@phdthesis{Laeger2021,
  author    = {Laeger, Thomas},
  title     = {Protein-dependent regulation of feeding, metabolism, and development of type 2 diabetes},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  pages     = {224},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Food intake is driven by the need for energy but also by the demand for essential nutrients such as protein. Whereas it was well known how diets high in protein mediate satiety, it remained unclear how diets low in protein induce appetite. Therefore, this thesis aims to contribute to the research area of the detection of restricted dietary protein and adaptive responses. This thesis provides clear evidence that the liver-derived hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine signal of a dietary protein restriction, with the cellular amino acid sensor general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) kinase acting as an upstream regulator of FGF21 during protein restriction. In the brain, FGF21 is mediating the protein-restricted metabolic responses, e.g. increased energy expenditure, food intake, insulin sensitivity, and improved glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, endogenous FGF21 induced by dietary protein or methionine restriction is preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes in the New Zealand Obese mouse. Overall, FGF21 plays an important role in the detection of protein restriction and macronutrient imbalance in rodents and humans, and mediates both the behavioral and metabolic responses to dietary protein restriction. This makes FGF21 a critical physiological signal of dietary protein restriction, highlighting the important but often overlooked impact of dietary protein on metabolism and eating behavior, independent of dietary energy content.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SaussenthalerOuniBaumeieretal.2019,
  author    = {Saussenthaler, Sophie and Ouni, Meriem and Baumeier, Christian and Schwerbel, Kristin and Gottmann, Pascal and Christmann, Sabrina and Laeger, Thomas and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette},
  title     = {Epigenetic regulation of hepatic Dpp4 expression in response to dietary protein},
  series = {The journal of nutritional biochemistry},
  volume    = {63},
  journal   = {The journal of nutritional biochemistry},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0955-2863},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.09.025},
  pages     = {109 -- 116},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is known to be elevated in metabolic disturbances such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Lowering DPP4 concentration by pharmacological inhibition improves glucose homeostasis and exhibits beneficial effects to reduce hepatic fat content. As factors regulating the endogenous expression of Dpp4 are unknown, the aim of this study was to examine whether the Dpp4 expression is epigenetically regulated in response to dietary components. Primary hepatocytes were treated with different macronutrients, and Dpp4 mRNA levels and DPP4 activity were evaluated. Moreover, dietary low-protein intervention was conducted in New Zealand obese (NZO) mice, and subsequently, effects on Dpp4 expression, methylation as well as plasma concentration and activity were determined. Our results indicate that Dpp4 mRNA expression is mediated by DNA methylation in several tissues. We therefore consider the Dpp4 southern shore as tissue differentially methylated region. Amino acids increased Dpp4 expression in primary hepatocytes, whereas glucose and fatty acids were without effect. Dietary protein restriction in NZO mice increased Dpp4 DNA methylation in liver leading to diminished Dpp4 expression and consequently to lowered plasma DPP4 activity. We conclude that protein restriction in the adolescent and adult states is a sufficient strategy to reduce DPP4 which in turn contributes to improve glucose homeostasis. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Inc.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WilhelmiGrunwaldGimberetal.2020,
  author    = {Wilhelmi, Ilka and Grunwald, Stephan and Gimber, Niclas and Popp, Oliver and Dittmar, Gunnar and Arumughan, Anup and Wanker, Erich E. and Laeger, Thomas and Schmoranzer, Jan and Daumke, Oliver and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette},
  title     = {The ARFRP1-dependent Golgi scaffolding protein GOPC is required for insulin secretion from pancreatic 13-cells},
  series = {Molecular metabolism},
  volume    = {45},
  journal   = {Molecular metabolism},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {2212-8778},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101151},
