Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Activity Research Articles

Alternol eliminates excessive ATP production by disturbing Krebs cycle in prostate cancer.

Alternol is a natural compound isolated from fermentation products of a mutant fungus. Our previous studies demonstrated that Alternol specifically kills cancer cells but spares benign cells. To investigate the mechanism underlying alternol-induced cancer cell-specific killing effect, we took a comprehensive strategy to identify Alternol's protein targets in prostate cancer cells, including PC-3, C4-2, and 22RV1, plus benign BPH1 cell lines. Major experimental techniques included biotin-streptavidin pulldown assay coupled with mass-spectrometry, in vitro enzyme activity assay for Krebs cycle enzymes and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolomic analysis. Among 14 verified protein targets, four were Krebs cycle enzymes, fumarate hydratase (FH), malate dehydrogenase-2 (MDH2), dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (DLAT) in pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) and dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (DLST) in a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC). Functional assays revealed that PDHC and KGDHC activities at the basal level were significantly higher in prostate cancer cells compared to benign prostate BPH1 cells, while alternol treatment reduced their activities in cancer cells close to the levels in BPH1 cells. Although FH and MDH2 activities were comparable among prostate cancer and benign cell lines at the basal level, Alternol treatment largely increased their activities in cancer cells. Metabolomic analysis revealed that Alternol treatment remarkably reduced the levels of malic acid, fumaric acid, and isocitric acid and mitochondrial respiration in prostate cancer cells. Alternol also drastically reduced mitochondrial respiration and ATP production in PC-3 cells in vitro or in xenograft tissues but not in BPH1 cells or host liver tissues. Alternol interacts with multiple Krebs cycle enzymes, resulting in reduced mitochondrial respiration and ATP production in prostate cancer cells and xenograft tissues, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment.

Tissue-specific kinase expression and activity regulate flux through the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is a multienzyme assembly that converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. As pyruvate and acetyl-CoA play central roles in cellular metabolism, understanding PDC regulation is pivotal to understanding the larger metabolic network. The activity of mammalian PDC is regulated through reversible phosphorylation governed by at least four isozymes of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). Deciphering which kinase regulates PDC in organisms at specific times or places has been challenging. In this study, we analyzed mouse strains carrying targeted mutations of individual isozymes to explore their role in regulating PDC activity. Analysis of protein content of PDK isozymes in major metabolic tissues revealed that PDK1 and PDK2 were ubiquitously expressed, whereas PDK3 and PDK4 displayed a rather limited tissue distribution. Measurement of kinase activity showed that PDK1 is the principal isozyme regulating hepatic PDC. PDK2 was largely responsible for inactivation of PDC in tissues of muscle origin and brown adipose tissue (BAT). PDK3 was the principal kinase regulating pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in kidney and brain. In a well-fed state, the tissue levels of PDK4 protein were fairly low. In most tissues tested, PDK4 ablation had little effect on the overall rates of inactivation of PDC in kinase reaction. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that the activity of PDC is regulated by different isozymes in different tissues. Furthermore, it appears that the overall flux through PDC in a given tissue largely reflects the properties of the PDK isozyme that is principally responsible for the regulation of PDC activity in that tissue.

Hexokinase II promotes the Warburg effect by phosphorylating alpha subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase.

ObjectiveTumor cells rely heavily on glycolysis regardless of oxygen tension, a phenomenon called the Warburg effect. Hexokinase II (HKII) catalyzes the first irreversible step of glycolysis and is often overexpressed in tumor cells. Mitochondrial HKII couples glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation while maintaining mitochondrial membrane integrity. In this study, we investigated the role of HKII in promoting the Warburg effect in cancer cells.MethodsHKII-mediated phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHA1) was tested in HEK293T cells and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) specimens using gene knockdown, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.ResultsIt was determined that HKII could not only transform glucose into glucose-6-phosphate, but also transfer the phosphate group of ATP onto PDHA1. In addition, it was found that HKII increased the phosphorylation of Ser293 on PDHA1, decreasing pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex activity and thus rerouting the metabolic pathway and promoting the Warburg effect. The overexpression of HKII correlated with the phosphorylation of PDHA1 and disease progression in ccRCC.ConclusionsThe data presented here suggest that HKII is an important biomarker in the evaluation and treatment of cancer.

