High Density Lipoprotein Binding Research Articles

Serum Lipid Level in Evaluating Chinese Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Retrospective Study.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (p-NENs) are relatively rare and highly heterogeneous. Dyslipidemia may be related to the risk of developing p-NENs, although dyslipidemia in patients with p-NENs is rarely reported. In this study, the clinical characteristics of p-NENs patients with different lipid levels and their prognostic value in p-NENs patients were evaluated. Patients (n=211) with p-NENs hospitalized at Jiangsu Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Jiangsu Province Hospital from December 2018 to December 2022 were enrolled. Clinical data related to p-NENs were collected. Based on the EGA database, the related lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and high-density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP) mRNA in p-NENs and paratumoral tissues and the follow-up information of p-NENs were evaluated. A total of 175 p-NENs patients ultimately met the inclusion criteria. The ki67 index was higher in p-NENs patients with elevated lipid with the proportion of≥5, and in those with AJCC stage III and stage IV than p-NENs patients with low-level lipid. In p-NENs patients, the expression of HDLBP mRNA was downregulated in p-NENs tissues compared to the paratumoral tissues. Survival analysis showed that serum lipids had no effect on the prognosis of p-NENs; however, high LDLR level p-NENs were at the risk of poor survival. Serum lipid level in p-NENs can affect the grading and staging, but the correlation with the prognosis of p-NENs is not significant. However, dyslipidemia may be a potential predictor of p-NENs.

Role of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 in hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes.

In diabetes, the impairment of insulin secretion and insulin resistance contribute to hypertriglyceridemia, as the enzymatic activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) depends on insulin action. The transport of LPL to endothelial cells and its enzymatic activity are maintained by the formation of lipolytic complex depending on the multiple positive (glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 [GPIHBP1], apolipoprotein C-II [APOC2], APOA5, heparan sulfate proteoglycan [HSPG], lipase maturation factor 1 [LFM1] and sel-1 suppressor of lin-12-like [SEL1L]) and negative regulators (APOC1, APOC3, angiopoietin-like proteins [ANGPTL]3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8). Among the regulators, GPIHBP1 is a crucial molecule for the translocation of LPL from parenchymal cells to the luminal surface of capillary endothelial cells, and maintenance of lipolytic activity; that is, hydrolyzation of triglyceride into free fatty acids and monoglyceride, and conversion from chylomicron to chylomicron remnant in the exogenous pathway and from very low-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein in the endogenous pathway. The null mutation of GPIHBP1 causes severe hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis, and GPIGBP1 autoantibody syndrome also causes severe hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the elevated serum triglyceride levels negatively correlate with circulating LPL levels, and positively with circulating APOC1, APOC3, ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8 levels. In contrast, circulating GPIHBP1 levels are not altered in type 2 diabetes patients with higher serum triglyceride levels, whereas they are elevated in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. The circulating regulators of lipolytic complex might be new biomarkers for lipid and glucose metabolism, and diabetic vascular complications.

Circulating levels of lipoprotein lipase and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1: new markers for cardiovascular diseases among noncommunicable diseases: a brief narrative review

Circulating levels of lipoprotein lipase and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1: new markers for cardiovascular diseases among noncommunicable diseases: a brief narrative review

Relationship between serum Betatrophin, GPIHBP1, and LDL subfractions in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

ObjectivesGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) leads to changes in the lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to compare serum levels of LDL subfractions, betatrophin, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) between patients with GDM and healthy pregnant women. Design and MethodsWe designed a prospective case-control study with 41 pregnant women. Subjects were divided into two groups: GDM and control. Betatrophin and GPIHBP1 levels were measured by ELISA method. Lipoprint LDL subfraction kit was used to perform LDL subfraction analysis electrophoretically. ResultsSerum levels of LDL6 subfraction, betatrophin, and GPIHBP1 were found to be higher in GDM group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The mean LDL size were also found larger in GDM group. A positive correlation was found between betatrophin and GPIHBP1 levels (rho = 0.96, p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that betatrophin, and GPIHBP1 levels were found to be increased in GDM. This maybe the result of adaptive mechanisms in response to insulin resistance, but also this relationship should be evaluated for their effects on impaired lipid metabolism and lipoprotein lipase metabolism. There is a need for further prospective studies with larger samples to fully elucidate the mechanisms of this relationship both in pregnant patients and the other patient groups.

