This study addresses the mechanisms by which CHOP directs gene regulatory networks and determines cell fate. Transcriptional expression of ATF5 is activated by both CHOP and ATF4 in the integrated stress response. CHOP and ATF5 control a switch to activate apoptotic genes and decrease cell survival in response to loss of proteostatic control.

Whole-body and liver-specific ATF4–knockout mice are used to evaluate the role of ATF4 transcription factor in the unfolded protein response (UPR). ATF4 directs a small subset of UPR gene expression, and deletion of ATF4 in the liver triggers enhanced oxidative stress, disrupts cholesterol metabolism, and enhances cell death.

This study measured changes in global mRNA translation in response to ER stress. The analysis suggests that translation of a majority of gene transcripts is either repressed or resistant, whereas select key regulators are subject to preferential translation. From this last group, IBTKα is identified as a novel target of the UPR central to cell fate.

We have previously proposed that sequence variation of the CD101 gene between NOD and C57BL/6 (B6) mice accounts for the protection from type 1 diabetes (T1D) provided by the Idd10 region, a <1 Mb region on mouse chromosome 3. Here, we provide further support for the hypothesis that Cd101 is Idd10 using haplotype and expression analyses of novel Idd10 congenic strains coupled to the development of a CD101 knockout mouse. Susceptibility to T1D was correlated with genotype-dependent CD101 expression on multiple cell subsets, including FoxP3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells, CD11c+ dendritic cells and Gr1+ myeloid cells. The correlation of CD101 expression on immune cells from four independent Idd10 haplotypes with the development of T1D supports the identity of Cd101 as Idd10. Since CD101 has been associated with T regulatory and antigen presentation cell functions, our results provide a further link between immune regulation and susceptibility to T1D.

The antileukemic agent asparaginase triggers the amino acid response (AAR) in the liver by activating the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) kinase general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2). To explore the mechanism by which AAR induction is necessary to mitigate hepatic lipid accumulation and prevent liver dysfunction during continued asparaginase treatment, wild-type and Gcn2 null mice were injected once daily with asparaginase or phosphate buffered saline for up to 14 days. Asparaginase induced mRNA expression of multiple AAR genes and greatly increased circulating concentrations of the metabolic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) independent of food intake. Loss of Gcn2 precluded mRNA expression and circulating levels of FGF21 and blocked mRNA expression of multiple genes regulating lipid synthesis and metabolism including Fas, Ppara, Pparg, Acadm, and Scd1 in both liver and white adipose tissue. Furthermore, rates of triglyceride export and protein expression of apolipoproteinB-100 were significantly reduced in the livers of Gcn2 null mice treated with asparaginase, providing a mechanistic basis for the increase in hepatic lipid content. Loss of AAR-regulated antioxidant defenses in Gcn2 null livers was signified by reduced Gpx1 gene expression alongside increased lipid peroxidation. Substantial reductions in antithrombin III hepatic expression and activity in the blood of asparaginase-treated Gcn2 null mice indicated liver dysfunction. These results suggest that the ability of the liver to adapt to prolonged asparaginase treatment is influenced by GCN2-directed regulation of FGF21 and oxidative defenses, which, when lost, corresponds with maladaptive effects on lipid metabolism and hemostasis.