Abstract

Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism is linked to glucose homeostasis, but the underlying signaling mechanisms are unclear. We find that gluconeogenesis is reduced in mice deficient of Ppm1k, apositive regulator of BCAA catabolism, which protects against obesity-induced glucose intolerance. Accumulation of branched-chain keto acids (BCKAs) inhibits glucose production in hepatocytes. BCKAs suppress liver mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) activity and pyruvate-supported respiration. Pyruvate-supported gluconeogenesis is selectively suppressed in Ppm1k-deficient mice and can be restored with pharmacological activation of BCKA catabolism by BT2. Finally, hepatocytes lack branched-chain aminotransferase that alleviates BCKA accumulation via reversible conversion between BCAAs and BCKAs. This renders liver MPC most susceptible to circulating BCKA levels hence a sensor of BCAA catabolism.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.