Severe hypertriglyceridemia caused by Gpihbp1 deficiency facilitates vascular remodeling through increasing endothelial activation and oxidative stress

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, its impact on non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remains largely unknown. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) is essential for the hydrolysis of circulating triglycerides and loss of functional GPIHBP1 causes severe HTG. In this study, we used Gpihbp1 knockout (GKO) mice to investigate the potential effects of HTG on non-atherosclerotic vascular remodeling. We compared the aortic morphology and gene expressions between three-month-old and ten-month-old GKO mice and their age-matched wild-type controls. We also conducted similar comparisons between GKO mice and wild-type controls in an angiotensin II (AngII)-induced vascular remodeling model. Our data showed that the intima-media wall of ten-month-old GKO mice but not three-month-olds was significantly thickened compared to wild-type controls. Moreover, ten-month-old GKO mice but not three-month-olds had increased aortic macrophage infiltration and perivascular fibrosis, along with increased endothelial activation and oxidative stress. Similarly, the AngII-induced vascular remodeling, as well as endothelial activation and oxidative stress, were also exacerbated in the GKO mice compared to wild-type controls. In conclusion, we demonstrated that severe HTG caused by Gpihbp1 deficiency could facilitate the onset and progression of non-atherosclerotic vascular remodeling through endothelial activation and oxidative stress in mice.

Inverse association between apolipoprotein C-II and cardiovascular mortality: role of lipoprotein lipase activity modulation.

Apolipoprotein C-II (ApoC-II) is thought to activate lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and is therefore a possible target for treating hypertriglyceridemia. Its relationship with cardiovascular risk has not been investigated in large-scale epidemiologic studies, particularly allowing for apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III), an LPL antagonist. Furthermore, the exact mechanism of ApoC-II-mediated LPL activation is unclear. ApoC-II was measured in 3141 LURIC participants of which 590 died from cardiovascular diseases during a median (inter-quartile range) follow-up of 9.9 (8.7-10.7) years. Apolipoprotein C-II-mediated activation of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1)-LPL complex was studied using enzymatic activity assays with fluorometric lipase and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) substrates. The mean ApoC-II concentration was 4.5 (2.4) mg/dL. The relationship of ApoC-II quintiles with cardiovascular mortality exhibited a trend toward an inverse J-shape, with the highest risk in the first (lowest) quintile and lowest risk in the middle quintile. Compared with the first quintile, all other quintiles were associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality after multivariate adjustments including ApoC-III as a covariate (all P < 0.05). In experiments using fluorometric substrate-based lipase assays, there was a bell-shaped relationship for the effect of ApoC-II on GPIHBP1-LPL activity when exogenous ApoC-II was added. In ApoC-II-containing VLDL substrate-based lipase assays, GPIHBP1-LPL enzymatic activity was almost completely blocked by a neutralizing anti-ApoC-II antibody. The present epidemiologic data suggest that increasing low circulating ApoC-II levels may reduce cardiovascular risk. This conclusion is supported by the observation that optimal ApoC-II concentrations are required for maximal GPIHBP1-LPL enzymatic activity.

Abstract 676: Novel Human Variants Of SR-B1 Impact HDL-cholesterol Clearance

The reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway is the primary avenue by which our bodies lower plasma cholesterol levels. In RCT, peripheral cholesterol is transported by high density lipoproteins (HDL) to the liver for excretion. Cholesterol delivery is facilitated by a high-affinity interaction between HDL and its receptor, scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1). Recently, novel variants within the gene encoding SR-B1 were identified in a population of Icelandic people. Four missense mutations - V32M-, V111M-, V135I-, and G319V-SR-B1- were associated with elevations in plasma HDL-cholesterol. Based on these clinical phenotypes, we hypothesized that these conserved variants of SR-B1 would disrupt HDL-cholesterol transport. To assess the functions of the variants, we transiently transfected vector, wild-type, or mutant SR-B1 constructs into COS7 cells which express low endogenous SR-B1. All mutants displayed decreased DiI-HDL binding, yet only G319V-SR-B1 displayed a significant decrease in DiI lipid uptake, by 42% compared to wild-type. SR-B1 also mediates cholesterol efflux from cells into HDL. When assayed, only V32M- and G319V-SR-B1 decreased cholesterol efflux to HDL by 25 and 52%, respectively, compared to wild-type. Additionally, we demonstrated a decrease in total and cell surface expression of the G319V-SR-B1 variant compared to wild-type SR-B1, suggesting that impairments in function could be due to decreased expression. SR-B1 forms oligomers to facilitate its functions, and all variants maintained the ability to form higher order oligomers. To further characterize the SR-B1 variants, we utilized a recently-developed purification system to generate full-length SR-B1 protein and performed microscale thermophoresis to monitor changes in affinity for HDL. Paralleling our results from cellular assays, all SR-B1 variants displayed impaired HDL binding. When mapped to a homology model of full-length SR-B1, all four mutations are within the extracellular region, but the functional perturbations caused by each mutation warrants further studies. These mutants, combined with previously characterized SR-B1 variants, can be integrated as important pieces in the puzzle of cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular disease.

Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory proteins with atherosclerosis index in obese male subjects.

Investigation the association of pro-inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β and IL- 10 expression, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 1 (ABCA1) inflammatory proteins with atherosclerosis index (homocysteine) in normal-weight and obese male subjects. 59 males including 30 obese (Body mass index (BMI) of≥30kg/m2) and 29 normal-weight (BMI of 18.5-24.9kg/m2) were joined to this study. Plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-10 (pg/mL), CRP (pg/mL), COX-2 (ng/mL), APOA1 (mg/dL), ABCA1 (ng/mL), HDL, Cholesterol, and Triglyceride (TG) (mg/dL), and homocysteine (µmol/L) was measured. Association of these biomarkers with homocysteine was determined. Obese subjects had higher serum levels of IL10, IL1β, CRP, COX-2, TG, and cholesterol concentrations (allp<0.05 except IL-10 and cholesterol) and low levels of HDL, APOA1, and ABCA1 (non-significant differences) in comparison to normal-weight group. Homocysteine levels were high in obese men with no significant differences between the two groups. In obese subjects, homocysteine had a significant inverse correlation with APOA1, ABCA1, and HDL, and a strong and moderate positive correlation was found with CRP and TG levels, respectively. High level of homocysteine and its correlation with inflammation proteins and markers in obese subjects appear to be contributed with atherosclerosis development.

A case of hyperchylomicronemia associated with GPIHBP1 autoantibodies and fluctuating thyroid autoimmune disease

Recent studies have reported that patients with autoimmune hyperchylomicronemia caused by glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) autoantibodies are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Basedow's disease, and immune thrombocytopenia. We report a rare case of hyperchylomicronemia due to GPIHBP1 autoantibodies and fluctuating thyroid autoimmune disease. A 28-year-old woman, diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis at 26 years of age, started taking 50 µg/day of levothyroxine sodium. She had an episode of acute pancreatitis at 27 years of age; her serum triglyceride (TG) level was 1291 mg/dL at that time. The patient was referred to our hospital because her hyperchylomicronemia (hypertriglyceridemia) did not improve on treatment with pemafibrate and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Serum total cholesterol and TG levels were 237 mg/dL and 2535 mg/dL, respectively, while plasma pre-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mass was 15 ng/mL (26.5-105.5 ng/mL). We diagnosed her as Basedow's disease based on autoimmune antibodies and ultrasound examination. Targeted exome sequencing revealed no pathogenic variants in the LPL or GPIHBP1 genes. The serum GPIHBP1 autoantibody level was 686.0 U/mL (<58.4 U/mL) and GPIHBP1 mass was 301.9 pg/mL (570.6-1625.6 pg/mL). The patient showed hyperchylomicronemia during periods of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, whereas GPIHBP1 autoantibodies were positive during episode of hyperchylomicronemia but negative during periods of normal TG levels. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with hyperchylomicronemia due to GPIHBP1 autoantibodies and treated with rituximab. GPIHBP1 autoantibodies remained undetectable and TG levels were controlled at approximately 200 mg/dL.

