@article{WittStibollerRaschkeetal.2021, author = {Witt, Barbara and Stiboller, Michael and Raschke, Stefanie and Friese, Sharleen and Ebert, Franziska and Schwerdtle, Tanja}, title = {Characterizing effects of excess copper levels in a human astrocytic cell line with focus on oxidative stress markers}, series = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements, GMS}, volume = {65}, journal = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements, GMS}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, issn = {1878-3252}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126711}, pages = {9}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Being an essential trace element, copper is involved in diverse physiological processes. However, excess levels might lead to adverse effects. Disrupted copper homeostasis, particularly in the brain, has been associated with human diseases including the neurodegenerative disorders Wilson and Alzheimer?s disease. In this context, astrocytes play an important role in the regulation of the copper homeostasis in the brain and likely in the prevention against neuronal toxicity, consequently pointing them out as a potential target for the neurotoxicity of copper. Major toxic mechanisms are discussed to be directed against mitochondria probably via oxidative stress. However, the toxic potential and mode of action of copper in astrocytes is poorly understood, so far. Methods: In this study, excess copper levels affecting human astrocytic cell model and their involvement in the neurotoxic mode of action of copper, as well as, effects on the homeostasis of other trace elements (Mn, Fe, Ca and Mg) were investigated. Results: Copper induced substantial cytotoxic effects in the human astrocytic cell line following 48 h incubation (EC30: 250 ?M) and affected mitochondrial function, as observed via reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased ROS production, likely originating from mitochondria. Moreover, cellular GSH metabolism was altered as well. Interestingly, not only cellular copper levels were affected, but also the homeostasis of other elements (Ca, Fe and Mn) were disrupted. Conclusion: One potential toxic mode of action of copper seems to be effects on the mitochondria along with induction of oxidative stress in the human astrocytic cell model. Moreover, excess copper levels seem to interact with the homeostasis of other essential elements such as Ca, Fe and Mn. Disrupted element homeostasis might also contribute to the induction of oxidative stress, likely involved in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. These insights in the toxic mechanisms will help to develop ideas and approaches for therapeutic strategies against copper-mediated diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{WiggerSchumacherSchneiderSchauliesetal.2021, author = {Wigger, Dominik and Schumacher, Fabian and Schneider-Schaulies, Sibylle and Kleuser, Burkhard}, title = {Sphingosine 1-phosphate metabolism and insulin signaling}, series = {Cellular signalling}, volume = {82}, journal = {Cellular signalling}, publisher = {Elsevier Science}, address = {Amsterdam [u.a.]}, issn = {0898-6568}, doi = {10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.109959}, pages = {16}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Insulin is the main anabolic hormone secreted by 13-cells of the pancreas stimulating the assimilation and storage of glucose in muscle and fat cells. It modulates the postprandial balance of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins via enhancing lipogenesis, glycogen and protein synthesis and suppressing glucose generation and its release from the liver. Resistance to insulin is a severe metabolic disorder related to a diminished response of peripheral tissues to the insulin action and signaling. This leads to a disturbed glucose homeostasis that precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D), a disease reaching epidemic proportions. A large number of studies reported an association between elevated circulating fatty acids and the development of insulin resistance. The increased fatty acid lipid flux results in the accumulation of lipid droplets in a variety of tissues. However, lipid intermediates such as diacylglycerols and ceramides are also formed in response to elevated fatty acid levels. These bioactive lipids have been associated with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. More recently, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), another bioactive sphingolipid derivative, has also been shown to increase in T2D and obesity. Although many studies propose a protective role of S1P metabolism on insulin signaling in peripheral tissues, other studies suggest a causal role of S1P on insulin resistance. In this review, we critically summarize the current state of knowledge of S1P metabolism and its modulating role on insulin resistance. A particular emphasis is placed on S1P and insulin signaling in hepatocytes, skeletal muscle cells, adipocytes and pancreatic 13-cells. In particular, modulation of receptors and enzymes that regulate S1P metabolism can be considered as a new therapeutic option for the treatment of insulin resistance and T2D.