Stearoyl-coenzyme A Desaturase Research Articles

Systematic analysis of fatty acid desaturases in breast invasive carcinoma: The prognosis, gene mutation, and tumor immune microenvironment.

Breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) is one of the most common cancers in women, with its malignant progression significantly influenced by intracellular fatty acid (FA) desaturation. Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) are two key rate-limiting enzymes that catalyze the FA desaturation process and cooperate to accelerate lipid metabolic activities. In this study, we investigated the potential functions of SCD and FADS2 in BRCA using bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation. The gene expression profiling interactive analysis database showed that the expression of SCD or FADS2 genes was positively linked to worse overall survival and disease-free survival in the Cancer Genome Atlas database-BRCA. The University of Alabama at Birmingham cancer data analysis portal database indicates that the expression and methylation levels of SCD or FADS2 are associated with various clinicopathological factors in patients with BRCA. Moreover, the tumor immune estimation resource and TISCH databases showed a significant positive correlation between the expression of SCD and the abundance of CD8+ T cells and macrophage cell infiltration, while the expression of FADS2 was positively correlated with the abundance of B cells. Meanwhile, SCD or FADS2 had a higher expression in monocytes/macrophages analyzed the BRCA_GSE143423 and BRCA_GSE114727_inDrop datasets. Mechanistically, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Distant Genes and CancerSEA databases showed that SCD and FADS2 were upregulated in several cell biology signaling pathways, particularly in inflammation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Finally, SCD or FADS2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In summary, SCD and FADS2 play significant roles in BRCA development, suggesting that they may serve as potential therapeutic targets for BRCA treatment.

The Complement Component 4 Binding Protein α Gene: A Versatile Immune Gene That Influences Lipid Metabolism in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cell Lines.

Complement component 4 binding protein α (C4BPA) is an immune gene which is responsible for the complement regulation function of C4BP by binding and inactivating the Complement component C4b (C4b) component of the classical Complement 3 (C3) invertase pathway. Our previous findings revealed that C4BPA was differentially expressed by comparing the transcriptome in high-fat and low-fat bovine mammary epithelial cell lines (BMECs) from Chinese Holstein dairy cows. In this study, a C4BPA gene knockout BMECs line model was constructed via using a CRISPR/Cas9 system to investigate the function of C4BPA in lipid metabolism. The results showed that levels of triglyceride (TG) were increased, while levels of cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acid (FFA) were decreased (p < 0.05) after knocking out C4BPA in BMECs. Additionally, most kinds of fatty acids were found to be mainly enriched in the pathway of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocyte. Meanwhile, the RNA-seq showed that most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are related to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The expressions of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Synthase 1 (HMGCS1), Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), Fatty Acid Desaturase 1 (FADS1), and Stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) significantly changed when the C4BPA gene was knocked out. Collectively, C4BPA gene, which is an immune gene, played an important role in lipid metabolism in BMECs. These findings provide a new avenue for animal breeders: this gene, with multiple functions, should be reasonably utilized.

Reprimo (RPRM) mediates neuronal ferroptosis via CREB-Nrf2/SCD1 pathways in radiation-induced brain injury

Neuronal ferroptosis has been found to contribute to degenerative brain disorders and traumatic and hemorrhagic brain injury, but whether radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI), a critical deleterious effect of cranial radiation therapy for primary and metastatic brain tumors, involves neuronal ferroptosis remains unclear. We have recently discovered that deletion of reprimo (RPRM), a tumor suppressor gene, ameliorates RIBI, in which its protective effect on neurons is one of the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we found that whole brain irradiation (WBI) induced ferroptosis in mouse brain, manifesting as alterations in mitochondrial morphology, iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation and a dramatic reduction in glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) level. Moreover, the hippocampal ferroptosis induced by ionizing irradiation (IR) mainly happened in neurons. Intriguingly, RPRM deletion protected the brain and primary neurons against IR-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, RPRM deletion prevented iron accumulation by reversing the significant increase in the expression of iron storage protein ferritin heavy chain (Fth), ferritin light chain (Ftl) and iron importer transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1), as well as enhancing the expression of iron exporter ferroportin (Fpn) after IR. RPRM deletion also inhibited lipid peroxidation by abolishing the reduction of GPX4 and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD1) induced by IR. Importantly, RPRM deletion restored or even increased the expression of nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) in irradiated neurons. On top of that, compromised cyclic AMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) signaling was found to be responsible for the down-regulation of Nrf2 and SCD1 after irradiation, specifically, RPRM bound to CREB and promoted its degradation after IR, leading to a reduction of CREB protein level, which in turn down-regulated Nrf2 and SCD1. Thus, RPRM deletion recovered Nrf2 and SCD1 through its impact on CREB. Taken together, neuronal ferroptosis is involved in RIBI, RPRM deletion prevents IR-induced neuronal ferroptosis through restoring CREB-Nrf2/SCD1 pathways.

