Mevalonate-derived Isoprenoids Research Articles

Isoprenoids increase bovine endometrial stromal cell tolerance to the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin from Trueperella pyogenes.

Preventing postpartum uterine disease depends on the ability of endometrial cells to tolerate the presence of the bacteria that invade the uterus after parturition. Postpartum uterine disease and endometrial pathology in cattle are most associated with the pathogen Trueperella pyogenes. Trueperella pyogenes secretes a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, pyolysin, which causes cytolysis by forming pores in the plasma membrane of endometrial stromal cells. The aim of the present study was to identify cell-intrinsic pathways that increase bovine endometrial stromal cell tolerance to pyolysin. Pyolysin caused dose-dependent cytolysis of bovine endometrial stromal cells and leakage of lactate dehydrogenase into supernatants. Cell tolerance to pyolysin was increased by inhibitors that target the mevalonate and cholesterol synthesis pathway, but not the mitogen-activated protein kinase, cell cycle, or metabolic pathways. Cellular cholesterol was reduced and cell tolerance to pyolysin was increased by supplying the mevalonate-derived isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate, or by inhibiting farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 or geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase 1 to increase the abundance of farnesyl pyrophosphate. Supplying the mevalonate-derived isoprenoid geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate also increased cell tolerance to pyolysin, but independent of changes in cellular cholesterol. However, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate inhibits nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H receptors (NR1H, also known as liver X receptors), and reducing the expression of the genes encoding NR1H3 or NR1H2 increased stromal cell tolerance to pyolysin. In conclusion, mevalonate-derived isoprenoids increased bovine endometrial stromal cell tolerance to pyolysin, which was associated with reducing cellular cholesterol and inhibiting NR1H receptors.

Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of a squalene synthase inhibitor, TAK-475 active metabolite-I, in immune cells simulating mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD)-like condition.

TAK-475 (lapaquistat acetate) and its active metabolite-I (TAK-475 M-I) inhibit squalene synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to squalene. FPP is a substrate for synthesis of other mevalonate-derived isoprenoids (MDIs) such as farnesol (FOH), geranlygeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), and geranylgeraniol. In patients with MKD, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, defective activity of mevalonate kinase leads to a shortage of MDIs. MDIs especially GGPP are required for prenylation of proteins, which is a posttranslation modification necessary for proper functioning of proteins like small guanosine triphosphatases. Malfunction of prenylation of proteins results in upregulation of the inflammatory cascade, leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1β (IL-1β), eventually leading to episodic febrile attacks. In vitro, TAK-475 M-I incubation in a concentration dependent manner increased levels of FPP, GGPP, and FOH in human monocytic THP-1 cells. In subsequent experiments, THP-1 cells or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with simvastatin, which inhibits hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and thereby decreases levels of the precursors of MDIs, leading to the depletion of MDIs as expected in MKD patients. Increased levels of GGPP and FPP attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-1β production in THP-1 cells and human PBMCs in statin-treated conditions. The MDIs also significantly reduced the damaged cell ratio in this active MKD-like condition. Moreover, TAK-475 M-I directly inhibited LPS-induced IL-1β production from statin-treated THP-1 cells. These results show anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of MDIs via TAK-475 M-I treatment in statin-treated immune cells, suggesting that possible therapeutic effects of TAK-475 treatment in MKD patients.

Atorvastatin acutely reduces the reactivity to spasmogens in rat aorta: implication of the inhibition of geranylgeranylation and MYPT-1 phosphorylation.

Statins are known to display benefits in various diseases independently from their cholesterol lowering properties. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of atorvastatin on vascular reactivity to various spasmogens in isolated rat aorta. The responses to noradrenaline (NA, 10(-8) -10(-4) m), endothelin-1 (ET-1, 10(-10) -10(-7) m), and potassium chloride (KCl, 10-100 mm) were evaluated in aortic rings pretreated with atorvastatin (10(-7) -10(-4) m, 30 min). To verify the mechanism of action, the effects of atorvastatin were studied in the presence of cholesterol precursor, mevalonate (10(-2) m, 45 min), mevalonate-derived isoprenoids, namely geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP, 5 × 10(-6) m, 30 min) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP, 5 × 10(-6) m, 30 min), and in the absence of endothelium. In parallel, aortic rings were pretreated with the specific inhibitor of Rho kinase, Y-27632 (10(-7) -10(-6) m). Atorvastatin significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the contractions to spasmogens in rat aorta. This acute inhibitory effect was also evident in endothelium-denuded rings. Pretreatment with mevalonate and GGPP, but not with FPP, reversed the inhibitory effect of atorvastatin (10(-4) m) on NA and ET-1 induced contractions. Similar to atorvastatin, pretreatment with Y-27632 inhibited the contractions to NA and KCl in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that both atorvastatin (10(-4) m) and Y-27632 (10(-6) m) pretreatment inhibited the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (MYPT-1) triggered by NA, indicating an inhibitory influence on myosin phosphatase. In conclusion, atorvastatin displayed an acute inhibitory effect on vascular contractility evoked by various spasmogens and the inhibitory effect was possibly mediated by the inhibition of mevalonate and GGPP synthesis as well as the prevention of MYPT-1 phosphorylation induced by Rho/Rho kinase.