}, language = {en} } @article{WetzelScholtkaSchumacheretal.2021, author = {Wetzel, Alexandra Nicole and Scholtka, Bettina and Schumacher, Fabian and Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal and Geisend{\"o}rfer, Birte and Kleuser, Burkhard}, title = {Epigenetic DNA methylation of EBI3 modulates human interleukin-35 formation via NFkB signaling}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22105329}, pages = {21}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Ulcerative colitis (UC), a severe chronic disease with unclear etiology that is associated with increased risk for colorectal cancer, is accompanied by dysregulation of cytokines. Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) encodes a subunit in the unique heterodimeric IL-12 cytokine family of either pro- or anti-inflammatory function. After having recently demonstrated that upregulation of EBI3 by histone acetylation alleviates disease symptoms in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mouse model of chronic colitis, we now aimed to examine a possible further epigenetic regulation of EBI3 by DNA methylation under inflammatory conditions. Treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) decitabine (DAC) and TNF alpha led to synergistic upregulation of EBI3 in human colon epithelial cells (HCEC). Use of different signaling pathway inhibitors indicated NF kappa B signaling was necessary and proportional to the synergistic EBI3 induction. MALDI-TOF/MS and HPLC-ESIMS/MS analysis of DAC/TNF alpha-treated HCEC identified IL-12p35 as the most probable binding partner to form a functional protein. EBI3/IL-12p35 heterodimers (IL-35) induce their own gene upregulation, something that was indeed observed in HCEC cultured with media from previously DAC/TNF alpha-treated HCEC. These results suggest that under inflammatory and demethylating conditions the upregulation of EBI3 results in the formation of anti-inflammatory IL-35, which might be considered as a therapeutic target in colitis.}, language = {en} } @article{WeitkunatBishopWittmuessetal.2021, author = {Weitkunat, Karolin and Bishop, Christopher Allen and Wittm{\"u}ss, Maria and Machate, Tina and Schifelbein, Tina and Schulze, Matthias Bernd and Klaus, Susanne}, title = {Effect of microbial status on hepatic odd-chain fatty acids is diet-dependent}, series = {Nutrients / Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)}, volume = {13}, journal = {Nutrients / Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu13051546}, pages = {15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) are inversely associated with type-2-diabetes in epidemiological studies. They are considered as a biomarker for dairy intake because fermentation in ruminants yields high amounts of propionate, which is used as the primer for lipogenesis. Recently, we demonstrated endogenous OCFA synthesis from propionate in humans and mice, but how this is affected by microbial colonization is still unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect of increasing microbiota complexity on hepatic lipid metabolism and OCFA levels in different dietary settings. Germ-free (GF), gnotobiotic (SIH, simplified human microbiota) or conventional (CONV) C3H/HeOuJ-mice were fed a CHOW or high-fat diet with inulin (HFI) to induce microbial fermentation. We found that hepatic lipogenesis was increased with increasing microbiota complexity, independently of diet. In contrast, OCFA formation was affected by diet as well as microbiota. On CHOW, hepatic OCFA and intestinal gluconeogenesis decreased with increasing microbiota complexity (GF > SIH > CONV), while cecal propionate showed a negative correlation with hepatic OCFA. On HFI, OCFA levels were highest in SIH and positively correlated with cecal propionate. The propionate content in the CHOW diet was 10 times higher than that of HFI. We conclude that bacterial propionate production affects hepatic OCFA formation, unless this effect is masked by dietary propionate intake.}, language = {en} } @misc{WardelmannRathCastroetal.2021, author = {Wardelmann, Kristina and Rath, Michaela and Castro, Jos{\´e} Pedro and Bl{\"u}mel, Sabine and Schell, Mareike and Hauffe, Robert and Schumacher, Fabian and Flore, Tanina and Ritter, Katrin and Wernitz, Andreas and Hosoi, Toru and Ozawa, Koichiro and Kleuser, Burkhard and Weiß, J{\"u}rgen and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Kleinridders, Andr{\´e}}, title = {Central acting Hsp10 regulates mitochondrial function, fatty acid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in the hypothalamus}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {5}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-52298}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-522985}, pages = {24}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Mitochondria are critical for hypothalamic function and regulators of metabolism. Hypothalamic mitochondrial dysfunction with decreased mitochondrial chaperone expression is present in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently, we demonstrated that a dysregulated mitochondrial stress response (MSR) with reduced chaperone expression in the hypothalamus is an early event in obesity development due to insufficient insulin signaling. Although insulin activates this response and improves metabolism, the metabolic impact of one of its members, the mitochondrial chaperone heat shock protein 10 (Hsp10), is