Abrus precatorius leaf bioactives: invivo anti-diabetes mellitus type-1 activity, PPARA and SCD as novel targets

Abrus precatorius (AP) is a medicinal plant rarely studied for its beneficial effects against diabetes mellitus (DM) type-1. We estimated DM type-1 related parameters—total protein (TP), direct bilirubin (DB), urea, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum glucose (SG) after treatment with methanol extracts of AP leaves (APMLE) for 21 days, followed by histopathological analysis of kidney and liver sections. AP leaf bioactives (ALPBs) were collected from GCMS fractions, database, and literature; common targets were intersected with annotated DM type-1 genes from the experimental GSE14503 microarray dataset and genecard database. Overlapping differentially expressed genes were collected, and their protein–protein interaction network was analyzed using various bioinformatics tools: Enrichr, SRplot, GSEA, and Cytoscape, to provide insight into the potential molecular basis of APLBs in DM-type-1. 15 compounds were identified from GCMS analysis of APMLE. Antidiabetic potential of APMLE was observed with significant (p < 0.05) normalization of SG, TP, DB, ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine while hepatorenal photomicrographs indicated moderate safety. Erucic acid, oleic acid, phytol and stigmasterol interacted with 25 type-1 DM biomarkers enriched in lipid and prostaglandin metabolic processes, neuroactive ligand receptor interaction, PPAR signaling pathway, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and cAMP signaling pathway. Furthermore, PPARalpha (peroxisome proliferator-activated alpha) and SCD (stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase) were revealed as core biotargets interacting with APLBs via hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction, and van der Waals forces from the docking study. Future interests may provide additional experimental data into the mechanisms by which APLBs elicit this remarkable ability.

Effect of stearoyl-coenzyme a desaturase 1 (SCD1) on the function of mast cells

Background: The prevalence of childhood asthma and obesity is increasing, while obesity increases the risk and severity of asthma. Lipid metabolism has been considered as an important factor in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated asthma. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the production of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).Methods: In the present study, the microarray data retrieved from the Gene Expression Comprehensive Database (GEO) was analyzed to further clarify the impact of SCD1 on Mast cell activation related lipid mediators and the correlation between SCD1 and obesity asthma in the population.Results: SCD1 was highly expressed in IgE-activated bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Meanwhile, SCD1 was also verified expressed highly in dinitrophenyl human serum albumin (DNP-HAS) stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. The expression of SCD1 was up-regulated in peripheral blood leukocytes of asthmatic children, and was positively correlated with skinfold thickness of upper arm, abdominal skinfold and body mass index (BMI). Inhibition of SCD1 expression significantly suppressed the degranulation, lipid mediator production, as well as the migration ability in DNP-HAS-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells.Conclusion: SCD1 is involved in obese-related asthma through regulating mast cells.

