Publications (3)9.49 Total impact
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Article: The transcription factor HNF-4α: a key factor of the intestinal uptake of fatty acids in mouse.
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ABSTRACT: With an excessive postprandial accumulation of intestine-derived, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins being a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, it is essential to characterize the mechanisms controlling the intestinal absorption of dietary lipids. Our aim was to investigate the role of the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α in this process. We used transgenic mice with a specific and inducible intestinal knockout of Hnf-4α gene. One hour after a lipid bolus, in the presence of the lipase inhibitor tyloxapol, lower amounts of triglycerides were found in both plasma and intestinal epithelium of the intestine-specific Hnf-4α knockout (Hnf-4α(intΔ)) mice compared with the Hnf-4α(loxP/loxP) control mice. These discrepancies were due to a net decrease of the intestinal uptake of fatty acid in Hnf-4α(intΔ) mice compared with Hnf-4α(loxP/loxP) mice, as assessed by the amount of radioactivity that was recovered in intestine and plasma after gavage with labeled triolein or oleic acid, or in intestinal epithelial cells isolated from jejunum after a supply of labeled oleic acid-containing micelles. This decreased fatty acid uptake was associated with significant lower levels of the fatty acid transport protein-4 mRNA and protein along the intestinal tract and with a lower acyl-CoA synthetase activity in Hnf-4α(intΔ) mice compared with the control mice. We conclude that the transcription factor HNF-4α is a key factor of the intestinal absorption of dietary lipids, which controls this process as early as in the initial step of fatty acid uptake by enterocytes.AJP Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 03/2012; 302(11):G1253-63. · 3.43 Impact Factor -
Article: Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha, a key factor for homeostasis, cell architecture, and barrier function of the adult intestinal epithelium.
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ABSTRACT: Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF-4alpha) is a transcription factor which is highly expressed in the intestinal epithelium from duodenum to colon and from crypt to villus. The homeostasis of this constantly renewing epithelium relies on an integrated control of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as on the functional architecture of the epithelial cells. In order to determine the consequences of HNF-4alpha loss in the adult intestinal epithelium, we used a tamoxifen-inducible Cre-loxP system to inactivate the Hnf-4a gene. In the intestines of adult mice, loss of HNF-4alpha led to an increased proliferation in crypts and to an increased expression of several genes controlled by the Wnt/beta-catenin system. This control of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway by HNF-4alpha was confirmed in vitro. Cell lineage was affected, as indicated by an increased number of goblet cells and an impairment of enterocyte and enteroendocrine cell maturation. In the absence of HNF-4alpha, cell-cell junctions were destabilized and paracellular intestinal permeability increased. Our results showed that HNF-4alpha modulates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and controls intestinal epithelium homeostasis, cell function, and cell architecture. This study indicates that HNF-4alpha regulates the intestinal balance between proliferation and differentiation, and we hypothesize that it might act as a tumor suppressor.Molecular and cellular biology 10/2009; 29(23):6294-308. · 6.06 Impact Factor -
Article: Hepatic Nuclear Factor-4, a Key Transcription Factor at the Crossroads Between Architecture and Function of Epithelia
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ABSTRACT: Hepatic nuclear factor-4 (HNF-4) is a transcription factor and a member of the large family of nuclear receptors. It was first cloned from liver but is expressed also in kidney, pancreas and intestine. Three genes encoding three isoforms have been identified, HNF- 4α and γ, in mammals, drosophila and xenopus and HNF-4β, exclusively in xenopus. HNF-4α is the best studied isoform, especially in liver. Such studies put HNF-4α at the crossroads between architecture and function of epithelia, as it induces expression of cell/cell junction proteins while it also controls glucido-lipidic metabolism and drug metabolizing enzyme genes. Furthermore, mutations in the HNF-4α gene lead to a metabolic disease in humans, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young-1 (MODY-1). The existence of a “true ligand” is not clearly established but a “structural” fatty acid is present in the ligand binding pocket of HNF-4α and γ. Consequently, activity of HNF-4 can be modulated by the interaction with co-regulators or by post-translational modifications. Then, HNF-4 is a potential direct or indirect target for pharmacologic drugs, with a special interest for the intestinal epithelium which is the primary site of metabolic control, due to its roles in nutrient absorption and in sensing energy. The patents related to the HNF-4α gene are also discussed in this article.Recent Patents on Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery 05/2007; 1(2):166-175.