unknown. Thus, we hypothesized that a reduction of Hsp10 in hypothalamic neurons will impair mitochondrial function and impact brain insulin action. Therefore, we investigated the role of chaperone Hsp10 by introducing a lentiviral-mediated Hsp10 knockdown (KD) in the hypothalamic cell line CLU-183 and in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of C57BL/6N male mice. We analyzed mitochondrial function and insulin signaling utilizing qPCR, Western blot, XF96 Analyzer, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy techniques. We show that Hsp10 expression is reduced in T2D mice brains and regulated by leptin in vitro. Hsp10 KD in hypothalamic cells induced mitochondrial dysfunction with altered fatty acid metabolism and increased mitochondria-specific oxidative stress resulting in neuronal insulin resistance. Consequently, the reduction of Hsp10 in the ARC of C57BL/6N mice caused hypothalamic insulin resistance with acute liver insulin resistance.}, language = {en} } @article{WardelmannRathCastroetal.2021, author = {Wardelmann, Kristina and Rath, Michaela and Castro, Jos{\´e} Pedro and Bl{\"u}mel, Sabine and Schell, Mareike and Hauffe, Robert and Schumacher, Fabian and Flore, Tanina and Ritter, Katrin and Wernitz, Andreas and Hosoi, Toru and Ozawa, Koichiro and Kleuser, Burkhard and Weiß, J{\"u}rgen and Sch{\"u}rmann, Annette and Kleinridders, Andr{\´e}}, title = {Central acting Hsp10 regulates mitochondrial function, fatty acid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in the hypothalamus}, series = {Antioxidants}, volume = {10}, journal = {Antioxidants}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3921}, doi = {10.3390/antiox10050711}, pages = {22}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Mitochondria are critical for hypothalamic function and regulators of metabolism. Hypothalamic mitochondrial dysfunction with decreased mitochondrial chaperone expression is present in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently, we demonstrated that a dysregulated mitochondrial stress response (MSR) with reduced chaperone expression in the hypothalamus is an early event in obesity development due to insufficient insulin signaling. Although insulin activates this response and improves metabolism, the metabolic impact of one of its members, the mitochondrial chaperone heat shock protein 10 (Hsp10), is unknown. Thus, we hypothesized that a reduction of Hsp10 in hypothalamic neurons will impair mitochondrial function and impact brain insulin action. Therefore, we investigated the role of chaperone Hsp10 by introducing a lentiviral-mediated Hsp10 knockdown (KD) in the hypothalamic cell line CLU-183 and in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of C57BL/6N male mice. We analyzed mitochondrial function and insulin signaling utilizing qPCR, Western blot, XF96 Analyzer, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy techniques. We show that Hsp10 expression is reduced in T2D mice brains and regulated by leptin in vitro. Hsp10 KD in hypothalamic cells induced mitochondrial dysfunction with altered fatty acid metabolism and increased mitochondria-specific oxidative stress resulting in neuronal insulin resistance. Consequently, the reduction of Hsp10 in the ARC of C57BL/6N mice caused hypothalamic insulin resistance with acute liver insulin resistance.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WandtWinkelbeinerLossowetal.2021, author = {Wandt, Viktoria Klara Veronika and Winkelbeiner, Nicola and Loßow, Kristina and Kopp, Johannes and Simon, Luise and Ebert, Franziska and Kipp, Anna Patricia and Schwerdtle, Tanja}, title = {Trace elements, ageing, and sex. Impact on genome stability}, series = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology}, volume = {394}, booktitle = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology}, number = {Suppl. 1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin ; Heidelberg}, issn = {0028-1298}, doi = {10.1007/s00210-021-02066-6}, pages = {S13 -- S13}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Wandt2021, author = {Wandt, Viktoria Klara Veronika}, title = {Trace elements, ageing, and sex}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {iii, 204}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Vogel2021, author = {Vogel, Heike}, title = {Genetics of obesity and type 2 diabetes}, address = {Potsdam}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {183}, year = {2021}, abstract = {By using mouse outcross populations in combination with bioinformatic approaches, it was possible to identify and characterize novel genes regulating body weight, fat mass and β-cell function, which all contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and T2D. In detail, the presented studies identified 1. Ifi202b/IFI16 as adipogenic gene involved in adipocyte commitment, maintenance of white adipocyte identity, fat cell size and the inflammatory state of adipose tissue. 2. Pla2g4a/PLA2G4A as gene linked to increased body weight and fat mass with a higher expression in adipose tissue of obese mice and pigs as well as in obese human subjects. 3. Ifgga2/IRGM as novel regulator of lipophagy protecting from excess hepatic lipid accumulation. 4. Nidd/DBA as a diabetogenic locus containing Kti12, Osbpl9, Ttc39a and Calr4 with differential expression in pancreatic islets and/or genetic variants. 