Dichloroacetate-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Dichloroacetate (DCA) has been the focus of research by both environmental toxicologists and biomedical scientists for over 50 years. As a product of water chlorination and a metabolite of certain industrial chemicals, DCA is ubiquitous in our biosphere at low μg/kg body weight daily exposure levels without obvious adverse effects in humans. As an investigational drug for numerous congenital and acquired diseases, DCA is administered orally or parenterally, usually at doses of 10-50mg/kg per day. As a therapeutic, its principal mechanism of action is to inhibit pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). In turn, PDK inhibits the key mitochondrial energy homeostat, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), by reversible phosphorylation. By blocking PDK, DCA activates PDC and, consequently, the mitochondrial respiratory chain and ATP synthesis. A reversible sensory/motor peripheral neuropathy is the clinically limiting adverse effect of chronic DCA exposure and experimental data implicate the Schwann cell as a toxicological target. It has been postulated that stimulation of PDC and respiratory chain activity by DCA in normally glycolytic Schwann cells causes uncompensated oxidative stress from increased reactive oxygen species production. Additionally, the metabolism of DCA interferes with the catabolism of the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine and with heme synthesis, resulting in accumulation of reactive molecules capable of forming adducts with DNA and proteins and also resulting in oxidative stress. Preliminary evidence in rodent models of peripheral neuropathy suggest that DCA-induced neurotoxicity may be mitigated by naturally occurring antioxidants and by a specific class of muscarinic receptor antagonists. These findings generate a number of testable hypotheses regarding the etiology and treatment of DCA peripheral neuropathy.

Radiofrequency ablation of locally advanced pancreatic cancer: immunostimulation patterns

Background: RFA of pancreatic cancer has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe, and data exist showing a positive impact on survival. The aim was to investigate whether an immune reaction is activated after locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) ablation. Methods: Peripheral Blood samples were obtained preoperatively and in post-operative days 3-30 from patients treated with RFA for LAPC. Evaluated parameters were: cells [CD4+, CD8+ and Double negative lymphocytes, T-Reg, Monocytes, myeloid and plasmocytoid Dendritic cells (mDC and pDC)] and cytokines (IL-6, SDF-1, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, VEGF, RANTES, TGF-β). Results: Ten patients were enrolled. CD4+ and CD8+ count decreased at day 3, and returned to baseline at day 30, while CD8+ terminal effector memory lymphocytes increased at day 30. The median levels of T-Regs stayed baseline. mDC decreased at day 3 but returned to baseline by day 30. pDC decreased at day 3 and stayed low level at day 30. IL-6 significantly increased at day 3 and returned to baseline at day 30. VEGF levels stayed baseline. Decrease of TGF-β and increase of IFN-γ seen at day 3 persisted at day 30. Conclusion: Our study provides the first experimental evidence of an immune systemic reaction to RFA in LAPC, supported by the early significant increase of IL-6 proinflammatory chemokine and lack of activation of immunosuppressive lymphocytes, monocytes and pDC. Further studies are needed to provide experimental evidence of antitumor response and its clinical impact.

Radiofrequency ablation of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Immunostimulation Patterns

Background: RFA of pancreatic cancer has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe, and data exist showing a positive impact on survival. The aim was to investigate whether an immune reaction is activated after locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) ablation. Methods: Peripheral Blood samples were obtained preoperatively and in post-operative days 3-30 from patients treated with RFA for LAPC. Evaluated parameters were: cells [CD4+, CD8+ and Double negative lymphocytes, T-Reg, Monocytes, myeloid and plasmocytoid Dendritic cells (mDC and pDC)] and cytokines (IL-6, SDF-1, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, VEGF, RANTES, TGF-β). Results: Ten patients were enrolled. CD4+ and CD8+ count decreased at day 3, and returned to baseline at day 30, while CD8+ terminal effector memory lymphocytes increased at day 30. The median levels of T-Regs stayed baseline. mDC decreased at day 3 but returned to baseline by day 30. pDC decreased at day 3 and stayed low level at day 30. IL-6 significantly increased at day 3 and returned to baseline at day 30. VEGF levels stayed baseline. Decrease of TGF-β and increase of IFN-γ seen at day 3 persisted at day 30. Conclusion: Our study provides the first experimental evidence of an immune systemic reaction to RFA in LAPC, supported by the early significant increase of IL-6 proinflammatory chemokine and lack of activation of immunosuppressive lymphocytes, monocytes and pDC. Further studies are needed to provide experimental evidence of antitumor response and its clinical impact.