Modeling stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 inhibitors to ameliorate α-Syn cytotoxicity in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease is a form of progressive neurodegeneration that primarily affects dopaminergic neurons. It is characterized by misfolded α-Synuclein (α-Syn) proteins clumped together in Lewy bodies. More recently, it has been proposed that α-Syn toxicity may increase during interactions with fatty acids. There have been several studies linking stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), the rate-limiting enzyme for the conversion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), to the increased toxicity of α-Syn. Consequently, SCD1 inhibition is shown to decrease the toxicity and aggregation of α-Syn. However, the precise interactions of SCD1 inhibitors and SCD1 are unclear. This project compared seven novel analogs of SCD1 inhibitors, which we hypothesized to compete with SCD1’s coenzyme stearoyl coenzyme A, decreasing SFA conversion into their respective MUFAs. The analogs shared the same general pharmacophore with varying R groups (p-toluoyl, 4-fluorobenzoyl, 3-trifluoromethyl benzoyl, o-anisoyl, 3,4-difluorobenzoyl, 2-trifluoromethyl benzoyl, and 2-chlorobenzoyl). We hypothesized that analogs with the least steric hindrance would perform best. We drew a structure-activity relationship from in silico studies, with molecular docking results showing that four analogs were just as or more effective than MF-438, a commercially available SCD1 inhibitor. These results imply that the most effective R group was least sterically hindered, guiding further analog development in the field of small molecule Parkinson’s disease cures.

Plasticizer acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) induces lipogenesis and obesity

Environmental chemicals, such as plasticizers, have been linked to increased rates of obesity, according to epidemiological studies. Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) is a plasticizer that is commonly utilized in pharmaceutical products and food packaging as a non-phthalate alternative. Due to its direct contact with the human body and high leakage rate from the polymers, assessment of the potential risk of ATEC exposure at environmentally relevant low doses to human health is needed. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed diets containing ATEC at doses of either 0.1 or 10 μg/kg per day in a period of 12 weeks to mimic the real exposure environment. The findings suggest that in C57BL/6 J mice, ATEC exposure resulted in increased body weight gain, body fat percentage, and benign hepatocytes, as well as adipocyte size. Consistent with in vivo models, ATEC treatment obviously stimulated the increase of intracellular lipid load in both mouse and human hepatocytes. Mechanically, ATEC induced the transcriptional expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis and lipid uptake. Using both enzyme inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, we found that stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) played a significant role in ATEC-induced intracellular lipid accumulation. This study for the first time provided initial evidence suggesting the obesogenic and fatty liver-inducing effect of ATEC at low doses near human exposure levels, and ATEC might be a potential environmental obesogen and its effect on human health need to be further evaluated.

In vitro maturation in synthetic oviductal fluid increases gene expression associated with quality and lipid metabolism in bovine oocytes.

Traditionally, in vitro oocyte and embryo culture progresses through a series of varying culture medium. To investigate simplifying the in vitro production of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), this study used synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Special interest was placed on gene expression linked to lipid metabolism and oocyte maturation. COCs were matured in different media: Medium 199 (M199 group), M199 with 100 μM CLA (M199 + CLA group), SOF (SOF group), and SOF with 100 μM CLA (SOF + CLA group). COCs matured with SOF showed a higher relative abundance of mRNA of quality indicators gremlin 1 (GREM1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in oocytes, and GREM1 in cumulus cells compared with in the M199 group. SOF medium COCs had a higher relative abundance of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) compared with the M199 group, which is essential for lipid metabolism in oocytes. Furthermore, the abundance of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) in oocytes matured with SOF was not influenced by the addition of CLA, whereas the relative abundance of SCD1 was reduced in M199 medium with CLA. We concluded that maturation in SOF medium results in a greater abundance of genes linked to quality and lipidic metabolism in oocytes, regardless of the addition of CLA.

Identification of novel SCD1 inhibitor alleviates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: critical role of liver-adipose axis

Due to the complexity and incomplete understanding of the crosstalk between liver and adipose tissue, especially the processes of hepatic lipogenesis and adipogenic differentiation, there are currently no effective drugs for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), which is abundantly expressed in liver and adipose tissue, may mediate the cross-talk between liver and adipose tissue. Thus, it is essential to develop specific SCD1 inhibitors that target the liver-adipose axis. Herein, we identified a novel SCD1 inhibitor, E6446, through a high-throughput virtual screen. E6646 significantly inhibited adipogenic differentiation and hepatic lipogenesis via SCD1-ATF3 signaling. The SPR results showed that E6446 had a strong interaction ability with SCD1 (KD:4.61 μM). Additionally, E6646 significantly decreased hepatic steatosis, hepatic lipid droplet accumulation and insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Taken together, our findings not only suggest that E6446 can serve as a new, safe and highly effective anti-NAFLD agent for future clinical use but also provide a molecular basis for the future development of SCD1 inhibitors that inhibit both adipogenic differentiation and hepatic lipogenesis.-_fLbJcbqbtKciFUEE_QdNVideo

