scholarly journals Metabolic Homeostasis in Life as We Know It: Its Origin and Thermodynamic Basis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
David F. Wilson ◽  
Franz M. Matschinsky
Keyword(s):  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Thermodynamic Control ◽  
Set Point ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Irreversible Reaction ◽  
Metabolic Substrates ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Glucose Synthesis ◽  
Consumption Change ◽  
Living Organisms

Living organisms require continuous input of energy for their existence. As a result, life as we know it is based on metabolic processes that extract energy from the environment and make it available to support life (energy metabolism). This metabolism is based on, and regulated by, the underlying thermodynamics. This is important because thermodynamic parameters are stable whereas kinetic parameters are highly variable. Thermodynamic control of metabolism is exerted through near equilibrium reactions that determine. (1) the concentrations of metabolic substrates for enzymes that catalyze irreversible steps and (2) the concentrations of small molecules (AMP, ADP, etc.) that regulate the activity of irreversible reactions in metabolic pathways. The result is a robust homeostatic set point (−ΔGATP) with long term (virtually unlimited) stability. The rest of metabolism and its regulation is constrained to maintain this set point. Thermodynamic control is illustrated using the ATP producing part of glycolysis, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate oxidation to pyruvate. Flux through the irreversible reaction, pyruvate kinase (PK), is primarily determined by the rate of ATP consumption. Change in the rate of ATP consumption causes mismatch between use and production of ATP. The resulting change in [ATP]/[ADP][Pi], through near equilibrium of the reactions preceding PK, alters the concentrations of ADP and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), the substrates for PK. The changes in ADP and PEP alter flux through PK appropriately for restoring equality of ATP production and consumption. These reactions appeared in the very earliest lifeforms and are hypothesized to have established the set point for energy metabolism. As evolution included more metabolic functions, additional layers of control were needed to integrate new functions into existing metabolism without changing the homeostatic set point. Addition of gluconeogenesis, for example, resulted in added regulation to PK activity to prevent futile cycling; PK needs to be turned off during gluconeogenesis because flux through the enzyme would waste energy (ATP), subtracting from net glucose synthesis and decreasing overall efficiency.

Evolutionary Consequences of Tradeoffs between Yield and Rate of ATP Production

2002 ◽  
Vol 216 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Pfeiffer ◽  
Sebastian Bonhoeffer
Keyword(s):  
Game Theory ◽  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Adenosine Triphosphate ◽  
Organic Material ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Quantitative Properties ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a key compound in the energy metabolism of cells and is required to drive vital biochemical reactions. In heterotrophic organisms ATP production is coupled to the degradation of energy-rich organic material taken up from the environment. In the transfer of the environmental energy to cellular processes heterotrophs face a tradeoff, since the conversion of the environmental energy into ATP cannot be both maximally fast and efficient. Here we show how tradeoffs between rate and yield of ATP production arise firstly from thermodynamical principles, and secondly for the ATP production by respiration and fermentation. Using methods derived from game theory and population dynamics we investigate the evolutionary consequences for both tradeoffs. We show that spatially structured environments enable the evolution of efficient pathways with high yield. The strategies of ATP production realized in a population, however, depend on the quantitative properties of the tradeoffs.

Metformin Collaborates With PINK1/Mfn2 Overexpression Prevented Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury By Improving Mitochondrial Function

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuang Ma ◽  
Zuheng Liu ◽  
Yuting Xue ◽  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Wenjun Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Mitochondrial Biogenesis ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Mitochondrial Morphology ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Combination Strategy ◽  
Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism ◽  
Atp Production