Tumor-Induced Alterations in Lipid Metabolism

Alterations of lipid metabolism have been increasingly recognized as a hallmark of cancer cells. Cancer cells esterify fatty acids predominantly to phospholipids, an essential component of cell membranes. The main pathway along which proliferating cells gain lipids for membrane synthesis is the endogenous mevalonate pathway. Increased synthesis of mevalonate and mevalonate-derived isoprenoids supports increased cell proliferation through activating growth-regulatory proteins and oncoproteins and promoting DNA synthesis. The importance of a better knowledge of metabolic changes in lipogenic enzymes pathways, as well as of the role of each biochemical pathway in carcinogenesis, provides the rationale for in-depth study of the oncogenic signaling important for the initiation and progression of tumors. The dependence of tumor cells on a dysregulated lipid metabolism suggests that the proteins involved in this process may be excellent chemotherapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Here, we confirm the vital link between lipogenesis and cell proliferation, and our recent findings suggest that nutritional intervention is an effective and safe way to reduce cell proliferation in experimental models of carcinogenesis. The olive oil diet significantly reduces the protein activities of lipogenic enzymes associated with cell growth. The use of natural dietary components could potentially assist in the management of subjects with metabolic disorders-related tumors.

Temperature and Drug Treatments in Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency: AnEx VivoStudy

Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis caused by mutations in the mevalonate kinase (MK) gene, leading to MK enzyme decreased activity. The consequent shortage of mevalonate-derived isoprenoid compounds results in an inflammatory phenotype, caused by the activation of the NALP3 inflammasome that determines an increased caspase-1 activation and IL-1β release. In MKD, febrile temperature can further decrease the residual MK activity, leading to mevalonate pathway modulation and to possible disease worsening. We previously demonstrated that the administration of exogenous isoprenoids such as geraniol or the modulation of the enzymatic pathway with drugs, such as Tipifarnib, partially rescues the inflammatory phenotype associated with the defective mevalonic pathway. However, it has not been investigated yet how temperature can affect the success of these treatments. Thus, we investigated the effect of temperature on primary human monocytes from MKD patients. Furthermore the ability of geraniol and Tipifarnib to reduce the abnormal inflammatory response, already described at physiological temperature in MKD, was studied in a febrile condition. We evidenced the role of temperature in the modulation of the inflammatory events and suggested strongly considering this variable in future researches aimed at finding a treatment for MKD.

Reverse genetic characterization of two paralogous acetoacetyl CoA thiolase genes in Arabidopsis reveals their importance in plant growth and development

Acetoacetyl CoA thiolase (AACT, EC 2.3.1.9) catalyzes the condensation of two acetyl CoA molecules to form acetoacetyl CoA. Two AACT-encoding genes, At5g47720 (AACT1) and At5g48230 (AACT2), were functionally identified in the Arabidopsis genome by direct enzymological assays and functional expression in yeast. Promoter::GUS fusion experiments indicated that AACT1 is primarily expressed in the vascular system and AACT2 is highly expressed in root tips, young leaves, top stems and anthers. Characterization of T-DNA insertion mutant alleles at each AACT locus established that AACT2 function is required for embryogenesis and for normal male gamete transmission. In contrast, plants lacking AACT1 function are completely viable and show no apparent growth phenotypes, indicating that AACT1 is functionally redundant with respect to AACT2 function. RNAi lines that express reduced levels of AACT2 show pleiotropic phenotypes, including reduced apical dominance, elongated life span and flowering duration, sterility, dwarfing, reduced seed yield and shorter root length. Microscopic analysis reveals that the reduced stature is caused by a reduction in cell size and fewer cells, and male sterility is caused by loss of the pollen coat and premature degeneration of the tapetal cells. Biochemical analyses established that the roots of AACT2 RNAi plants show quantitative and qualitative alterations in phytosterol profiles. These phenotypes and biochemical alterations are reversed when AACT2 RNAi plants are grown in the presence of mevalonate, which is consistent with the role of AACT2 in generating the bulk of the acetoacetyl CoA precursor required for the cytosol-localized, mevalonate-derived isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway.