Tryptophan Metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans Links Aggregation Behavior to Nutritional Status.

Caenorhabditis elegans uses aggregation pheromones to communicate its nutritional status and recruit fellow members of its species to food sources. These aggregation pheromones include the IC-ascarosides, ascarosides modified with an indole-3-carbonyl (IC) group on the 4'-position of the ascarylose sugar. Nothing is known about the biosynthesis of the IC modification beyond the fact that it is derived from tryptophan. Here, we show that C. elegans produces endogenously several indole-containing metabolites, including indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; auxin), and indole-3-carboxylic acid, and that these metabolites are intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway from tryptophan to the IC group. Stable isotope-labeled IPA and IAA are incorporated into the IC-ascarosides. Importantly, we show that flux through the biosynthetic pathway is affected by the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). Knockdown of the PDC by RNA interference leads to an accumulation of upstream metabolites and a reduction in downstream metabolites in the pathway. Our results show that production of aggregation pheromones is linked to PDC activity and that aggregation behavior may reflect a favorable metabolic state in the worm. Lastly, we show that treatment of C. elegans with indole-containing metabolites in the pathway induces the biosynthesis of the IC-ascarosides. Because the natural environment of C. elegans is rotting plant material, indole-containing metabolites in this environment could potentially stimulate pheromone biosynthesis and aggregation behavior in the worm. Thus, there may be important links between tryptophan metabolism in C. elegans and in plants and bacteria that enable interkingdom signaling.

Protective effects of voltage-gated calcium channel antagonists against zinc toxicity in SN56 neuroblastoma cholinergic cells.

One of the pathological site effects in excitotoxic activation is Zn2+ overload to postsynaptic neurons. Such an effect is considered to be equivalent to the glutamate component of excitotoxicity. Excessive uptake of Zn2+ by active voltage-dependent transport systems in these neurons may lead to significant neurotoxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and which antagonists of the voltage gated calcium channels (VGCC) might modify this Zn2+-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cells. Our data demonstrates that depolarized SN56 neuronal cells may take up large amounts of Zn2+ and store these in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial sub-fractions. The mitochondrial Zn2+ excess suppressed pyruvate uptake and oxidation. Such suppression was caused by inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, aconitase and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase activities, resulting in the yielding of acetyl-CoA and ATP shortages. Moreover, incoming Zn2+ increased both oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde levels, known parameters of oxidative stress. In depolarized SN56 cells, nifedipine treatment (L-type VGCC antagonist) reduced Zn2+ uptake and oxidative stress. The treatment applied prevented the activities of PDHC, aconitase and NADP-IDH enzymes, and also yielded the maintenance of acetyl-CoA and ATP levels. Apart from suppression of oxidative stress, N- and P/Q-type VGCCs presented a similar, but weaker protective influence. In conclusion, our data shows that in the course of excitotoxity, impairment to calcium homeostasis is tightly linked with an excessive neuronal Zn2+ uptake. Hence, the VGCCs types L, N and P/Q share responsibility for neuronal Zn2+ overload followed by significant energy-dependent neurotoxicity. Moreover, Zn2+ affects the target tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, yields acetyl-CoA and energy deficits as well.

Hassall's corpuscles with cellular-senescence features maintain IFNα production through neutrophils and pDC activation in the thymus.

Hassall's corpuscles (HCs) are composed of cornifying, terminally differentiated medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) that are developed under the control of Aire. Here, we demonstrated that HC-mTECs show features of cellular senescence and produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including CXCL5, thereby recruiting and activating neutrophils to produce IL-23 in the thymic medulla. We further indicated that thymic plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) expressing IL-23 receptors constitutively produced Ifna, which plays a role in single positive (SP) cell maturation, in an Il23a-dependent manner. Neutrophil depletion with anti-Ly6G antibody injection resulted in a significant decrease of Ifna expression in the thymic pDCs, suggesting that thymic neutrophil activation underlies the Ifna expression in thymic pDCs in steady state conditions. A New Zealand White mouse strain showing HC hyperplasia exhibited greater numbers and activation of thymic neutrophils and pDCs than B6 mice, whereas Aire-deficient B6 mice with defective HC development and SP thymocyte maturation showed significantly compromised numbers and activation of these cells. These results collectively suggested that HC-mTECs with cell-senescence features initiate a unique cell activation cascade including neutrophils and pDCs leading to the constitutive IFNα expression required for SP T-cell maturation in the thymic medulla.