  pages     = {13},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Objective: Hormone secretion from metabolically active tissues, such as pancreatic islets, is governed by specific and highly regulated signaling pathways. Defects in insulin secretion are among the major causes of diabetes. The molecular mechanisms underlying regulated insulin secretion are, however, not yet completely understood. In this work, we studied the role of the GTPase ARFRP1 on insulin secretion from pancreatic 13-cells. <br /> Methods: A 13-cell-specific Arfrp1 knockout mouse was phenotypically characterized. Pulldown experiments and mass spectrometry analysis were employed to screen for new ARFRP1-interacting proteins. Co-immunoprecipitation assays as well as super-resolution microscopy were applied for validation. <br /> Results: The GTPase ARFRP1 interacts with the Golgi-associated PDZ and coiled-coil motif-containing protein (GOPC). Both proteins are co localized at the trans-Golgi network and regulate the first and second phase of insulin secretion by controlling the plasma membrane localization of the SNARE protein SNAP25. Downregulation of both GOPC and ARFRP1 in Min6 cells interferes with the plasma membrane localization of SNAP25 and enhances its degradation, thereby impairing glucose-stimulated insulin release from 13-cells. In turn, overexpression of SNAP25 as well as GOPC restores insulin secretion in islets from 13-cell-specific Arfrp1 knockout mice. <br /> Conclusion: Our results identify a hitherto unrecognized pathway required for insulin secretion at the level of trans-Golgi sorting. (c) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{HenkelBuchheimDieckowCastroetal.2019,
  author    = {Henkel, Janin and Buchheim-Dieckow, Katja and Castro, Jos{\´e} Pedro and Laeger, Thomas and Wardelmann, Kristina and Kleinridders, Andr{\´e} and J{\"o}hrens, Korinna and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul},
  title     = {Reduced Oxidative Stress and Enhanced FGF21 Formation in Livers of Endurance-Exercised Rats with Diet-Induced NASH},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {807},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-44238},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-442384},
  pages     = {17},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) including the severe form with steatohepatitis (NASH) are highly prevalent ailments to which no approved pharmacological treatment exists. Dietary intervention aiming at 10\% weight reduction is efficient but fails due to low compliance. Increase in physical activity is an alternative that improved NAFLD even in the absence of weight reduction. The underlying mechanisms are unclear and cannot be studied in humans. Here, a rat NAFLD model was developed that reproduces many facets of the diet-induced NAFLD in humans. The impact of endurance exercise was studied in this model. Male Wistar rats received control chow or a NASH-inducing diet rich in fat, cholesterol, and fructose. Both diet groups were subdivided into a sedentary and an endurance exercise group. Animals receiving the NASH-inducing diet gained more body weight, got glucose intolerant and developed a liver pathology with steatosis, hepatocyte hypertrophy, inflammation and fibrosis typical of NAFLD or NASH. Contrary to expectations, endurance exercise did not improve the NASH activity score and even enhanced hepatic inflammation. However, endurance exercise attenuated the hepatic cholesterol overload and the ensuing severe oxidative stress. In addition, exercise improved glucose tolerance possibly in part by induction of hepatic FGF21 production.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HenkelBuchheimDieckowCastroetal.2019,
  author    = {Henkel, Janin and Buchheim-Dieckow, Katja and Castro, Jos{\´e} Pedro and Laeger, Thomas and Wardelmann, Kristina and Kleinridders, Andr{\´e} and J{\"o}hrens, Korinna and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul},
  title     = {Reduced Oxidative Stress and Enhanced FGF21 Formation in Livers of Endurance-Exercised Rats with Diet-Induced NASH},
  series = {Nutrients},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {Nutrients},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {MDPI},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {2072-6643},
  doi       = {10.3390/nu11112709},
  pages     = {15},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) including the severe form with steatohepatitis (NASH) are highly prevalent ailments to which no approved pharmacological treatment exists. Dietary intervention aiming at 10\% weight reduction is efficient but fails due to low compliance. Increase in physical activity is an alternative that improved NAFLD even in the absence of weight reduction. The underlying mechanisms are unclear and cannot be studied in humans. Here, a rat NAFLD model was developed that reproduces many facets of the diet-induced NAFLD in humans. The impact of endurance exercise was studied in this model. Male Wistar rats received control chow or a NASH-inducing diet rich in fat, cholesterol, and fructose. Both diet groups were subdivided into a sedentary and an endurance exercise group. Animals receiving the NASH-inducing diet gained more body weight, got glucose intolerant and developed a liver pathology with steatosis, hepatocyte hypertrophy, inflammation and fibrosis typical of NAFLD or NASH. Contrary to expectations, endurance exercise did not improve the NASH activity score and even enhanced hepatic inflammation. However, endurance exercise attenuated the hepatic cholesterol overload and the ensuing severe oxidative stress. In addition, exercise improved glucose tolerance possibly in part by induction of hepatic FGF21 production.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LaegerCastanoMartinezWernoetal.2018,