Inhibition of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG CoA) Reductase Blunts Factor VIIa/Tissue Factor and Prothrombinase Activities via Effects on Membrane Phosphatidylserine

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) exhibit antithrombotic properties that are independent of reductions in circulating LDL cholesterol. We hypothesized that these antithrombotic properties are mediated by membrane alterations secondary to disrupted lipid metabolism. EA.hy926 cells were incubated in the presence of 1 micromol/L atorvastatin supplemented with fetal bovine serum or lipid-depleted serum mixtures. Lipid restriction alone had no effect on cell lipid composition but when atorvastatin was included, phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol were reduced by 50% while ceramide content decreased by 70%. These changes in lipid composition did not alter the association of decay accelerating factor or tissue factor with lipid rafts. Atorvastatin in combination with lipid restriction reduced factor VIIa/tissue factor activity by as much as 75% but did not alter tissue factor expression. Prothrombinase activity was reduced to an extent similar to factor VIIa/tissue factor. Mevalonic acid but not LDL reversed the observed changes in lipid content and prothrombinase activity induced by atorvastatin. These findings were confirmed in primary cells. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase limits exposure of phosphatidylserine at the cell surface by restricting the cellular pool of mevalonate-derived isoprenoids. This membrane alteration restricts the activity of proteolytic enzyme complexes that propagate the coagulation cascade.

Proteins are polyisoprenylated in Arabidopsis thaliana

Isoprenoid lipids were found to be covalently linked to proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana. Their identity (polyprenols: Prenol-9–11 with Pren-10 dominating and dolichols: Dol-15–17 with Dol-16 dominating) was confirmed by means of HPLC/ESI-MS with application of the multiple reaction monitoring technique as well as metabolic labeling of Arabidopsis plants with [ 3H]mevalonate and other precursors. The occurrence of typical farnesol-, geranylgeraniol-, and phytol-modified proteins was also noted. Radioisotopic labeling allowed detection of several proteins that were covalently bound to mevalonate-derived isoprenoid alcohols. A significant portion of polyisoprenylated proteins was recovered in the cytosolic/light vesicular fraction of Arabidopsis cells upon subfractionation. Taken together our data prove that a subset of plant proteins is polyisoprenylated.

Proto oncogene/eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E attenuates mevalonate-mediated regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase synthesis.

The rate-limiting enzyme for mevalonate synthesis in mammalian cells is 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Products of mevalonate synthesis are required for cell cycle progression as well as cell growth and survival. In tumor cells, HMG-CoA reductase is generally elevated because of attenuated sterol-mediated regulation of transcription. However, tumor cell HMG-CoA reductase remains sensitive to post-transcriptional regulation by mevalonate-derived isoprenoid intermediates of cholesterol synthesis. Isoprenoids suppress HMG-CoA reductase synthesis through a mechanism that reduces initiation of translation on HMG-CoA reductase mRNA. Because HMG-CoA reductase mRNA transcripts have 5'-untranslated regions (UTR) that are GC rich and contain stable secondary structure, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of eIF4E would attenuate isoprenoid-mediated regulation of HMG-CoA reductase. eIF4E is elevated in many tumor cells and behaves as a proto-oncogene by aberrantly translating mRNAs whose translation is normally suppressed by 5-UTRs that are GC rich. A CHO cell line expressing high levels of eIF4E (rb4E) was developed by infecting cells with retroviruses containing a full-length mouse cDNA for eIF4E. Levels of reductase synthesis were elevated fivefold in rb4E cells compared to noninfected CHO cells; HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels were not increased in rb4E cells compared to normal CHO cells. Total cellular protein synthesis was only increased by approximately 15% in rb4E cells compared to CHO cells. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin lowered HMG-CoA reductase synthesis by 50 and 60% in rb4E and CHO cells, respectively; no equivalent effect was observed for HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels with rapamycin treatment. These results indicate that HMG-CoA reductase mRNA is in a class of mRNAs with highly structured 5'-UTRs whose m(7)GpppX cap-dependent translation is closely linked to the rapamycin-sensitive mitogen activated pathway for protein synthesis.

