pref-1 expression in adipose tissues in which mature adipocytes constitute the main population. Interestingly, long term (35 weeks) HFD increased Pref-1 in serum but not in obese adipose tissues. This study suggests that Pref-1 is an endocrine factor which is synergistically increased by obesity and age.