Liver alanine catabolism promotes skeletal muscle atrophy and hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes

Jürgen G. Okun, Patricia M. Rusu, Andrea Y. Chan, Yuqin Wu, Yann W. Yap, Thomas Sharkie, Jonas Schumacher, Kathrin V. Schmidt, Katherine M. Roberts-Thomson, Ryan D. Russell, Annika Zota, Susanne Hille, Andreas Jungmann, Ludovico Maggi, Young Lee, Matthias Blüher, Stephan Herzig, Michelle A. Keske, Mathias Heikenwalder, Oliver J. MüllerAdam J. Rose

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Both obesity and sarcopenia are frequently associated in ageing, and together may promote the progression of related conditions such as diabetes and frailty. However, little is known about the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning this association. Here we show that systemic alanine metabolism is linked to glycaemic control. We find that expression of alanine aminotransferases is increased in the liver in mice with obesity and diabetes, as well as in humans with type 2 diabetes. Hepatocyte-selective silencing of both alanine aminotransferase enzymes in mice with obesity and diabetes retards hyperglycaemia and reverses skeletal muscle atrophy through restoration of skeletal muscle protein synthesis. Mechanistically, liver alanine catabolism driven by chronic glucocorticoid and glucagon signalling promotes hyperglycaemia and skeletal muscle wasting. We further provide evidence for amino acid–induced metabolic cross-talk between the liver and skeletal muscle in ex vivo experiments. Taken together, we reveal a metabolic inter-tissue cross-talk that links skeletal muscle atrophy and hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)394-409
Number of pages16
JournalNature Metabolism
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology (medical)
  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Liver alanine catabolism promotes skeletal muscle atrophy and hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this