Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is primarily a tetrameric enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate from phosphoenolpyruvate to ADP, resulting in pyruvate and ATP. PKM2 is abundant during embryogenesis and in specific adult tissues such as adipose and pancreatic islets. New evidence suggests that PKM2 expression in these tissues may have a pivotal role in regulating glycolysis, cell death, and proliferation. However, the metabolic functions of PKM2 in these tissues remain largely unexplored. Our preliminary data shows that PKM2 deficiency improved differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes into mature adipocytes and enhanced mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Moreover, PKM2 deficiency in white adipocytes activated a brown fat-like gene program, which translated into increased mitochondria biogenesis and expression of UCP1, BMP7, and PRDM16. To further delineate PKM2 metabolic functions we will employ complementary approaches. First, we will use a cell platform to investigate the metabolic functions of adipose PKM2 ex-vivo and dissect the underlying mechanisms. Then, we will determine the metabolic role of adipose PKM2 in vivo using two approaches: (1) a genetic approach using mice with adipose-specific deletion by crossing adipose-specific Cre mice to PKM2fl/fl mice and (2) a pharmacological approach using currently available specific inhibitors for PKM2. It is envisioned that the successful completion o these studies will lead to a better understanding of the metabolic functions of PKM2 and may provide insights into therapeutic interventions for obesity and diabetes.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of this proposal is to investigate the metabolic functions of adipose pyruvate kinase M2. Pyruvate kinase, a rate- limiting enzyme during glycolysis, catalyzes the generation of pyruvate and ATP from phosphoenolpyruvate and ADP. My preliminary data shows that depletion of PKM2 in white pre-adipocytes promotes the development of a brown fat-like thermogenic program with an increase in UCP1 gene expression. The present proposal identifies PKM2 as a novel component of the molecular circuit that contributes to adipocyte plasticity and adaptive thermogenesis, which may have potential therapeutic implication.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Career Transition Award (K99)
Project #
5K99DK100736-02
Application #
8734419
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Haft, Carol R
Project Start
2013-09-13
Project End
2015-09-12
Budget Start
2014-09-13
Budget End
2015-09-12
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$90,000
Indirect Cost
$6,667
Name
University of California Davis
Department
Nutrition
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
047120084
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618
Ito, Yoshihiro; Hsu, Ming-Fo; Bettaieb, Ahmed et al. (2017) Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B deficiency in podocytes mitigates hyperglycemia-induced renal injury. Metabolism 76:56-69
Bettaieb, Ahmed; Koike, Shinichiro; Hsu, Ming-Fo et al. (2017) Soluble epoxide hydrolase in podocytes is a significant contributor to renal function under hyperglycemia. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 1861:2758-2765
Hsu, Ming-Fo; Bettaieb, Ahmed; Ito, Yoshihiro et al. (2017) Protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 deficiency in podocytes attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced proteinuria. Sci Rep 7:461
Sirish, Padmini; Li, Ning; Timofeyev, Valeriy et al. (2016) Molecular Mechanisms and New Treatment Paradigm for Atrial Fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 9:
Bettaieb, Ahmed; Koike, Shinichiro; Chahed, Samah et al. (2016) Pancreatic Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Deficiency Exacerbates Acute Pancreatitis in Mice. Am J Pathol 186:2043-2054
Vazquez Prieto, Marcela A; Bettaieb, Ahmed; Rodriguez Lanzi, Cecilia et al. (2015) Catechin and quercetin attenuate adipose inflammation in fructose-fed rats and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mol Nutr Food Res 59:622-33
Harris, Todd R; Bettaieb, Ahmed; Kodani, Sean et al. (2015) Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase attenuates hepatic fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 286:102-11
Bettaieb, Ahmed; Hosein, Ellen; Chahed, Samah et al. (2015) Decreased adiposity and enhanced glucose tolerance in shikonin treated mice. Obesity (Silver Spring) 23:2269-77
Bettaieb, Ahmed; Chahed, Samah; Bachaalany, Santana et al. (2015) Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Pharmacological Inhibition Ameliorates Experimental Acute Pancreatitis in Mice. Mol Pharmacol 88:281-90
Bettaieb, Ahmed; Averill-Bates, Diana A (2015) Thermotolerance induced at a mild temperature of 40°C alleviates heat shock-induced ER stress and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Biochim Biophys Acta 1853:52-62

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