  author    = {Laeger, Thomas and Castano-Martinez, Teresa and Werno, Martin W. and Japtok, Lukasz and Baumeier, Christian and Jonas, Wenke and Kleuser, Burkhard and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette},
  title     = {Dietary carbohydrates impair the protective effect of protein restriction against diabetes in NZO mice used as a model of type 2 diabetes},
  series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  volume    = {61},
  journal   = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0012-186X},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00125-018-4595-1},
  pages     = {1459 -- 1469},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Aims/hypothesis Low-protein diets are well known to improve glucose tolerance and increase energy expenditure. Increases in circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) have been implicated as a potential underlying mechanism. Methods We aimed to test whether low-protein diets in the context of a high-carbohydrate or high-fat regimen would also protect against type 2 diabetes in New Zealand Obese (NZO) mice used as a model of polygenetic obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mice were placed on high-fat diets that provided protein at control (16 kJ\%; CON) or low (4 kJ\%; low-protein/high-carbohydrate [LP/HC] or low-protein/high-fat [LP/HF]) levels. Results Protein restriction prevented the onset of hyperglycaemia and beta cell loss despite increased food intake and fat mass. The effect was seen only under conditions of a lower carbohydrate/fat ratio (LP/HF). When the carbohydrate/fat ratio was high (LP/HC), mice developed type 2 diabetes despite the robustly elevated hepatic FGF21 secretion and increased energy expenditure. Conclusion/interpretation Prevention of type 2 diabetes through protein restriction, without lowering food intake and body fat mass, is compromised by high dietary carbohydrates. Increased FGF21 levels and elevated energy expenditure do not protect against hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes per se.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{CastanoMartinezSchumacherSchumacheretal.2019,
  author    = {Casta{\~n}o Mart{\´i}nez, Mar{\´i}a Teresa and Schumacher, Fabian and Schumacher, Silke and Kochlik, Bastian and Weber, Daniela and Grune, Tilman and Biemann, Ronald and McCann, Adrian and Abraham, Klaus and Weikert, Cornelia and Kleuse, Burkhard and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Laeger, Thomas},
  title     = {Methionine restriction prevents onset of type 2 diabetes in NZO mice},
  series = {The FASEB journal : the official journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology},
  volume    = {33},
  journal   = {The FASEB journal : the official journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology},
  address   = {Bethesda},
  issn      = {0892-6638},
  doi       = {10.1096/fj.201900150R},
  pages     = {7092 -- 7102},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Dietary methionine restriction (MR) is well known to reduce body weight by increasing energy expenditure (EE) and insulin sensitivity. An elevated concentration of circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been implicated as a potential underlying mechanism. The aims of our study were to test whether dietary MR in the context of a high-fat regimen protects against type 2 diabetes in mice and to investigate whether vegan and vegetarian diets, which have naturally low methionine levels, modulate circulating FGF21 in humans. New Zealand obese (NZO) mice, a model for polygenic obesity and type 2 diabetes, were placed on isocaloric high-fat diets (protein, 16 kcal\%; carbohydrate, 52 kcal\%; fat, 32 kcal\%) that provided methionine at control (Con; 0.86\% methionine) or low levels (0.17\%) for 9 wk. Markers of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. Among humans, low methionine intake and circulating FGF21 levels were investigated by comparing a vegan and a vegetarian diet to an omnivore diet and evaluating the effect of a short-term vegetarian diet on FGF21 induction. In comparison with the Con group, MR led to elevated plasma FGF21 levels and prevented the onset of hyperglycemia in NZO mice. MR-fed mice exhibited increased insulin sensitivity, higher plasma adiponectin levels, increased EE, and up-regulated expression of thermogenic genes in subcutaneous white adipose tissue. Food intake and fat mass did not change. Plasma FGF21 levels were markedly higher in vegan humans compared with omnivores, and circulating FGF21 levels increased significantly in omnivores after 4 d on a vegetarian diet. These data suggest that MR induces FGF21 and protects NZO mice from high-fat diet-induced glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. The normoglycemic phenotype in vegans and vegetarians may be caused by induced FGF21. MR akin to vegan and vegetarian diets in humans may offer metabolic benefits via increased circulating levels of FGF21 and merits further investigation.