Overnutrition and physical inactivity promote the accumulation of sphingolipids such as ceramides which block insulin signaling and anabolic metabolism. Implementation of pharmacological or genetic interventions to reduce sphingolipid levels in rodents prevents or reverses an impressive array of metabolic pathologies (e.g. insulin resistance, diabetes, steatohepatitis, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis). To elucidate the tissue-specific mechanisms through which ceramides contribute to these diseases, we have produced mice allowing for the conditional, cell-type restricted ablation of enzymes required for ceramide biosynthesis or degradation (i.e. serine palmitoyltransferase and dihydroceramide desaturases-1) or degradation (i.e. acid ceramidase). We will apply these tools to dissect the regulatory mechanisms controlling ceramide synthesis and action in skeletal muscle.
Aims of the project include the following: ? To use these novel mouse models to evaluate the effect of muscle-specific ceramide depletion or induction on insulin sensitivity, muscle growth, and genomic/proteomic signatures under conditions of overnutrition and inactivity. ? To apply a ceramide flux assay in isolated human myotubes to identify the regulatory mechanisms that influence rates of ceramide biosynthesis; and, ? To determine the efficacy of a new class of inhibitors of dihydroceramide desaturases-1, our preferred target in the ceramide synthesis pathway, as therapeutics that improve muscle insulin sensitivity and prevent muscle loss in rodents. Findings obtained from these studies could uncover new nutrient-sensing machinery that modulates insulin sensitivity and muscle growth. Moreover, the translational component could lead to new pharmacological approaches for improving muscle health.

Public Health Relevance

Ceramides are fat metabolites that accumulate in individuals susceptible to diabetes and heart disease. Herein we investigate their contribution to disease pathology by dissecting their impact on the ability of the body to store and burn nutrients in muscle tissue. The work could uncover new therapeutic approaches for combating diseases associated with obesity.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK115824-02
Application #
9618889
Study Section
Integrative Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes Study Section (IPOD)
Program Officer
Li, Yan
Project Start
2018-01-01
Project End
2021-12-31
Budget Start
2019-01-01
Budget End
2019-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Nutrition
Type
Sch Allied Health Professions
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112
Tippetts, Trevor S; Holland, William L; Summers, Scott A (2018) The ceramide ratio: a predictor of cardiometabolic risk. J Lipid Res 59:1549-1550
Chaurasia, Bhagirath; Holland, William L; Summers, Scott A (2018) Does This Schlank Make Me Look Fat? Trends Endocrinol Metab 29:597-599