Abstract Background: Both mitochondrial quality control and energy metabolism are critical in maintaining the physiological function of cardiomyocytes. Previous studies indicated that PGC-1α is a transcription co-activator in promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism which would be beneficial for cardiomyocytes. However, PGC-1α overexpression in heart tissues could also result in the development of cardiomyopathy. This discrepancy in vivo and in vitro might be due to neglecting the elimination of damaged mitochondrial. Thus, an integration strategy of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy might be beneficial.Methods: We studied the function of PINK1 in mitophagy in isoproterenol (Iso)-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Adenovirus was used to provoke an overexpression of the PINK1/Mfn2 protein. Mitochondrial morphology was examined via electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. Cardiomyocytes injury were measured by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. Metformin was used to increase mitochondrial biogenesis, the level of which was detected via immunoblotting. Additionally, mitochondrial respiratory function was measured by ATP production and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Results: Cardiomyocytes treated with Iso had high levels of PINK1 and low levels of Mfn2 in a time-dependent manner. PINK1 overexpression promoted mitophagy, alleviated Iso-induced reduction in MMP, reduced ROS production and the apoptotic rate. In addition to increasing mitophagy, metformin could promote mitochondrial biogenensis and the overexpression of Mfn2 induce mitochondrial fusion. Moreover, metformin treatment and PINK1/Mfn2 overexpression reduced the mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibiting the generation of ROS, and leading to an increase in both ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential in Iso-induced cardiomyocytes injury. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a combination strategy may help ameliorate myocardial injury through mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis.

scholarly journals Menin and Menin-Associated Proteins Coregulate Cancer Energy Metabolism

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2715
Author(s):  
Chih-Wei Chou ◽  
Xi Tan ◽  
Chia-Nung Hung ◽  
Brandon Lieberman ◽  
Meizhen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Coordinate Regulation ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Regulatory Mode ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Metabolic Regulators

The interplay between glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is central to maintain energy homeostasis. It remains to be determined whether there is a mechanism governing metabolic fluxes based on substrate availability in microenvironments. Here we show that menin is a key transcription factor regulating the expression of OXPHOS and glycolytic genes in cancer cells and primary tumors with poor prognosis. A group of menin-associated proteins (MAPs), including KMT2A, MED12, WAPL, and GATA3, is found to restrain menin’s full function in this transcription regulation. shRNA knockdowns of menin and MAPs result in reduced ATP production with proportional alterations of cellular energy generated through glycolysis and OXPHOS. When shRNA knockdown cells are exposed to metabolic stress, the dual functionality can clearly be distinguished among these metabolic regulators. A MAP can negatively counteract the regulatory mode of menin for OXPHOS while the same protein positively influences glycolysis. A close-proximity interaction between menin and MAPs allows transcriptional regulation for metabolic adjustment. This coordinate regulation by menin and MAPs is necessary for cells to rapidly adapt to fluctuating microenvironments and to maintain essential metabolic functions.

scholarly journals Recent advances in understanding body weight homeostasis in humans

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred J. Müller ◽  
Corinna Geisler ◽  
Steven B. Heymsfield ◽  
Anja Bosy-Westphal
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Set Point ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Intervention Point ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Neurohumoral Control ◽  
Personal Behavior ◽  
Improved Methods

Presently, control of body weight is assumed to exist, but there is no consensus framework of body weight homeostasis. Three different models have been proposed, with a “set point” suggesting (i) a more or less tight and (ii) symmetric or asymmetric biological control of body weight resulting from feedback loops from peripheral organs and tissues (e.g. leptin secreted from adipose tissue) to a central control system within the hypothalamus. Alternatively, a “settling point” rather than a set point reflects metabolic adaptations to energy imbalance without any need for feedback control. Finally, the “dual intervention point” model combines both paradigms with two set points and a settling point between them. In humans, observational studies on large populations do not provide consistent evidence for a biological control of body weight, which, if it exists, may be overridden by the influences of the obesogenic environment and culture on personal behavior and experiences. To re-address the issue of body weight homeostasis, there is a need for targeted protocols based on sound concepts, e.g. lean rather than overweight subjects should be investigated before, during, and after weight loss and weight regain. In addition, improved methods and a multi-level–multi-systemic approach are needed to address the associations (i) between masses of individual body components and (ii) between masses and metabolic functions in the contexts of neurohumoral control and systemic effects. In the future, simplifications and the use of crude and non-biological phenotypes (i.e. body mass index and waist circumference) should be avoided. Since changes in body weight follow the mismatch between tightly controlled energy expenditure at loosely controlled energy intake, control (or even a set point) is more likely to be about energy expenditure rather than about body weight itself.

scholarly journals Energy-modulating vitamins – a new combinatorial therapy prevents cancer cachexia in rat mammary carcinoma