SCD1 inhibits HBV replication by regulating autophagy under high lipid conditions.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Several metabolic processes regulate HBV DNA replication, including autophagy and lipid metabolism. In this study, we clarified the effect of lipids on HBV replication and elucidated possible mechanisms. We discovered that lipid metabolic gene expression levels were negatively correlated with the HBV DNA in plasma. Our data showed that fatty acid stimulation significantly reduced HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) levels in HepG2.2.15 cells, which are human hepatoma cell cultures transfected with HBV DNA. The Stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1)-autophagy pathway has also been implicated in inhibiting HBV replication by fatty acids stimulation. SCD1 knockdown deregulates the inhibitory effect of fatty acids on HBV by enhancing autophagy. When 3 methyladenine (3MA) was added, the inhibitory effects of specific autophagy inhibitors eliminated the positive effects of SCD1 knockdown on HBV replication. Our results indicate that SCD1 participates in the regulation of inhibition of HBV replication by fatty acids stimulation through regulating autophagy.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and its Recent Therapeutic Strategies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious health issue globally. It includes a broad spectrum of alteration from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Obesity and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are the major factors that are associated with progression of NAFLD. The disease has been proven to have a higher incidence of hepatic and cardiovascular complications. The aetiopathogenesis is still unclear; however some of many pathophysiological mechanisms that are involved in the development of NAFLD include fatty-acid accumulation in hepatic parenchyma, impaired mitochondrial metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, oxygen free radicals. Liver biopsy is the diagnostic gold-standard for NAFLD, but multiple non-invasive techniques like serological biomarkers and radiological techniques have established a new field for research. Since several inter-related pathways are involved in the pathological process, a single therapeutic agent is not helpful. Therefore, a combination therapy towards multiple targets could control the NAFLD. Various new targeted therapies includes apoptosis signal regulating kinase-1(ASK1) inhibitor, FXR (Farnesoid X receptor)-agonists, Caspase Inhibition, SCD-1(Stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase -1) enzyme inhibitors, SIRT1 (Sirtuin1) activator, CCR2 (chemokine receptor 2) and CCR5 (chemokine receptor 5) inhibitors, DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors and NOX (NADPH oxidase)-1/4 inhibitors that are currently under investigation. The treatment for patients with NAFLD is mainly based on loss of body weight and adjuvant management by using insulin sensitizer, anti-oxidants and reducing inflammation. The development of a healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise may be pillars for the treatment of NAFLD.

Bone marrow adipocytes alteration in an in vitro model of Gaucher Disease

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in GBA1 gene that encodes the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Up to now, specific treatment for GD cannot completely reverse bone complications. Bone is composed of different cell types; including osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are present on bone surfaces and are derived from local mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Depending on environment conditions, MSCs could differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Mature adipocytes-secreted adipokines and free fatty acids affect both osteoblasts and osteoclasts formation/activity and therefore mediate skeletal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible alterations in GD adipocyte (GD Ad) that could contribute to bone complications. MSCs were grown in adipogenic media in order to evaluate expression of differentiation markers as PPAR-γ. PPAR-γ was observed into the nucleus of GD Ad, indicating that these cells are properly stimulated. However, these cells accumulate lesser lipid droplets (LDs) than Control Ad. In order to study lipid droplet metabolism, we evaluated the lipolysis of these structures by the measurement of free glycerol in culture supernatant. Our results indicated that GD Ad had an alteration in this process, evidenced by an increase in glycerol release. We have also evaluated two enzymes involved in LDs synthesis: fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1). The transcription of these genes was decreased in GD Ad, suggesting a dysfunction in the synthesis of LDs. In conclusion, our results show an alteration in LDs metabolism of GD Ad, independent of adipocyte differentiation process. This alteration would be caused by an increase in lipolysis in early stages of differentiation and also by a reduction of lipid synthesis, which could contribute with the skeletal imbalance in GD.