Human Dendritic Cell Subsets Undergo Distinct Metabolic Reprogramming for Immune Response.

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists induce metabolic reprogramming, which is required for immune activation. We have investigated mechanisms that regulate metabolic adaptation upon TLR-stimulation in human blood DC subsets, CD1c+ myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). We show that TLR-stimulation changes expression of genes regulating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glutamine metabolism in pDC. TLR-stimulation increases mitochondrial content and intracellular glutamine in an autophagy-dependent manner in pDC. TLR-induced glutaminolysis fuels OXPHOS in pDCs. Notably, inhibition of glutaminolysis and OXPHOS prevents pDC activation. Conversely, TLR-stimulation reduces mitochondrial content, OXPHOS activity and induces glycolysis in CD1c+ mDC. Inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation or promotion of mitochondrial fusion impairs TLR-stimulation induced glycolysis and activation of CD1c+ mDCs. TLR-stimulation triggers BNIP3-dependent mitophagy, which regulates transcriptional activity of AMPKα1. BNIP3-dependent mitophagy is required for induction of glycolysis and activation of CD1c+ mDCs. Our findings reveal that TLR stimulation differentially regulates mitochondrial dynamics in distinct human DC subsets, which contributes to their activation.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock causes profound changes in myocardial energy metabolites in pigs.

Energy deficiency is a cause for myocardial dysfunction during septic shock. In rodents, septic shock decreases the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and glucose in the myocardium causing energy deficiency. However, the effect of septic shock on myocardial energy metabolites in large animals and human is unknown. Investigate the effects of septic shock on myocardial energy metabolites in domestic pigs. Seventeen female pigs divided into control and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock groups. Myocardial metabolites were analyzed ex vivo by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Gene and protein expression analysis were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot. Septic shock was associated with an increase in myocardial levels of short- and medium-chain acylcarnitines, lactate, alanine, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 gene expression. COX-2 and prostaglandin E4 receptor gene expression also increased in the septic myocardium, although the only elevated eicosanoid in the septic animals was thromboxane B2. Myocardial levels of niacin, taurine, glutamate, glutamine, and glutathione were higher, and hypoxanthine levels lower in septic pigs than controls. In pigs, septic shock induced by LPS caused myocardial changes directed to decrease the oxidation of medium- and short-chain fatty acid without an effect on long-chain fatty acid oxidation. The increase in myocardial levels of lactate, alanine, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 gene expression suggest that septic shock decreases pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity and glucose oxidation. Homeostasis of niacin, taurine, glutamate, glutamine, glutathione, hypoxanthine and thromboxane B2 is also affected in the septic myocardium.

Dichloroacetophenones targeting at pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 with improved selectivity and antiproliferative activity: Synthesis and structure-activity relationships

Dichloroacetophenone is a pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) inhibitor with suboptimal kinase selectivity. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of novel dichloroacetophenones. Structure-activity relationship analyses (SARs) enabled us to identify three potent compounds, namely 54, 55, and 64, which inhibited PDK1 function, activated pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, and reduced the proliferation of NCI-H1975 cells. Mitochondrial bioenergetics assay suggested that 54, 55, and 64 enhanced the oxidative phosphorylation in cancer cells, which might contribute to the observed anti-proliferation effects. Collectively, these results suggested that 54, 55, and 64 could be promising compounds for the development of potent PDK1 inhibitors.

TLR9-mediated activation of dendritic cells by CD32 targeting for the generation of highly immunostimulatory vaccines

