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Biology subjects

Fuh, M. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Fuh, M. M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

The endosomal sorting complex Retromer has a central role insystemic cholesterol homeostasis by controlling endo-lysosomal cholesterol transport in hepatocytes

BackgroundDisturbed hepatic cholesterol homeostasis is associated with multiple diseases, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and metabolic dysfunction- associated steatotic liver disease. The endo-lysosomal system is essential for cholesterol uptake and intracellular distribution, yet the mechanisms governing these processes remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the impact of hepatic VPS35, a subunit of the endosomal sorting complex retromer, on hepatocellular and whole-body cholesterol homeostasis. MethodsWe generated a liver-specific Vps35 knockout mouse model (Vps35HepKO) and applied biochemical analyses, proteomics, and stable-isotope-labeled tracers to quantify critical processes of cholesterol metabolism. Human iPSC-derived liver organoids and CRISPR technology were used to translate our findings to humans. Mechanistic studies were performed in precision-cut liver slices from WT and Vps35HepKO mice. ResultsHepatic VPS35 deficiency led to an increase in endo-lysosomal degradative compartments and a marked reduction in specific lysosomal proteins, including lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), Scavenger Receptor Class B Member 2 (SCARB2), and Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1). Using pathway-specific inhibitors, we showed that VPS35 loss impairs the translation of SCABR2 and NPC1. Consistently, human iPSC-derived liver organoids lacking VPS35 also exhibited reduced expression of NPC1 and SCARB2 proteins. The decrease in these lysosomal proteins correlated with increased cholesterol levels in the plasma and liver of Vps35HepKO mice. This was likely explained by the disrupted cholesterol trafficking through the endo-lysosomal system, delayed plasma cholesterol turnover, and upregulated cholesterol biosynthesis. ConclusionThese findings uncover a previously unknown role for the hepatic retromer complex in maintaining systemic cholesterol homeostasis. Beyond its established function in endosomal cargo transport, we now demonstrate that retromer is also essential for lysosomal cholesterol handling. This role is mediated by regulating key lysosomal proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism, including LAL, NPC1, and SCARB2.

molecular biology↗

Susceptibility to diet induced obesity at thermoneutral conditions is independent of UCP1

ObjectiveActivation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) upon cold stimulation leads to substantial increase in energy expenditure to defend body temperature. Increases in energy expenditure after a high caloric food intake, termed diet-induced thermogenesis, are also attributed to BAT. These properties render BAT a potential target to combat diet-induced obesity. However, studies investigating the role of UCP1 to protect against diet-induced obesity are controversial and rely on the phenotyping of a single constitutive UCP1-knockout model. To address this issue, we generated a novel UCP1-knockout model by Cre-mediated deletion of Exon 2 in the UCP1 gene. We studied the effect of constitutive UCP1 knockout on metabolism and the development of diet-induced obesity. MethodsUCP1 knockout and wildtype mice were housed at 30{degrees}C and fed a control diet for 4-weeks followed by 8-weeks of high-fat diet. Body weight and food intake were monitored continuously over the course of the study and indirect calorimetry was used to determine energy expenditure during both feeding periods. ResultsBased on Western blot analysis, thermal imaging and noradrenaline test, we confirmed the lack of functional UCP1 in knockout mice. However, body weight gain, food intake and energy expenditure were not affected by deletion of UCP1 gene function during both feeding periods. ConclusionConclusively, we show that UCP1 does not protect against diet-induced obesity at thermoneutrality. Further we introduce a novel UCP1-KO mouse enabling the generation of conditional UCP1-knockout mice to scrutinize the contribution of UCP1 to energy metabolism in different cell types or life stages.

physiology↗

An improved comprehensive strategy for deep and quantitative N-glycomics based on optimization of sample preparation, isotope-based data quality control and quantification, new N-glycan libraries and new algorithms

Withdrawal statement"The authors have withdrawn their manuscript because the authors need to re-organize the data and writing, meanwhile more experimental evidence from human cellular N-glycome will be added to support their viewpoints. In this preprint, only one human cell line, Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) cells, was deeply investigated to show the N-glycome landscape. To provide the shared features of human N-glycome, more human cells should be investigated. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author."

biochemistry↗