5. miR-31 to be higher expressed in adipose tissue of obese and diabetic mice and humans targeting PPARy and GLUT4 and thereby involved in adipogenesis and insulin signaling. 6. Gjb4 as novel gene triggering the development of T2D by reducing insulin secretion, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation. The performed studies confirmed the complexity and strong genetic heritability character of obesity and T2D. A high number of genetic variations, each with a small effect, are collectively influencing the degree and severity of the disease. The use of mouse outcross populations is a valid tool for disease gene identification; however, to facilitate and accelerate the process of gene identification the combination of mouse cross data with advanced sequencing resources and the publicly available data sets are essential. The main goal for future studies should be the translation of these novel molecular discoveries to useful treatment therapies. More recently, several classes of novel unimolecular combination therapeutics have emerged with superior efficacy than currently prescribed options and pose the potential to reverse obesity and T2D (Finan et al., 2015). The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)- estrogen conjugate, which targets estrogen into cells expressing GLP-1 receptors, was shown to improve energy, glucose and lipid metabolism as well as to reduce food reward (Finan et al., 2012; Schwenk et al., 2014; Vogel et al., 2016). Another possibility is the development of miRNA-based therapeutics to prevent obesity and T2D, such as miRNA mimetics, anti-miRNA oligonucleotides and exosomes loaded with miRNAs (Ji and Guo, 2019; Gottmann et al., 2020). As already described, genome-wide association studies for polygenic obesity and T2D traits in humans have also led to the identification of numerous gene variants with modest effect, most of them having an unknown function (Yazdi et al., 2015). These discoveries resulted in novel animal models and have illuminated new biologic pathways. Therefore, the integration of mouse-human genetic approaches and the utilization of the synergistic effects have the potential to lead to the identification of more genes responsible for common Mendelian forms of obesity and T2D, as well as gene × gene and gene × environment interactions (Yazdi et al., 2015; Ingelsson and McCarthy, 2018). This combination may help to unravel the missing heritability of obesity and T2D, to identify novel drug targets and to design more efficient and personalized obesity prevention and management programs.}, language = {en} } @article{TchewonpiSaguLandgraeberHenkeletal.2021, author = {Tchewonpi Sagu, Sorel and Landgr{\"a}ber, Eva and Henkel, Ina M. and Huschek, Gerd and Homann, Thomas and Bußler, Sara and Schl{\"u}ter, Oliver K. and Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal}, title = {Effect of cereal α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors on developmental characteristics and abundance of digestive enzymes of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor L.)}, series = {Insects}, volume = {12}, journal = {Insects}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4450}, doi = {10.3390/insects12050454}, pages = {16}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The objective of this work was to investigate the potential effect of cereal α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) on growth parameters and selective digestive enzymes of Tenebrio molitor L. larvae. The approach consisted of feeding the larvae with wheat, sorghum and rice meals containing different levels and composition of α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors. The developmental and biochemical characteristics of the larvae were assessed over feeding periods of 5 h, 5 days and 10 days, and the relative abundance of α-amylase and selected proteases in larvae were determined using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, weight gains ranged from 21\% to 42\% after five days of feeding. The larval death rate significantly increased in all groups after 10 days of feeding (p < 0.05), whereas the pupation rate was about 25\% among larvae fed with rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Siyazan/Esperya wheat meals, and only 8\% and 14\% among those fed with Damougari and S35 sorghum meals. As determined using the Lowry method, the protein contents of the sodium phosphate extracts ranged from 7.80 ± 0.09 to 9.42 ± 0.19 mg/mL and those of the ammonium bicarbonate/urea reached 19.78 ± 0.16 to 37.47 ± 1.38 mg/mL. The total protein contents of the larvae according to the Kjeldahl method ranged from 44.0 and 49.9 g/100 g. The relative abundance of α-amylase, CLIP domain-containing serine protease, modular serine protease zymogen and C1 family cathepsin significantly decreased in the larvae, whereas dipeptidylpeptidase I and chymotrypsin increased within the first hours after feeding (p < 0.05). Trypsin content was found to be constant independently of time or feed material. Finally, based on the results we obtained, it was difficult to substantively draw conclusions on the likely effects of meal ATI composition on larval developmental characteristics, but their effects on the digestive enzyme expression remain relevant.}, language = {en} }