ABSTRACTThe rational for designing dendritic cell (DC)-targeted immunotherapies is their central role in orchestrating immunity. Most studies addressing antigen-targeting to DCs for eliciting T cell responses have employed ex-vivo matured DCs derived from monocytes or myeloid DCs isolated from peripheral blood. More recently, also plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) emerged as attractive targets that can be readily isolated and activated ex vivo. pDCs are known as key effectors of innate and adaptive immunity due to their exquisite ability to produce large amounts of type-1 interferons upon signaling via TLR7 or TLR9 intracellular receptor for viral RNA or bacterial DNA, respectively. In this study, we describe and characterize the immune modulating and targeting module of a composite human specific vaccine platform for active immunotherapy. This module, called warhead (WH), is composed of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and CpG-C type oligonucleotides (ODNs) that are covalently coupled. The scFv mediates specific binding to FcγRII/CD32 on APCs and internalization of the ODNs which stimulate TLR9-expressing B cells and pDCs. Furthermore, the scFv in the WH is extended with a five-time heptad repeat (EVSALEK) alpha helix which allows for a coiled-coil complex formation with any immunogen also extended with another five-time heptad (KVSALKE) repeat. WH elicits fast and robust pDC activation as evidenced by the release of interferon-α, TNF-α and IL-6. The WH thus takes advantage of the key features of human pDCs for immunostimulation and can be a versatile tool for antigen-specific vaccination with a variety of proteins or peptides.

Characterization of the Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Response to Transmitted/Founder and Nontransmitted Variants of HIV-1.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection often arises from a single transmitted/founder (TF) viral variant among a large pool of viruses in the quasispecies in the transmitting partner. TF variants are typically nondominant in blood and genital secretions, indicating that they have unique traits. The plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) is the primary alpha interferon (IFN-α)-producing cell in response to viral infections and is rapidly recruited to the female genital tract upon exposure to HIV-1. The impact of pDCs on transmission is unknown. We investigated whether evasion of pDC responses is a trait of TF viruses. pDCs from healthy donors were stimulated in vitro with a panel of 20 HIV-1 variants, consisting of one TF variant and three nontransmitted (NT) variants each from five transmission-linked donor pairs, and secretion of IFN-α and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant differences in cytokine secretion in response to TF and NT viruses were observed, despite a trend toward enhanced IFN-α and TNF-α production in response to TF viruses. NT viruses demonstrated polarization toward production of either IFN-α or TNF-α, indicating possible dysregulation. Also, for NT viruses, IFN-α secretion was associated with increased resistance of the virus to inactivation by IFN-α in vitro, suggesting in vivo evolution. Thus, TF viruses do not appear to preferentially subvert pDC activation compared to that with nontransmitted HIV-1 variants. pDCs may, however, contribute to the in vivo evolution of HIV-1.IMPORTANCE The plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) is the first cell type recruited to the site of HIV-1 exposure; however, its contribution to the viral bottleneck in HIV-1 transmission has not been explored previously. We hypothesized that transmitted/founder viruses are able to avoid the pDC response. In this study, we used previously established donor pair-linked transmitted/founder and nontransmitted (or chronic) variants of HIV-1 to stimulate pDCs. Transmitted/founder HIV-1, instead of suppressing pDC responses, induced IFN-α and TNF-α secretion to levels comparable to those induced by viruses from the transmitting partner. We noted several unique traits of chronic viruses, including polarization between IFN-α and TNF-α production as well as a strong relationship between IFN-α secretion and the resistance of the virus to neutralization. These data rule out the possibility that TF viruses preferentially suppress pDCs in comparison to the pDC response to nontransmitted HIV variants. pDCs may, however, be important drivers of viral evolution in vivo.

Defining the contribution of skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase α1 to exercise performance and insulin action.

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and is an important control point for carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation. However, the importance of the PDC and CHO oxidation to muscle metabolism and exercise performance, particularly during prolonged or high-intensity exercise, has not been fully defined especially in mature skeletal muscle. To this end, we determined whether skeletal muscle-specific loss of pyruvate dehydrogenase alpha 1 ( Pdha1), which is a critical subunit of the PDC, impacts resting energy metabolism, exercise performance, or metabolic adaptation to high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. For this, we generated a tamoxifen (TMX)-inducible Pdha1 knockout (PDHmKO) mouse, in which PDC activity is temporally and specifically ablated in adult skeletal muscle. We assessed energy expenditure, ex vivo muscle contractile performance, and endurance exercise capacity in PDHmKO mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Additionally, we studied glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in muscle after 12 wk of HFD feeding. TMX administration largely ablated PDHα in skeletal muscle of adult PDHmKO mice but did not impact energy expenditure, muscle contractile function, or low-intensity exercise performance. Additionally, there were no differences in muscle insulin sensitivity or body composition in PDHmKO mice fed a control or HFD, as compared with WT mice. However, exercise capacity during high-intensity exercise was severely impaired in PDHmKO mice, in parallel with a large increase in plasma lactate concentration. In conclusion, although skeletal muscle PDC is not a major contributor to resting energy expenditure or long-duration, low-intensity exercise performance, it is necessary for optimal performance during high-intensity exercise.

The Effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) on <i>S. cerevisiae </i>Cell Proliferation

This experiment investigates what effect ALA may have on the growth of S. cerevisiae, based on extensive studies that have been conducted previously on the therapeutic capabilities of ALA (α-lipoic acid) in various cancers because of its potent antioxidant and apoptotic effects. It manages this because it serves a significant role in enzymatic processes crucial to energy production in cells. In energy metabolism, ALA is responsible for generating acetyl-CoA from pyruvate, and it thus plays a large role in the PDC (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex), an important link connecting glucose metabolism with the citric acid cycle [1]. It helps to shuttle carbon into aerobic respiration, specifically for converting pyruvate into acetyl-CoA and the formation of NADH and carbon dioxide. The process is regulated by enzymes called PDKs, which serve to catalyze suppression of the PDC when the cellular environment becomes nutrient-limited, or glucose scarce. PDKs are speculated to be able to inactivate the PDC via phosphorylation, thus preserving pyruvate for a different metabolic pathway. It is known that overexpression of PDKs blocks oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate, so targeting the inhibition of PDKs could upregulate PDC activity [2]. Studies have revealed that PDC inhibition is associated with the mechanisms of many metabolic disorders, even cancer (Stacpoole, 2017). In S.cerevisiae cells, which are model organisms for cancer studies, energy is generated typically anaerobically through alcohol fermentation, until this is impacted and it switches to metabolism controlled by the citric acid cycle. This slows down cell proliferation, so it is predicted that as ALA concentrations are increased, cell proliferation will decrease, as indicated by an average cell count of each culture. After experimentation, results revealed that each ALA concentration, 0.125% (2.37×10-20), 0.25% (1.49×10-16), 0.5% (6.41×10-16), and 1% (9.36×10-18), significantly reduced the cell count of their respective cell culture, as compared to the control of 0% ALA. Also, alcohol test strips revealed that with higher concentrations, the cells switched to aerobic respiration as no alcohol was being produced, so fermentation was stopped. This supports the hypothesis that increasing concentrations of ALA will lead to a decrease in cell proliferation, and may indicate that ALA upregulates PDC activity via inhibition of PDKs, which makes it a potential candidate in adjuvant therapies for cancer treatment.

Anticancer effects of some novel dichloroacetophenones through the inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1

Targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) has been suggested as a potential anticancer strategy. 2,2-dichloroacetophenone (DAP) is a PDK1 inhibitor exhibiting weak anticancer potency and poor selectivity. The current study describes the characterization of three potent compounds 54, 55 and 64, which tightly bound to PDK1 with Kd values of 1.29, 0.97, and 0.58 μM, respectively, and activated pyruvate dehydrogenase complex with EC50 values of 0.68, 0.49, and 0.33 μM, respectively. In contrast with DAP, these analogues were more potent and selective against PDK1, reduced proliferation and survival of NCI-H1975 cells, and suppressed tumor growth in a NCI-H1975 xenograft mouse model. Moreover, compounds 54, 55 and 64 depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, induced cell apoptosis, decreased extracellular lactate formation, and increased reactive oxygen species production in NCI-H1975 cells. They may serve as potential modulators to regulate mitochondrial function and reprogram metabolism in cancer cells which could represent promising compounds for further development of potent PDK1 inhibitors.

Remodeling of Myocardial Metabolism by Cardiac Mitochondrial Akt Signaling through Modulation of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

