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Inhibition of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha by MK886

J P Kehrer1, S S Biswal, E La

  • 1Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA. kehrerjim@mail.utexas.edu

Insights

MK886, initially known as a 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor, is now identified as the first compound to non-competitively inhibit peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). This inhibition impacts gene expression and cellular function, though its direct role in MK886-induced apoptosis remains unclear.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • MK886 was initially identified as an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP).
  • Recent findings suggest MK886's apoptosis-inducing activity is independent of FLAP inhibition.
  • Fatty-acid binding proteins, including nuclear receptors like peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), are potential targets for MK886.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate MK886's potential to inhibit PPAR-alpha, -beta, and -gamma activity.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of MK886's interaction with PPARs.
  • To assess the functional consequences of PPAR inhibition by MK886 in cellular models.

Main Methods:

  • Reporter assay systems (peroxisome-proliferator response element--luciferase) were used to assess PPAR activity.
  • Transient and stable transfection systems in various cell lines (CV-1, 308, A549, COS-1) were employed.
  • Assays for ligand-receptor interactions and analysis of keratin-1 expression were conducted.

Main Results:

  • MK886 significantly inhibited Wy14,643 activation of PPAR alpha by approximately 80% in multiple cell lines.
  • MK886 demonstrated minimal inhibitory effects on PPAR beta and PPAR gamma.
  • The inhibition of PPAR alpha by MK886 was non-competitive and prevented necessary conformational changes for active-complex formation.
  • MK886 reduced keratin-1 expression in primary mouse keratinocytes, indicating functional consequences of PPAR inhibition.
  • PPAR agonists did not prevent MK886-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells, suggesting PPAR alpha may not be directly involved.

Conclusions:

  • MK886 is identified as the first compound to inhibit PPAR alpha activity.
  • The mechanism of inhibition is non-competitive, affecting ligand-receptor interactions.
  • While MK886 inhibits PPAR alpha, its direct role in MK886-induced apoptosis requires further investigation.

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