The goal of this project is to create cell permeable synthetic molecules capable of activating the expression of specific genes. The """"""""synthetic transcription factor mimics"""""""" would be capable of localizing to a specific promoter region and recruiting the transcriptional machinery to a nearby gene, thus mimicking a basic function of native transactivator proteins. These molecules would be tools of outstanding utility in biomedical research and could potentially be elaborated into a new class of therapeutic agents. It is envisioned that a synthetic activator could be created by fusing together a DMA-binding molecule, specifically a hairpin polyamide with the appropriate DMA recognition characteristics, with a molecule capable of binding the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme, thus recruiting it to the target promoter. There is considerable evidence from our laboratory and others that this is a valid approach, but while synthetic activators capable of functioning in nuclear extracts have been reported, the goal of molecules that function in living cells remains elusive. We have recently made an exciting breakthrough with the discovery of a cell permeable peptoid that functions as an activation domain equivalent in living cells. This is the first observation of such activity. We plan to link this peptoid and improved derivatives to hairpin polyamides with appropriate sequence recognition properties to create cell permeable synthetic activators. These compounds will be employed to manipulate metabolism in cell lines and human islets. In particular, we will attempt to activate the Nkx6.1 gene and the cytosolic, NADPH-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase gene in islets and determine the effect of this stimulation of the metabolism of the cell. These studies will be in collaboration with the Niggard laboratory. Following the lead of recent results in the Newgard laboratory, we also plan to use genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to help to identify direct Nkx6.1 target genes and will also then design synthetic molecules to turn on these genes as well. Throughout the course of this project, consistent efforts will be made to develop ever more potent synthetic activators. To do so, we will take advantage of a novel cell-based screen that we have developed which allows synthetic combinatorial libraries to be screened for activation domain mimics directly. Furthermore, we will also set up cellular assays to optimize polyamides for binding to the desired promoters.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Program Projects (P01)
Project #
5P01DK058398-10
Application #
8147687
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDK1)
Project Start
Project End
2012-05-09
Budget Start
2010-07-01
Budget End
2012-05-09
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$215,083
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Type
DUNS #
044387793
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
Shantavasinkul, Prapimporn Chattranukulchai; Muehlbauer, Michael J; Bain, James R et al. (2018) Improvement in insulin resistance after gastric bypass surgery is correlated with a decline in plasma 2-hydroxybutyric acid. Surg Obes Relat Dis 14:1126-1132
McGarrah, Robert W; Crown, Scott B; Zhang, Guo-Fang et al. (2018) Cardiovascular Metabolomics. Circ Res 122:1238-1258
Fisher-Wellman, Kelsey H; Davidson, Michael T; Narowski, Tara M et al. (2018) Mitochondrial Diagnostics: A Multiplexed Assay Platform for Comprehensive Assessment of Mitochondrial Energy Fluxes. Cell Rep 24:3593-3606.e10
Jin, Eunsook S; Lee, Min Hee; Murphy, Rebecca E et al. (2018) Pentose phosphate pathway activity parallels lipogenesis but not antioxidant processes in rat liver. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 314:E543-E551
Ren, Jimin; Shang, Ty; Sherry, A Dean et al. (2018) Unveiling a hidden 31 P signal coresonating with extracellular inorganic phosphate by outer-volume-suppression and localized 31 P MRS in the human brain at 7T. Magn Reson Med 80:1289-1297
An, Jie; Wang, Liping; Patnode, Michael L et al. (2018) Physiological mechanisms of sustained fumagillin-induced weight loss. JCI Insight 3:
Peterson, Brett S; Campbell, Jonathan E; Ilkayeva, Olga et al. (2018) Remodeling of the Acetylproteome by SIRT3 Manipulation Fails to Affect Insulin Secretion or ? Cell Metabolism in the Absence of Overnutrition. Cell Rep 24:209-223.e6
White, Phillip J; McGarrah, Robert W; Grimsrud, Paul A et al. (2018) The BCKDH Kinase and Phosphatase Integrate BCAA and Lipid Metabolism via Regulation of ATP-Citrate Lyase. Cell Metab 27:1281-1293.e7
Jin, Eunsook S; Browning, Jeffrey D; Murphy, Rebecca E et al. (2018) Fatty liver disrupts glycerol metabolism in gluconeogenic and lipogenic pathways in humans. J Lipid Res 59:1685-1694
Newgard, Christopher B (2017) Metabolomics and Metabolic Diseases: Where Do We Stand? Cell Metab 25:43-56

Showing the most recent 10 out of 181 publications