Nodal promotes colorectal cancer survival and metastasis through regulating SCD1-mediated ferroptosis resistance

Re-expression of an embryonic morphogen, Nodal, has been seen in several types of malignant tumours. By far, studies about Nodal’s role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain limited. Ferroptosis is essential for CRC progression, which is caused by cellular redox imbalance and characterized by lipid peroxidation. Herein, we observed that Nodal enhanced CRC cell’s proliferative rate, motility, invasiveness, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vivo and in vitro. Notably, Nodal overexpression induced monounsaturated fatty acids synthesis and increased the lipid unsaturation level. Nodal knockdown resulted in increased CRC cell lipid peroxidation. Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) inhibition at least partially abolished the resistance of Nodal-overexpressing cells to RSL3-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, SCD1 was transcriptionally up-regulated by Smad2/3 pathway activation in response to Nodal overexpression. Significant Nodal and SCD1 up-regulation were observed in CRC tissues and were associated with CRC metastasis and poor clinical outcomes. Furthermore, bovine serum albumin nanoparticles/si-Nodal nanocomplexes targeting Nodal had anti-tumour effects on CRC progression and metastasis. This research elucidated the role of Nodal in CRC development and revealed a potential gene-based therapeutic strategy targeting Nodal for improving CRC treatment.

Desaturation of sebaceous-type saturated fatty acids through the SCD1 and the FADS2 pathways impacts lipid neosynthesis and inflammatory response in sebocytes in culture.

Sebum is a lipid-rich mixture secreted by the sebaceous gland (SG) onto the skin surface. By penetrating through the epidermis, sebum may be involved in the regulation of epidermal and dermal cells in both healthy and diseased skin conditions. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (FAs), found as free FAs (FFAs) and in bound form in neutral lipids, are essential constituents of sebum and key players of the inflammatory processes occurring in the pilosebaceous unit in acne-prone skin. Little is known on the interplay among uptake of saturated FFAs, their biotransformation, and induction of proinflammatory cytokines in sebocytes. In the human SG, palmitate (C16:0) is the precursor of sapienate (C16:1n-10) formed by insertion of a double bond (DB) at the Δ6 position catalysed by the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) enzyme. Conversely, palmitoleate (C16:1n-7) is formed by insertion of a DB at the Δ9 position catalysed by the stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) enzyme. Other FFAs processed in the SG, also undergo these main desaturation pathways. We investigated lipogenesis and release of IL-6 and IL-8 pro-inflammatory cytokines in SZ95 sebocytes in vitro after treatment with saturated FFAs, that is, C16:0, margarate (C17:0), and stearate (C18:0) with or without specific inhibitors of SCD1 and FADS2 desaturase enzymes, and a drug with mixed inhibitory effects on FADS1 and FADS2 activities. C16:0 underwent extended desaturation through both SCD1 and FADS2 catalysed pathways and displayed the strongest lipoinflammatory effects. Inhibition of desaturation pathways proved to enhance lipoinflammation induced by SFAs in SZ95 sebocytes. Palmitate (C16:0), margarate (C17:0), and stearate (C18:0) are saturated fatty acids that induce different arrays of neutral lipids (triglycerides) and dissimilar grades of inflammation in sebocytes.

Escape from NK cell tumor surveillance by NGFR-induced lipid remodeling in melanoma.

Metastatic disease is a major cause of death for patients with melanoma. Melanoma cells can become metastatic not only due to cell-intrinsic plasticity but also due to cancer-induced protumorigenic remodeling of the immune microenvironment. Here, we report that innate immune surveillance by natural killer (NK) cells is bypassed by human melanoma cells expressing the stem cell marker NGFR. Using in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic assays, we show that NGFR protects melanoma cells from NK cell-mediated killing and, furthermore, boosts metastasis formation in a mouse model with adoptively transferred human NK cells. Mechanistically, NGFR leads to down-regulation of NK cell activating ligands and simultaneous up-regulation of the fatty acid stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) in melanoma cells. Notably, pharmacological and small interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of SCD reverted NGFR-induced NK cell evasion in vitro and in vivo. Hence, NGFR orchestrates immune control antagonizing pathways to protect melanoma cells from NK cell clearance, which ultimately favors metastatic disease.

