Work

Role of bile acid-dependent Takeda G-coupled protein receptor 5 (TGR5) in regulating AMPK expression in human podocytes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bile acids affect podocyte function by stimulating membrane-bound Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), the activity of which is linked to the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. In podocytes, adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) is critical for maintaining energy balance, suggesting that the bile acid-dependent stimulation of TGR5 may impact AMPK activity to regulate metabolic processes in podocytes. Despite the beneficial effect of TGR5 activation on AMPK activity in podocytes that are exposed to hyperglycemic conditions, the effect of TGR5 signaling on AMPKα expression and phosphorylation state under control conditions have not been studied in podocytes. Our studies confirmed TGR5 expression in podocytes at both the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, TGR5 inhibition decreased the protein expression of both AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 isoforms, which correlated with significantly lower levels of AMPKα phosphorylation at Thr172 in podocytes. Additionally, the immunofluorescent staining of podocytes with pharmacologically inhibited TGR5 activity were characterized by a lower mean intensity of the AMPKα fluorescence signal. TGR5 stimulation decreased the mRNA expression of AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 but did not change the degree of AMPKα phosphorylation at Thr172. These data suggest that TGR5 inactivation significantly downregulates AMPK activity. This may shed new light on the bile acid-dependent regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in podocytes, especially under pathological conditions. • TGR5 activation or inhibition decreases mRNA expression of both AMPKα subunits. • Inhibition of TGR5 activity decreases protein expression of AMPKα1 and AMPKα2. • Inactivation of TGR5 reduces activation-required AMPKα phosphorylation at Thr172. • Dysregulation of TGR5/AMPK signaling may lead to insulin resistance in podocytes.

Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151671

Authors: Patrycja Rachubik, Klaudia Grochowalska, Irena Audzeyenka, Dorota Rogacka, Agnieszka Piwkowska

Institution: Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Metabolism, Diabetes, and Cancer

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,110