-Castano-Martinez, T., Schumacher, F., Schumacher, S., Kochlik, B., Weber, D., Grune, T., Biemann, R., McCann, A., Abraham, K., Weikert, C., Kleuser, B., Schurmann, A., Laeger, T. Methionine restriction prevents onset of type 2 diabetes in NZO mice.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HerpichHassKochliketal.2021,
  author    = {Herpich, Catrin and Haß, Ulrike and Kochlik, Bastian Max and Franz, Kristina and Laeger, Thomas and Klaus, Susanne and Bosy-Westphal, Anja and Norman, Kristina},
  title     = {Postprandial dynamics and response of fibroblast growth factor 21 in older adults},
  series = {Clinical Nutrition},
  volume    = {40},
  journal   = {Clinical Nutrition},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {0261-5614},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.clnu.2021.04.037},
  pages     = {3765 -- 3771},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Background \& aims: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays a pivotal role in glucose and lipid metabolism and has been proposed as a longevity hormone. However, elevated plasma FGF21 concentrations are paradoxically associated with mortality in higher age and little is known about the postprandial regulation of FGF21 in older adults. In this parallel group study, we investigated postprandial FGF21 dynamics and response in older (65-85 years) compared to younger (18-35 years) adults following test meals with varying macronutrient composition. Methods: Participants (n = 60 older; n = 60 younger) were randomized to one of four test meals: dextrose, high carbohydrate (HC), high fat (HF) or high protein (HP). Blood was drawn before and 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 min after meal ingestion. Postprandial dynamics were evaluated using repeated measures ANCOVA. FGF21 response was assessed by incremental area under the curve. Results: Fasting FGF21 concentrations were significantly higher in older adults. FGF21 dynamics were affected by test meal (p < 0.001) and age (p = 0.013), when adjusted for BMI and fasting FGF21. Postprandial FGF21 concentrations steadily declined over 240 min in both age groups after HF and HP, but not after dextrose or HC ingestion. At 240 min, FGF21 concentrations were significantly higher in older than in younger adults following dextrose (133 pg/mL, 95\%CI: 103, 172 versus 91.2 pg/mL, 95\%CI: 70.4, 118; p = 0.044), HC (109 pg/mL, 95\%CI: 85.1, 141 versus 70.3 pg/mL, 95\%CI: 55.2, 89.6; p = 0.014) and HP ingestion (45.4 pg/mL, 95\%CI: 34.4, 59.9 versus 27.9 pg/mL 95\%CI: 20.9, 37.1; p = 0.018). FGF21 dynamics and response to HF were similar for both age groups. Conclusions: The age-specific differences in postprandial FGF21 dynamics and response in healthy adults, potentially explain higher FGF21 concentrations in older age. Furthermore, there appears to be a significant impact of acute and recent protein intake on FGF21 secretion.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{McNultyGoupilAlbaradoetal.2020,
  author    = {McNulty, Margaret A. and Goupil, Brad A. and Albarado, Diana C. and Casta{\~n}o-Martinez, Teresa and Ambrosi, Thomas H. and Puh, Spela and Schulz, Tim Julius and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Morrison, Christopher D. and Laeger, Thomas},
  title     = {FGF21, not GCN2, influences bone morphology due to dietary protein restrictions},
  series = {Bone Reports},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Bone Reports},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {2352-1872},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.bonr.2019.100241},