HDLBP Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation and Sorafenib Resistance by Suppressing Trim71-dependent RAF1 Degradation

The contribution of abnormal metabolic targets to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and the associated regulatory mechanisms are attractive research areas. High-density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP) is an important transporter that protects cells from excessive cholesterol accumulation, but few studies have identified a role for HDLBP in HCC progression. HDLBP expression was determined in HCC tissues and published datasets. The biological roles of HDLBP invitro and invivo were examined by performing a series of functional experiments. An integrated analysis confirmed that HDLBP expression was significantly elevated in HCC compared with noncancerous liver tissues. The knockdown or overexpression of HDLBP substantially inhibited or enhanced, respectively, HCC proliferation and sorafenib resistance. Subsequently, a mass spectrometry screen identified RAF1 as a potential downstream target of HDLBP. Mechanistically, when RAF1 was stabilized by HDLBP, MEKK1 continuously induced RAF1Ser259-dependent MAPK signaling. Meanwhile, HDLBP interacted with RAF1 by competing with the TRIM71 E3 ligase and inhibited RAF1 degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Our study reveals that HDLBP is an important mediator that stabilizes the RAF1 protein and maintains its activity, leading to HCC progression and sorafenib resistance. Thus, HDLBP might represent a potential biomarker and future therapeutic target for HCC.

The lipid transporter HDLBP promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through BRAF-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Tumor metastasis is a major cause of cancer mortality. However, little is known regarding the regulation of abnormal cholesterol metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. Here, we show that the expression of high-density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP), a lipid transporter, is clinically correlated with tumor metastasis in HCC patients. Moreover, HDLBP was required for cholesterol-induced HCC metastasis. We revealed that knockdown and overexpression of HDLBP significantly inhibited and enhanced, respectively, the metastasis, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry screening uncovered BRAF as a protein target of HDLBP. HDLBP was found to promote EMT signaling in a BRAF-dependent manner. Furthermore, HDLBP interacts with BRAF and inhibits its ubiquitinated degradation by abrogating BRAF-ITCH interactions. Notably, further studies suggest that dabrafenib exhibited a greater metastasis-suppressive effect in HDLBP knockout HCC than isolated treatment. Overall, our findings imply that cholesterol-induced HDLBP contributes to the metastasis and invasion of HCC through BRAF-dependent EMT signaling and that HDLBP may be applied as a biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Decoding Functional High-Density Lipoprotein Particle Surfaceome Interactions.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a mixture of complex particles mediating reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and several cytoprotective activities. Despite its relevance for human health, many aspects of HDL-mediated lipid trafficking and cellular signaling remain elusive at the molecular level. During HDL’s journey throughout the body, its functions are mediated through interactions with cell surface receptors on different cell types. To characterize and better understand the functional interplay between HDL particles and tissue, we analyzed the surfaceome-residing receptor neighborhoods with which HDL potentially interacts. We applied a combination of chemoproteomic technologies including automated cell surface capturing (auto-CSC) and HATRIC-based ligand–receptor capturing (HATRIC-LRC) on four different cellular model systems mimicking tissues relevant for RCT. The surfaceome analysis of EA.hy926, HEPG2, foam cells, and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) revealed the main currently known HDL receptor scavenger receptor B1 (SCRB1), as well as 155 shared cell surface receptors representing potential HDL interaction candidates. Since vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) was recently found as a regulatory factor of transendothelial transport of HDL, we next analyzed the VEGF-modulated surfaceome of HAEC using the auto-CSC technology. VEGF-A treatment led to the remodeling of the surfaceome of HAEC cells, including the previously reported higher surfaceome abundance of SCRB1. In total, 165 additional receptors were found on HAEC upon VEGF-A treatment representing SCRB1 co-regulated receptors potentially involved in HDL function. Using the HATRIC-LRC technology on human endothelial cells, we specifically aimed for the identification of other bona fide (co-)receptors of HDL beyond SCRB1. HATRIC-LRC enabled, next to SCRB1, the identification of the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase Mer (MERTK). Through RNA interference, we revealed its contribution to endothelial HDL binding and uptake. Furthermore, subsequent proximity ligation assays (PLAs) demonstrated the spatial vicinity of MERTK and SCRB1 on the endothelial cell surface. The data shown provide direct evidence for a complex and dynamic HDL receptome and that receptor nanoscale organization may influence binding and uptake of HDL.