Icariin Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Improving Liver Fatty Acid Oxidation and Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation.

(1) Background: Icariin is the main component of the Chinese herb Epimedium. A number of studies have shown that it alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism. However, it is not clear whether and how icariin can ameliorate hepatic steatosis with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was designed to explore the anti-hepatosteatosis effect of icariin in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. (2) Methods: Female Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were treated with a high-fat diet and letrozole for 21 days to make nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the polycystic ovary syndrome model. Then model rats were treated with icariin (by gavage, once daily) for 28 days. Serum hormones and biochemical variables were determined by ELISA or enzyme. RNA-sequence analysis was used to enrich related target pathways. Then, quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to verify target genes and proteins. (3) Results: Icariin treatment reduced excess serum levels of Testosterone (T), Estradiol (E2), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH/FSH ratio, insulin, triglycerides (TG), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in high-fat diet (HFD) and letrozole fed rats. Meanwhile, icariin ameliorated HFD and letrozole-induced fatty liver, as evidenced by a reduction in excess triglyceride accumulation, vacuolization, and Oil Red O staining area in the liver of model rats. Results of RNA-sequencing, western blotting, and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that icariin up-regulated fatty acid translocase (CD36), in mitochondria, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) expression, which led to the enhancement of fatty acid oxidation molecules, such as cytochrome P450, family 4, subfamily a, polypeptide 3 (CYP4A3), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 α (CPT1α), acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD). Besides, icariin reduced lipid synthesis, which elicited stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl-CoA (ACC). (4) Conclusion: Icariin showed an ameliorative effect on hepatic steatosis induced by HFD and letrozole, which was associated with improved fatty acid oxidation and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver.

SCD1 Sustains Homeostasis of Bulge Niche via Maintaining Hemidesmosomes in Basal Keratinocytes.

Niche for stem cells profoundly influences their maintenance and fate during tissue homeostasis and pathological disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms and tissue-specific features remain poorly understood. Here, it is reported that fatty acid desaturation catabolized by stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) regulates hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and hair growth by maintaining the bulge, niche for HFSCs. Scd1 deletion in mice results in abnormal hair growth, an effect exerted directly on keratin K14+ keratinocytes rather than on HFSCs. Mechanistically, Scd1 deficiency impairs the level of integrin α6β4 complex and thus the assembly of hemidesmosomes (HDs). The disruption of HDs allows the aberrant activation of focal adhesion kinase and PI3K in K14+ keratinocytes and subsequently their differentiation and proliferation. The overgrowth of basal keratinocytes results in downward extension of the outer root sheath and interruption of bulge formation. Then, inhibition of PI3K signaling in Scd1-/- mice normalizes the bulge, HFSCs, and hair growth. Additionally, supplementation of oleic acid to Scd1-/- mice reestablishes HDs and the homeostasis of bulge niche, and restores hair growth. Thus, SCD1 is critical in regulating hair growth through stabilizing HDs in basal keratinocytes and thus sustaining bulge for HFSC residence and periodic activity.

Assessment of stromal SCD-induced drug resistance of PDAC using 3D-printed zPDX model chips

Lipid metabolism is extensively reprogrammed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) is a critical lipid regulator that was unexplored in PDAC. Here, we characterized the existence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with high SCD expression, and revealed them as an unfavorable prognostic factor. Therefore, primary CAFs and pancreatic cancer cells were harvested and genetically labeled. The mixture of CAFs and cancer cells were co-injected into scd-/-; prkdc-/-, or hIGF1/INS-expressing zebrafish to generate patient-derived xenograft models (zPDX). The models were aligned in 3D-printed chips for semi-automatic drug administration and high-throughput scanning. The results showed that chaperoning of the SCD-high CAFs significantly improved the drug resistance of pancreatic cancer cells against gemcitabine and cisplatin, while the administration of SCD inhibitors neutralized the protective effect. Our studies revealed the prognostic and therapeutic value of stromal SCD in PDAC, and proposed the application of zPDX model chips for drug testing.

Effects of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 knockout on mouse embryo development and lipid synthesis.

