Several risks factors of the metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance and obesity present mitochondrial dysfunction that is associated with increased intramyocellular lipid accumulation. In response to nutrients and cold stimuli, transcriptional complexes that contain PGC-1a control mitochondrial oxidative function to maintain energy homeostasis. mTOR is an important component that responds to nutrient and hormonal signals and regulates cell growth, size and survival. However, whether and how mTOR controls mitochondrial oxidative activities is unknown. We have preliminary experiments indicating that in skeletal muscle mTOR is necessary to maintain mitochondrial oxidative function. We have identified that the transcription factor YY1 and the coactivator PGC-1a are mediating mTOR mitochondrial effects through modulation of their physical interaction. However, the molecular mechanisms of the signal transduction from mTOR to YY1/PGC-1a are unknown. The major goal of this proposal is to identify the mechanisms by which mTOR pathway regulates mitochondrial gene expression through the YY1/PGC-1a and to test their functionality in ? in-vivo mouse models. To accomplish this goal, we will use a variety of biochemical, cellular and genetic approaches. We have three aims.
Aim 1 is to perform molecular and functional analysis of how mTOR controls YY1 transcriptional function.
Aim 2 is to carry out molecular and functional analysis of the mTOR activity-dependent interaction between YY1 and PGC-1a.
Aim 3 will determine the effects of mTOR inhibition on the metabolic and bioenergetic function in mice. This investigation will allow us to identify the molecular mechanisms by which the nutrient sensor pathway regulates YY1/PGC-1a and how defects in this pathway results in dysregulated mitochondrial function and energy balance.

Public Health Relevance

Since mitochondrial pathways are dysregulated metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, studies in this grant proposal to understand how mTOR control mitochondrial function might translate into potential therapies for these diseases. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01DK081418-01
Application #
7501790
Study Section
Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity Study Section (CADO)
Program Officer
Silva, Corinne M
Project Start
2008-08-15
Project End
2012-05-31
Budget Start
2008-08-15
Budget End
2009-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$353,410
Indirect Cost
Name
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
076580745
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
Rines, Amy K; Sharabi, Kfir; Tavares, Clint D J et al. (2016) Targeting hepatic glucose metabolism in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Nat Rev Drug Discov 15:786-804
Verdeguer, Francisco; Soustek, Meghan S; Hatting, Maximilian et al. (2016) Brown Adipose YY1 Deficiency Activates Expression of Secreted Proteins Linked to Energy Expenditure and Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity. Mol Cell Biol 36:184-96
Barrow, Joeva J; Balsa, Eduardo; Verdeguer, Francisco et al. (2016) Bromodomain Inhibitors Correct Bioenergetic Deficiency Caused by Mitochondrial Disease Complex I Mutations. Mol Cell 64:163-175
Sharabi, Kfir; Tavares, Clint D J; Rines, Amy K et al. (2015) Molecular pathophysiology of hepatic glucose production. Mol Aspects Med 46:21-33
Verdeguer, Francisco; Blättler, Sharon M; Cunningham, John T et al. (2014) Decreased genetic dosage of hepatic Yin Yang 1 causes diabetic-like symptoms. Mol Endocrinol 28:308-16
Blattler, Sharon M; Cunningham, John T; Verdeguer, Francisco et al. (2012) Yin Yang 1 deficiency in skeletal muscle protects against rapamycin-induced diabetic-like symptoms through activation of insulin/IGF signaling. Cell Metab 15:505-17
Blattler, Sharon M; Verdeguer, Francisco; Liesa, Marc et al. (2012) Defective mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic function in mice lacking the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 in skeletal muscle. Mol Cell Biol 32:3333-46