Abstract 119: Into The Wormhole: Understanding SR-B1’s Cholesterol Transport Functions Through Structural Studies

Scavenger receptor Class B type 1 (SR-B1) is a glycosylated integral membrane protein that serves as the primary receptor for high density lipoprotein (HDL) and plays a central role in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway (RCT). In RCT, HDL removes cholesterol within atherosclerotic plaques and delivers it to the liver for excretion. HDL-cholesterol is delivered into hepatocytes through interaction with SR-B1, highlighting the need to improve our understanding of SR-B1 structure-function relationships to effectively lower plasma cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk. Currently, structural information about SR-B1 remains limited to a structure of short transmembrane-spanning peptide segment, homology models, and transient transfection studies in cultured cells. Towards our long-term goal of resolving a full-length structure of human SR-B1, we have expressed and purified full-length human SR-B1 from an Sf9 insect cell baculoviral infection system. To verify function, human full-length SR-B1 expressed in plated Sf9 cells displayed a significant increase in DiI-HDL binding and DiI-lipid uptake compared to empty vector controls. Using PFO-PAGE, we demonstrated that SR-B1 forms dimers and higher order oligomers in Sf9 cells. After functional verification, we successfully incorporated purified protein into detergent micelles. Thermal shift assays revealed purified SR-B1 remained stable over a 6-week period. Purified SR-B1 also maintained the ability to bind to apolipoprotein A-I (the main protein component of HDL) and holoparticle HDL with high affinity (K D = 42.77 ± 7.15 μg/mL) by microscale thermophoresis (MST). Additionally, SR-B1 was able to bind oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Further, while glycosylation remains important for SR-B1 expression, we are the first to demonstrate by MST that SR-B1’s glycosylation status did not impact HDL binding affinity (K D of 42.77 ± 7.15 μg/mL for glycosylated vs. 41.25 ± 4.92 μg/mL for unglycosylated SR-B1). Availability of functional purified human SR-B1 is a critical step towards a high-resolution structure and these studies lay the foundation for understanding the dynamics of SR-B1-mediated cholesterol transport and novel ways to modulate cardiovascular disease risk.

Abstract 206: Into The Wormhole: Understanding SR-B1’s Cholesterol Transport Functions Through Structural Studies

Scavenger receptor Class B type 1 (SR-B1) is a glycosylated integral membrane protein that serves as the primary receptor for high density lipoprotein (HDL) and plays a central role in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway (RCT). In RCT, HDL removes cholesterol within atherosclerotic plaques and delivers it to the liver for excretion. HDL-cholesterol is delivered into hepatocytes through interaction with SR-B1, highlighting the need to improve our understanding of SR-B1 structure-function relationships to effectively lower plasma cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk. Currently, structural information about SR-B1 remains limited to a structure of short transmembrane-spanning peptide segment, homology models, and transient transfection studies in cultured cells. Towards our long-term goal of resolving a full-length structure of human SR-B1, we have expressed and purified full-length human SR-B1 from an Sf9 insect cell baculoviral infection system. To verify function, human full-length SR-B1 expressed in plated Sf9 cells displayed a significant increase in DiI-HDL binding and DiI-lipid uptake compared to empty vector controls. Using PFO-PAGE, we demonstrated that SR-B1 forms dimers and higher order oligomers in Sf9 cells. After functional verification, we successfully incorporated purified protein into detergent micelles. Thermal shift assays revealed purified SR-B1 remained stable over a 6-week period. Purified SR-B1 also maintained the ability to bind to apolipoprotein A-I (the main protein component of HDL) and holoparticle HDL with high affinity (K D = 42.77 ± 7.15 μg/mL) by microscale thermophoresis (MST). Additionally, SR-B1 was able to bind oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Further, while glycosylation remains important for SR-B1 expression, we are the first to demonstrate by MST that SR-B1’s glycosylation status did not impact HDL binding affinity (K D of 42.77 ± 7.15 μg/mL for glycosylated vs. 41.25 ± 4.92 μg/mL for unglycosylated SR-B1). Availability of functional purified human SR-B1 is a critical step towards a high-resolution structure and these studies lay the foundation for understanding the dynamics of SR-B1-mediated cholesterol transport and novel ways to modulate cardiovascular disease risk.

SR-B1's Next Top Model: Structural Perspectives on the Functions of the HDL Receptor.

Purpose of ReviewThe binding of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to its primary receptor, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), is critical for lowering plasma cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. This review provides novel insights into how the structural elements of SR-B1 drive efficient function with an emphasis on bidirectional cholesterol transport.Recent FindingsWe have generated a new homology model of full-length human SR-B1 based on the recent resolution of the partial structures of other class B scavenger receptors. Interrogating this model against previously published observations allows us to generate structurally informed hypotheses about SR-B1’s ability to mediate HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) transport. Furthermore, we provide a structural perspective as to why human variants of SR-B1 may result in impaired HDL-C clearance.SummaryA comprehensive understanding of SR-B1’s structure–function relationships is critical to the development of therapeutic agents targeting SR-B1 and modulating cardiovascular disease risk.