BackgroundLipid synthesis is an indispensable process during embryo and growth development. Abnormal lipid synthesis metabolism can cause multiple metabolic diseases including obesity and hyperlipidemia. Stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) is responsible for catalyzing the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and plays an essential role in lipid metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of SCD1 on embryo development and lipid synthesis in a knockout mice model.MethodsWe used the CRISPR/Cas9 system together with microinjection for the knockout mouse model generation. Ten-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were used for zygote collection. RNase-free water was injected into mouse zygotes at different cell phases in order to select the optimal time for microinjection. Five sgRNAs were designed and in vitro transcription was performed to obtain sgRNAs and Cas9 mRNA. RNase-free water, NC sgRNA/Cas9 mRNA, and Scd1 sgRNA/Cas9 mRNA were injected into zygotes to observe the morula and blastocyst formation rates. Embryos that were injected with Scd1 sgRNA/Cas9 mRNA and developed to the two-cell stage were used for embryo transfer. Body weight, triacylglycerol (TAG), and cholesterol in Scd1 knockout mice serum were analyzed to determine the effects of SCD1 on lipid metabolism.ResultsMicroinjection performed during the S phase presented with the highest zygote survival rate (P < 0.05). Of the five sgRNAs targeted to Scd1, two sgRNAs with relatively higher gene editing efficiency were used for Scd1 knockout embryos and mice generation. Genome sequence modification was observed at Scd1 exons in embryos, and Scd1 knockout reduced blastocyst formation rates (P < 0.05). Three Scd1 monoallelic knockout mice were obtained. In mice, the protein level of SCD1 decreased (P < 0.05), and the body weight and serum TAG and cholesterol contents were all reduced (P < 0.01).

P-161 The role that endogenous oleic acid synthesis plays in cell proliferation and expression of folliculogenesis markers in ovarian granulosa cells

Abstract Study question Does a deficiency of endogenous oleic acid synthesis affect cell proliferation and the expression of folliculogenesis markers in the ovarian granulosa cell line COV434? Summary answer Endogenous oleic acid synthesis supports cell proliferation and the expression of folliculogenesis markers, which are possibly linked to oocyte maturation. What is known already The endogenous synthesis of the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid from saturated fatty acids is catalysed by stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD). Previous studies have suggested that lipid monounsaturation may promote steroidogenesis and oocyte development. However, the potential role of endogenous oleic acid synthesis in folliculogenesis remains virtually unexplored. Autophagy related 14 (ATG14), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) play essential roles in follicular development via promotion of proliferation and maturation of ovarian granulosa cells. Study design, size, duration Immortalized granulosa cells (COV434) were cultured, treated with a specific SCD inhibitor (SCDi) and supplemented with or without oleic acid for 48 h. The cells were cultured for a further 24 h in normal media. The cell culture medium was then discarded and the cells were washed before a viability assay or RNA extraction was performed. RNA extraction was followed by cDNA synthesis and real-time PCR assessment. All experiments were conducted three times in duplicate. Participants/materials, setting, methods Cell proliferation was determined using a crystal violet viability assay. The expression of the folliculogenesis markers ATG14, GDF9, STAT3 and FOXO1 was analysed using TaqMan real-time PCR. Main results and the role of chance The cell proliferation rate was considerably lower in SCDi-treated cells compared to untreated control cells (-50%, p &amp;lt; 0.01), and the effect was fully recovered by adding oleic acid to the SCDi-conditioned cells. SCDi treatment led to significant decreases in ATG14 (-90%), GDF9 (-86%), STAT3 (-62%) and FOXO1 (-93%) (p &amp;lt; 0.01) compared with the baseline control levels. Oleic acid was found to partially, but significantly, suppress the inhibitory effect of SCDi on the expression of the folliculogenesis markers. The rescue effect of oleic acid was significantly stronger after an extended culture time following SCDi treatment. Limitations, reasons for caution Further studies need to be performed, possibly with primary cell cultures, to confirm these effects. Wider implications of the findings The involvement of the endogenous synthesis of oleic acid in ovarian granulosa cell functionality is relevant to reproductive disorders that affect oogenesis. Trial registration number not applicable