2005 ◽  
Vol 93 (6) ◽  
pp. 901-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selvanathan Saravana Perumal ◽  
Palanivelu Shanthi ◽  
Panchanadham Sachdanandam
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Oxidative Phosphorylation ◽  
Oral Administration ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Mammary Carcinoma ◽  
Cancer Cachexia ◽  
Krebs Cycle ◽  
Mitochondrial Enzymes ◽  
Atp Production

Mitochondria are the major intracellular organelles producing ATP molecules via the electron transport chain. Cancer cells have a deviant energy metabolism, and a high rate of glycolysis is related to a high degree of dedifferentiation and proliferation. The overall net ATP production is diminished with cancer, which ultimately leads to cancer cachexia. The present study was designed to investigate the altered energy metabolism in cancer cells and to enhance ATP production in the normal host cell metabolism by enhancing the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, using energy-modulating vitamins, and thus prevent cancer cachexia. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were selected for the experimental study. Mammary carcinoma was induced by the oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (25 mg/kg body weight), and treatment was started by the oral administration of the energy-modulating vitamins riboflavin (45 mg/kg body weight per d), niacin (100 mg/kg body weight per d) and coenzyme Q10(40 mg/kg body weight per d) for 28 d. Mitochondria were isolated from the mammary gland and liver of all four groups, and the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes were assayed. In mammary carcinoma-bearing animals, the activities of the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes were significantly decreased. These activities were restored to a greater extent in animals treated with energy-modulating vitamins. From these experimental results, one may hypothesize that the combination therapy of energy-modulating vitamins could be of major therapeutic value in breast cancer.

scholarly journals p53-inducible DPYSL4 associates with mitochondrial supercomplexes and regulates energy metabolism in adipocytes and cancer cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (33) ◽  
pp. 8370-8375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidekazu Nagano ◽  
Naoko Hashimoto ◽  
Akitoshi Nakayama ◽  
Sawako Suzuki ◽  
Yui Miyabayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Chip Sequencing ◽  
Metastasis Models ◽  
Tumor Growth And Metastasis

The tumor suppressor p53 regulates multiple cellular functions, including energy metabolism. Metabolic deregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of some cancers and in metabolic disorders and may result from the inactivation of p53 functions. Using RNA sequencing and ChIP sequencing of cancer cells and preadipocytes, we demonstrate that p53 modulates several metabolic processes via the transactivation of energy metabolism genes including dihydropyrimidinase-like 4 (DPYSL4). DPYSL4 is a member of the collapsin response mediator protein family, which is involved in cancer invasion and progression. Intriguingly, DPYSL4 overexpression in cancer cells and preadipocytes up-regulated ATP production and oxygen consumption, while DPYSL4 knockdown using siRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 down-regulated energy production. Furthermore, DPYSL4 was associated with mitochondrial supercomplexes, and deletion of its dihydropyrimidinase-like domain abolished its association and its ability to stimulate ATP production and suppress the cancer cell invasion. Mouse-xenograft and lung-metastasis models indicated that DPYSL4 expression compromised tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Consistently, database analyses demonstrated that low DPYSL4 expression was significantly associated with poor survival of breast and ovarian cancers in accordance with its reduced expression in certain types of cancer tissues. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis using the adipose tissue of obese patients revealed that DPYSL4 expression was positively correlated with INFg and body mass index in accordance with p53 activation. Together, these results suggest that DPYSL4 plays a key role in the tumor-suppressor function of p53 by regulating oxidative phosphorylation and the cellular energy supply via its association with mitochondrial supercomplexes, possibly linking to the pathophysiology of both cancer and obesity.

scholarly journals Function and Mechanism of Trimetazidine in Myocardial Infarction-Induced Myocardial Energy Metabolism Disorder Through the SIRT1–AMPK Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiu-ying Luo ◽  
Ze Zhong ◽  
Ai-guo Chong ◽  
Wei-wei Zhang ◽  
Xin-dong Wu
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Coronary Artery Ligation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Myocardial Energy Metabolism ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Ampk Pathway