  pages     = {1 -- 10},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Background: Dietary protein restriction is emerging as an alternative approach to treat obesity and glucose intolerance because it markedly increases plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentrations. Similarly, dietary restriction of methionine is known to mimic metabolic effects of energy and protein restriction with FGF21 as a required mechanism. However, dietary protein has been shown to be required for normal bone growth, though there is conflicting evidence as to the influence of dietary protein restriction on bone remodeling. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of dietary protein and methionine restriction on bone in lean and obese mice, and clarify whether FGF21 and general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) kinase, that are part of a novel endocrine pathway implicated in the detection of protein restriction, influence the effect of dietary protein restriction on bone. Methods: Adult wild-type (WT) or Fgf21 KO mice were fed a normal protein (18 kcal\%; CON) or low protein (4 kcal\%; LP) diet for 2 or 27 weeks. In addition, adult WT or Gcn2 KO mice were fed a CON or LP diet for 27 weeks. Young New Zealand obese (NZO) mice were placed on high-fat diets that provided protein at control (16 kcal\%; CON), low levels (4 kcal\%) in a high-carbohydrate (LP/HC) or high-fat (LP/HF) regimen, or on high-fat diets (protein, 16 kcal\%) that provided methionine at control (0.86\%; CON-MR) or low levels (0.17\%; MR) for up to 9 weeks. Long bones from the hind limbs of these mice were collected and evaluated with micro-computed tomography (mu CT) for changes in trabecular and cortical architecture and mass. Results: In WT mice the 27-week LP diet significantly reduced cortical bone, and this effect was enhanced by deletion of Fgf21 but not Gcn2. This decrease in bone did not appear after 2 weeks on the LP diet. In addition, Fgf21 KO mice had significantly less bone than their WT counterparts. In obese NZO mice dietary protein and methionine restriction altered bone architecture. The changes were mediated by FGF21 due to methionine restriction in the presence of cystine, which did not increase plasma FGF21 levels and did not affect bone architecture. Conclusions: This study provides direct evidence of a reduction in bone following long-term dietary protein restriction in a mouse model, effects that appear to be mediated by FGF21.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{McNultyGoupilAlbaradoetal.2020,
  author    = {McNulty, Margaret A. and Goupil, Brad A. and Albarado, Diana C. and Casta{\~n}o-Martinez, Teresa and Ambrosi, Thomas H. and Puh, Spela and Schulz, Tim Julius and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Morrison, Christopher D. and Laeger, Thomas},
  title     = {FGF21, not GCN2, influences bone morphology due to dietary protein restrictions},
  series = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-51629},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-516297},
  pages     = {12},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Background: Dietary protein restriction is emerging as an alternative approach to treat obesity and glucose intolerance because it markedly increases plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentrations. Similarly, dietary restriction of methionine is known to mimic metabolic effects of energy and protein restriction with FGF21 as a required mechanism. However, dietary protein has been shown to be required for normal bone growth, though there is conflicting evidence as to the influence of dietary protein restriction on bone remodeling. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of dietary protein and methionine restriction on bone in lean and obese mice, and clarify whether FGF21 and general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) kinase, that are part of a novel endocrine pathway implicated in the detection of protein restriction, influence the effect of dietary protein restriction on bone. Methods: Adult wild-type (WT) or Fgf21 KO mice were fed a normal protein (18 kcal\%; CON) or low protein (4 kcal\%; LP) diet for 2 or 27 weeks. In addition, adult WT or Gcn2 KO mice were fed a CON or LP diet for 27 weeks. Young New Zealand obese (NZO) mice were placed on high-fat diets that provided protein at control (16 kcal\%; CON), low levels (4 kcal\%) in a high-carbohydrate (LP/HC) or high-fat (LP/HF) regimen, or on high-fat diets (protein, 16 kcal\%) that provided methionine at control (0.86\%; CON-MR) or low levels (0.17\%; MR) for up to 9 weeks. Long bones from the hind limbs of these mice were collected and evaluated with micro-computed tomography (mu CT) for changes in trabecular and cortical architecture and mass. Results: In WT mice the 27-week LP diet significantly reduced cortical bone, and this effect was enhanced by deletion of Fgf21 but not Gcn2. This decrease in bone did not appear after 2 weeks on the LP diet. In addition, Fgf21 KO mice had significantly less bone than their WT counterparts. In obese NZO mice dietary protein and methionine restriction altered bone architecture. The changes were mediated by FGF21 due to methionine restriction in the presence of cystine, which did not increase plasma FGF21 levels and did not affect bone architecture. Conclusions: This study provides direct evidence of a reduction in bone following long-term dietary protein restriction in a mouse model, effects that appear to be mediated by FGF21.},
  language  = {en}
}