Circulating GPIHBP1 levels and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) plays a crucial role in lipolytic processing. Previous studies have shown that GPIHBP1 mutations cause severe hypertriglyceridemia and that serum GPIHBP1 levels are marginally higher in patients with coronary heart disease; however, the role of GPIHBP1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unknown. We investigated the association between circulating GPIHBP1 levels and the prevalence of microvascular complications in T2DM. A total of 237 subjects with T2DM and 235 non-diabetic control subjects were enrolled in this study. Their serum GPIHBP1 levels were evaluated using ELISA assays. Circulating GPIHBP1 levels were higher in patients with T2DM (952.7 pg/mL [761.3-1234.6], p < 0.0001) than in non-diabetic subjects (700.6 [570.8-829.6]), but did not differ in T2DM patients with or without hypertriglyceridemia. Serum GPIHBP1 levels were significantly higher in patients with T2DM with diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and microvascular complications than in those without these complications. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed that the presence of microvascular complications, but not macrovascular complications, was independently associated with serum GPIHBP1 levels, which could predict the presence of diabetic microvascular complications. Elevated GPIHBP1 levels are associated with microvascular complications in T2DM and may help to predict their progression.

The TSC Complex-mTORC1 Axis: From Lysosomes to Stress Granules and Back.

The tuberous sclerosis protein complex (TSC complex) is a key integrator of metabolic signals and cellular stress. In response to nutrient shortage and stresses, the TSC complex inhibits the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) at the lysosomes. mTORC1 is also inhibited by stress granules (SGs), RNA-protein assemblies that dissociate mTORC1. The mechanisms of lysosome and SG recruitment of mTORC1 are well studied. In contrast, molecular details on lysosomal recruitment of the TSC complex have emerged only recently. The TSC complex subunit 1 (TSC1) binds lysosomes via phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate [PI(3,5)P2]. The SG assembly factors 1 and 2 (G3BP1/2) have an unexpected lysosomal function in recruiting TSC2 when SGs are absent. In addition, high density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP, also named Vigilin) recruits TSC2 to SGs under stress. In this mini-review, we integrate the molecular mechanisms of lysosome and SG recruitment of the TSC complex. We discuss their interplay in the context of cell proliferation and migration in cancer and in the clinical manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex disease (TSC) and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).

PCSK9 Activity Is Potentiated Through HDL Binding.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) circulates in a free and lipoprotein-bound form, yet the functional consequence of the association between PCSK9 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) remains unexplored. This study sought to interrogate the novel relationship between PCSK9 and HDL in humans. Comparing lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles by nuclear magnetic resonance and targeted mass spectrometry measurements with PCSK9 levels in the community-based Bruneck (n=656) study revealed a positive association of plasma PCSK9 with small HDL, alongside a highly significant positive correlation between plasma levels of PCSK9 and apolipoprotein-C3, an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase. The latter association was replicated in an independent cohort, the SAPHIR study (n=270). Thus, PCSK9-HDL association was determined during the postprandial response in two dietary studies (n=20 participants each, 8 times points). Peak triglyceride levels coincided with an attenuation of the PCSK9-HDL association, a loss of apolipoprotein-C3 from HDL and lower levels of small HDL as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance. Crosslinking mass spectrometry (XLMS) upon isolated HDL identified PCSK9 as a potential HDL-binding partner. PCSK9 association with HDL was confirmed through size-exclusion chromatography and immuno-isolation. Quantitative proteomics upon HDL isolated from patients with coronary artery disease (n=172) returned PCSK9 as a core member of the HDL proteome. Combined interrogation of the HDL proteome and lipidome revealed a distinct cluster of PCSK9, phospholipid transfer protein, clusterin and apolipoprotein-E within the HDL proteome, that was altered by sex and positively correlated with sphingomyelin content. Mechanistically, HDL facilitated PCSK9-mediated low-density lipoprotein receptor degradation and reduced low-density lipoprotein uptake through the modulation of PCSK9 internalisation and multimerisation. This study reports HDL as a binder of PCSK9 and regulator of its function. The combination of -omic technologies revealed postprandial lipaemia as a driver of PCSK9 and apolipoprotein-C3 release from HDL.

GPIHBP1 and ANGPTL4 Utilize Protein Disorder to Orchestrate Order in Plasma Triglyceride Metabolism and Regulate Compartmentalization of LPL Activity.