Mitochondria play a critical role in the regulation of myocardial metabolism and function. Diminished insulin-activated Akt translocation into mitochondria matrix contributed to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, its mechanisms of actions are not fully understood. Using an inducible heart specific transgenic mice harboring a mitochondria-targeting dominant Akt (CAMDAKT), we have observed 50% attenuation of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in mitochondria. Proteomic study revealed insulin injection promoted formation of pyruvate dehydrogenase supercomplex in the control mice, however, insulin-stimulated formation of pyruvate dehydrogenase supercomplex was inhibited in the CAMDAKT mice. We next used a novel small molecular inhibitor (SMI) to disrupt binding of Akt to the E3 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase to dissect how active Akt interacted and modulated pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). Insulin stimulation of PDC activity and complex formation were inhibited by the SMI. Acetyl-CoA, which bridges PDC to the TCA cycle, was significantly reduced by 40% in the cardiac mitochondria of CAMDAKT mice. Interestingly, this was accompanied by reduced NAD+ and NADH levels (40-50% reduction) and NAD+/NADH ratio (30-40% reduction). Therefore the redox state was compromised. In CAMDAKT mice, cardiac mitochondria underwent adaptive changes once mitochondrial Akt became inhibited, with biphasic alteration of mitochondria abundance (up and down). The expression of PPARγ and PGC1α, showed a similar pattern of changes, suggesting compensatory mitochondria biogenesis. In summary, mitochondrial Akt action in the heart is at least partially mediated through its direct interaction with the E3 subunit of PDC, and inhibition of this pathway led to metabolic remodeling and compensatory mitochondria biogenesis. These data shed new light into the mechanism of mitochondrial Akt actions and how it modulated cardiac metabolism. Disclosure Y. Chen: None. Y. Chen: None. A. Ta: None. H. Lee: None. H. Lin: None. P.H. Wang: None.

MicroRNA downregulation in plasmacytoid dendritic cells in interferon-positive systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome.

To investigate miRNA expression in relation to transcriptomic changes in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in SLE and APS. pDCs are major producers of IFNα in SLE and APS, and miRNAs are emerging as regulators of pDC activation. miRNA and mRNA expression were measured by OpenArray and RNA-sequencing in pDCs of SLE, SLE + APS (APS secondary to SLE) and primary APS (PAPS) patients. The miRNA profile of patients was compared with the miRNA pattern of TLR7-activated pDCs. Among 131 miRNAs detected in pDCs, 35, 17 and 21 had a significantly lower level of expression in SLE, SLE + APS and PAPS patients, respectively, as compared with healthy controls (HC). Notably, the miRNA profile did not significantly differ between SLE and APS, but was driven by the presence or absence of an IFN signature. TLR7 stimulation induced a general downregulation of miRNAs, similar to the pattern observed in SLE and APS patients. miR-361-5p, miR-128-3p and miR-181a-2-3p expression was lower in patients with a high IFN signature (false discovery rate <0.05) as compared with patients with a low IFN signature and HCs. Pathway enrichment on the overlap of miRNA targets and upregulated genes from the RNAseq indicated that these miRNAs are involved in pDC activation and apoptosis. Lower miRNA expression in pDCs is shared between SLE, SLE + APS and PAPS and is related to the IFN signature. As pDCs are the alleged source of the IFN signature in these patients, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms/pathways leading to pDC dysregulation in SLE and APS might open novel pathways for therapeutic intervention.

A novel inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase stimulates myocardial carbohydrate oxidation in diet-induced obesity

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is a key control point of energy metabolism and is subject to regulation by multiple mechanisms, including posttranslational phosphorylation by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). Pharmacological modulation of PDC activity could provide a new treatment for diabetic cardiomyopathy, as dysregulated substrate selection is concomitant with decreased heart function. Dichloroacetate (DCA), a classic PDK inhibitor, has been used to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy, but the lack of specificity and side effects of DCA indicate a more specific inhibitor of PDK is needed. This study was designed to determine the effects of a novel and highly selective PDK inhibitor, 2((2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl) isoindoline-4,6-diol (designated PS10), on pyruvate oxidation in diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse hearts compared with DCA-treated hearts. Four groups of mice were studied: lean control, DIO, DIO + DCA, and DIO + PS10. Both DCA and PS10 improved glucose tolerance in the intact animal. Pyruvate metabolism was studied in perfused hearts supplied with physiological mixtures of long chain fatty acids, lactate, and pyruvate. Analysis was performed using conventional 1H and 13C isotopomer methods in combination with hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate in the same hearts. PS10 and DCA both stimulated flux through PDC as measured by the appearance of hyperpolarized [13C]bicarbonate. DCA but not PS10 increased hyperpolarized [1-13C]lactate production. Total carbohydrate oxidation was reduced in DIO mouse hearts but increased by DCA and PS10, the latter doing so without increasing lactate production. The present results suggest that PS10 is a more suitable PDK inhibitor for treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.