[HTML][HTML] A conserved SREBP-1/phosphatidylcholine feedback circuit regulates lipogenesis in metazoans

AK Walker, RL Jacobs, JL Watts, V Rottiers, K Jiang… - Cell, 2011 - cell.com
AK Walker, RL Jacobs, JL Watts, V Rottiers, K Jiang, DM Finnegan, T Shioda, M Hansen
Cell, 2011cell.com
Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) activate genes involved in the
synthesis and trafficking of cholesterol and other lipids and are critical for maintaining lipid
homeostasis. Aberrant SREBP activity, however, can contribute to obesity, fatty liver disease,
and insulin resistance, hallmarks of metabolic syndrome. Our studies identify a conserved
regulatory circuit in which SREBP-1 controls genes in the one-carbon cycle, which produces
the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Methylation is critical for the synthesis of …
Summary
Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) activate genes involved in the synthesis and trafficking of cholesterol and other lipids and are critical for maintaining lipid homeostasis. Aberrant SREBP activity, however, can contribute to obesity, fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance, hallmarks of metabolic syndrome. Our studies identify a conserved regulatory circuit in which SREBP-1 controls genes in the one-carbon cycle, which produces the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Methylation is critical for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC), a major membrane component, and we find that blocking SAMe or PC synthesis in C. elegans, mouse liver, and human cells causes elevated SREBP-1-dependent transcription and lipid droplet accumulation. Distinct from negative regulation of SREBP-2 by cholesterol, our data suggest a feedback mechanism whereby maturation of nuclear, transcriptionally active SREBP-1 is controlled by levels of PC. Thus, nutritional or genetic conditions limiting SAMe or PC production may activate SREBP-1, contributing to human metabolic disorders.
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