Intravascular processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) is crucial for delivery of dietary lipids fueling energy metabolism in heart and skeletal muscle and for storage in white adipose tissue. During the last decade, mechanisms underlying focal lipolytic processing of TRLs along the luminal surface of capillaries have been clarified by fresh insights into the functions of lipoprotein lipase (LPL); LPL’s dedicated transporter protein, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein–binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1); and its endogenous inhibitors, angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL) proteins 3, 4, and 8. Key discoveries in LPL biology include solving the crystal structure of LPL, showing LPL is catalytically active as a monomer rather than as a homodimer, and that the borderline stability of LPL’s hydrolase domain is crucial for the regulation of LPL activity. Another key discovery was understanding how ANGPTL4 regulates LPL activity. The binding of ANGPTL4 to LPL sequences adjacent to the catalytic cavity triggers cooperative and sequential unfolding of LPL’s hydrolase domain resulting in irreversible collapse of the catalytic cavity and loss of LPL activity. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the ANGPTL3–ANGPTL8 complex for endocrine regulation of LPL activity in oxidative organs (e.g., heart, skeletal muscle, brown adipose tissue), but the molecular mechanisms have not been fully defined. New insights have also been gained into LPL–GPIHBP1 interactions and how GPIHBP1 moves LPL to its site of action in the capillary lumen. GPIHBP1 is an atypical member of the LU (Ly6/uPAR) domain protein superfamily, containing an intrinsically disordered and highly acidic N-terminal extension and a disulfide bond–rich three-fingered LU domain. Both the disordered acidic domain and the folded LU domain are crucial for the stability and transport of LPL, and for modulating its susceptibility to ANGPTL4-mediated unfolding. This review focuses on recent advances in the biology and biochemistry of crucial proteins for intravascular lipolysis.

SR‐BI &amp; PCPE2: Friends or Foes in Adipocyte Cholesterol Transport?

Obesity continues to be an epidemic in the United States, placing individuals at a higher risk of developing other comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Specialized cells called adipocytes accumulate excess triglycerides and undergo hypertrophic expansion as a protective mechanism to avoid lipotoxicity and organ failure. Since adipocytes have a reduced ability to synthesize their own cholesterol, they rely heavily on circulating lipoproteins for their cholesterol supply to support membrane expansion. Scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is believed to be important in the adipocyte cholesterol delivery process, as this integral membrane protein is the primary receptor for high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and regulates bi-directional cholesterol transport. Collaborative studies demonstrated that SR-BI-mediated HDL-cholesteryl ester (HDL-CE) uptake in the liver requires the extracellular matrix protein procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer 2 (PCPE2). These published studies have prompted a novel hypothesis that PCPE2 facilitates SR-BI's cholesterol transport functions to regulate adipocyte cholesterol homeostasis. To test our hypothesis, we have replicated an adipocyte model system where ear mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) isolated from the outer ears of mice can be differentiated into adipocytes and further used to study cholesterol transport in vitro. We validated our adipocyte model system by Oil Red O staining, mRNA expression of adipogenesis markers (PPARγ, LPL, FABP4, cEBP2α), and adiponectin secretion over the 9-day post-differentiation period in wild-type (WT), SR-BI knock-out (SR-BI-/-), and PCPE2-/- adipocytes. All three genotypes showed increased Oil Red O staining, increased mRNA expression of adipogenesis markers, and increased adiponectin secretion over the post-differentiation period. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed that SR-BI-/- and PCPE2-/- adipocytes had half the amount of cholesteryl esters compared to WT adipocytes, indicating that there may be disrupted cholesterol transport in the SR-BI-/- and PCPE2-/- adipocytes. Early pilot data indicate no major changes in cholesterol efflux from [3H]-cholesterol-labeled cells to HDL between WT, SR-BI-/-, and PCPE2-/- adipocytes. Experiments to assess HDL binding and HDL-CE uptake using double radiolabeled HDL particles ([125I]-HDL-[3H]-CHE) are currently ongoing. Interestingly, using an assay that assesses cholesterol distribution in membranes, we were able to show that loss of PCPE2 causes changes in cholesterol distribution within the membrane, suggesting that it may play a role in lipid raft formation. All together, we are confident that we have developed a unique in vitro adipocyte model system that can help us assess how PCPE2 may impact SR-BI-mediated cholesterol delivery.