High-throughput assay for modulators of mitochondrial membrane potential identifies a novel compound with beneficial effects on db/db mice

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - Recently, several drugs have been shown to exert beneficial effects for metabolic syndrome through mild regulation of mitochondrial function. Hence, we explored a strategy of targeting mitochondrial function to improve glucose and lipid metabolism. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψm) is a marker of mitochondrial function; therefore, we set up a high-throughput screening assay of △ψm in L6 myotubes. The effects of a selected lead compound were investigated in vitro and in vivo in relation to metabolic syndrome. RESULTS - A novel small-molecule compound, C1, was identi-fied through this high-throughput screening. C1 depolarized △ψm in L6 myotubes without cytotoxicity and led to increased cellular AMP-to-ATP ratio, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and enhanced glucose uptake. It also stimulated the AMPK pathway in HepG2 cells, leading to decreased lipid content. Intriguingly, C1 inhibited respiration in L6 myotubes but did not affect respiration in isolated muscle mitochondria, suggesting that it may depolarize △ψm indirectly by affecting the supply of electron donors. Acute administration of C1 in C57BL/6J mice markedly increased fat oxidation and the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the liver. In diabetic db/db mice, chronic administration of C1 significantly reduced hyperglycemia, plasma fatty acids, glucose intolerance, and the mRNA levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase in the liver. CONCLUSIONS - Our results demonstrate a novel small molecule that mildly depolarizes △ψm and is able to improve glucose and lipid metabolism to exert beneficial effects for metabolic syndrome. These findings suggest that compounds regulating mitochondrial function may have therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes. © 2010 by the American Diabetes Association.