Consequences of Mevalonate Depletion: DIFFERENTIAL TRANSCRIPTIONAL, TRANSLATIONAL, AND POST-TRANSLATIONAL UP-REGULATION OF Ras, Rap1a, RhoA, AND RhoB

Ras-related proteins are small GTPases that are post-translationally modified with mevalonate-derived isoprenoids. Although the effects of inhibition of isoprenylation on protein function have been examined, the consequences of depletion of isoprenoid pools on regulation of expression of isoprenylated proteins have yet to be investigated. In these studies we have shown that depletion of mevalonate results in increased total levels of Ras, Rap1a, RhoA, and RhoB in K562 cells. Cycloheximide and [(35)S]methionine pulse/pulse-chase experiments reveal that mevalonate depletion increases the de novo synthesis of Ras and RhoA and decreases the degradation of existing Ras and RhoA protein. Pretreatment with actinomycin D completely prevents the induced up-regulation of RhoB and only partially prevents the up-regulation of Ras, Rap1a, and RhoA. Although depletion of mevalonate does not alter steady state levels of Ras mRNA, there is an increase in RhoB mRNA. Our results are the first to demonstrate that mevalonate depletion induces up-regulation of Ras and Ras-related proteins by discrete mechanisms that include modulation of transcriptional, translational, and post-translational processes.

Inhibition of Squalene Synthase but Not Squalene Cyclase Prevents Mevalonate-Mediated Suppression of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Synthesis at a Posttranscriptional Level

Previously, we found that mevalonate-derived products together with an oxysterol regulated reductase synthesis at a posttranscriptional level. To determine which products were responsible for this regulation, either the squalene synthase inhibitor zaragozic acid A or the squalene cyclase inhibitor 4,4,10-β-trimethyl-trans-decal-3β-ol (TMD) was added to lovastatin-treated Syrian hamster cells in conjunction with mevalonate. Mevalonate alone decreased reductase synthesis 50% compared with lovastatin-treated cells. In contrast, when both zaragozic acid A and mevalonate were added to lovastatin-treated cells, there was no change in reductase synthesis. With either treatment, reductase mRNA levels did not change compared with lovastatin-treated cells. When both 25-hydroxycholesterol and mevalonate were added to lovastatin-treated cells, reductase synthesis and mRNA levels were decreased 95 and 50%, respectively. The 10-fold difference between changes in reductase synthesis and mRNA levels under these conditions reflects a specific effect of mevalonate-derived isoprenoids on reductase synthesis at the translational level. In contrast, coincubation of cells with mevalonate plus 25-hydroxycholesterol in the presence of zaragozic acid decreased reductase synthesis and mRNA levels 60 and 50%, respectively, compared with lovastatin-treated cells. Moreover, degradation of reductase was increased approximately 7-fold in cells treated with mevalonate alone but only 3-fold in cells treated with mevalonate and zaragozic acid A. These results indicate that isoprenoid products between mevalonate and squalene affect reductase at a posttranslational level by increasing degradation but do not regulate reductase synthesis at a posttranscriptional level. In contrast, when both TMD and mevalonate were added to lovastatin-treated cells, reductase synthesis was decreased approximately 50% with no corresponding decrease in reductase mRNA levels, similar to mevalonate only. Reductase degradation was increased approximately 7-fold under these conditions. Cellular incubation in TMD, mevalonate, and 25-hydroxycholesterol decreased reductase synthesis and mRNA levels 95 and 50%, respectively. From these results we concluded that mevalonate-derived nonsterols synthesized between squalene and lanosterol decrease reductase synthesis at a translational level—either alone or in combination with 25-hydroxycholesterol—and also increase reductase degradation.

Simvastatin enhances both total linoleic acid conversion and triglyceride synthesis in the monocytic cell line THP-1

Isoprenoid lipids were found to be covalently linked to proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana. Their identity (polyprenols: Prenol-9–11 with Pren-10 dominating and dolichols: Dol-15–17 with Dol-16 dominating) was confirmed by means of HPLC/ESI-MS with application of the multiple reaction monitoring technique as well as metabolic labeling of Arabidopsis plants with [3H]mevalonate and other precursors. The occurrence of typical farnesol-, geranylgeraniol-, and phytol-modified proteins was also noted. Radioisotopic labeling allowed detection of several proteins that were covalently bound to mevalonate-derived isoprenoid alcohols. A significant portion of polyisoprenylated proteins was recovered in the cytosolic/light vesicular fraction of Arabidopsis cells upon subfractionation. Taken together our data prove that a subset of plant proteins is polyisoprenylated.