Myocardial energy metabolism (MEM) is an important factor of myocardial injury. Trimetazidine (TMZ) provides protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. The current study set out to evaluate the effect and mechanism of TMZ on MEM disorder induced by myocardial infarction (MI). Firstly, a MI mouse model was established by coronary artery ligation, which was then treated with different concentrations of TMZ (5, 10, and 20 mg kg–1 day–1). The results suggested that TMZ reduced the heart/weight ratio in a concentration-dependent manner. TMZ also reduced the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and promoted Bcl-2 expression. In addition, TMZ augmented adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity induced by MI and decreased the levels of lipid peroxide (LPO), free fatty acids (FFA), and nitric oxide (NO) in a concentration-dependent manner (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, an H2O2-induced cell injury model was established and treated with different concentrations of TMZ (1, 5, and 10 μM). The results showed that SIRT1 overexpression promoted ATP production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity and reduced the levels of LPO, FFA, and NO in H9C2 cardiomyocytes treated with H2O2 and TMZ. Silencing SIRT1 suppressed ATP production and ROS activity and increased the levels of LPO, FFA, and NO (all P < 0.05). TMZ activated the SIRT1–AMPK pathway by increasing SIRT1 expression and AMPK phosphorylation. In conclusion, TMZ inhibited MI-induced myocardial apoptosis and MEM disorder by activating the SIRT1–AMPK pathway.

scholarly journals Energy Metabolism Changes and Dysregulated Lipid Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4556
Author(s):  
Seong-Hee Ko ◽  
YunJae Jung
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Free Fatty Acids ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Visceral Fat ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Lipid Synthesis ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Adipose Tissue Lipoprotein Lipase

Aging women experience hormonal changes, such as decreased estrogen and increased circulating androgen, due to natural or surgical menopause. These hormonal changes make postmenopausal women vulnerable to body composition changes, muscle loss, and abdominal obesity; with a sedentary lifestyle, these changes affect overall energy expenditure and basal metabolic rate. In addition, fat redistribution due to hormonal changes leads to changes in body shape. In particular, increased bone marrow-derived adipocytes due to estrogen loss contribute to increased visceral fat in postmenopausal women. Enhanced visceral fat lipolysis by adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase triggers the production of excessive free fatty acids, causing insulin resistance and metabolic diseases. Because genes involved in β-oxidation are downregulated by estradiol loss, excess free fatty acids produced by lipolysis of visceral fat cannot be used appropriately as an energy source through β-oxidation. Moreover, aged women show increased adipogenesis due to upregulated expression of genes related to fat accumulation. As a result, the catabolism of ATP production associated with β-oxidation decreases, and metabolism associated with lipid synthesis increases. This review describes the changes in energy metabolism and lipid metabolic abnormalities that are the background of weight gain in postmenopausal women.

Interactions between gluconeogenesis and sodium transport in rabbit proximal tubule

1984 ◽  
Vol 246 (6) ◽  
pp. F859-F869 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Gullans ◽  
P. C. Brazy ◽  
V. W. Dennis ◽  
L. J. Mandel
Keyword(s):  
Proximal Tubule ◽  
Sodium Transport ◽  
Acid Metabolism ◽  
Renal Proximal Tubule ◽  
Active Sodium ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Cellular Energy ◽  
Glucose Synthesis ◽  
And Control ◽  
Gluconeogenic Substrate

Gluconeogenesis and sodium transport are ATP-requiring functions of the renal proximal tubule. Previously observed interactions between these processes indicated that they may compete for cellular energy. We have reevaluated this interaction in the rabbit proximal tubule using two preparations: suspensions of cortical tubules and isolated perfused tubules. In the presence of lactate and alanine, net glucose synthesis was 22.3 +/- 1.3 nmol X mg protein-1 .30 min-1. Additions of valerate, butyrate, or succinate increased this rate by factors of 2-3 without affecting cellular ATP levels or net fluid absorption (Jv). Inhibition of ATP production with rotenone, which we have previously shown to inhibit Jv [Am. J. Physiol. 243 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 12): F133-F140, 1982], greatly decreased the gluconeogenic rate, but this was modulated by the type of gluconeogenic substrate used. Increasing Na-K-ATPase activity with nystatin or decreasing it with ouabain had widely differing effects, which also depended on the substrate regimen. We conclude that the interaction between gluconeogenesis and active sodium transport cannot be described by a simple competition for ATP. Rather, under normal circumstances, the renal proximal tubule can meet the energetic demands of both gluconeogenesis and sodium transport, and control of these processes is multifactorial and sensitive to fatty acid metabolism.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document