There has been an intense focus to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which fasting triggers the adaptive cellular responses in the major organs of the body. Here, we show that in mice, hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)-the principal methyl donor-acts as a metabolic sensor of nutrition to fine-tune the catabolic-fasting response by modulating phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) activity, endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contacts, β-oxidation, and ATP production in the liver, together with FGF21-mediated lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissues. Notably, we show that glucagon induces the expression of the hepatic SAMe-synthesizing enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase α1 (MAT1A), which translocates to mitochondria-associated membranes. This leads to the production of this metabolite at these sites, which acts as a brake to prevent excessive β-oxidation and mitochondrial ATP synthesis and thereby endoplasmic reticulum stress and liver injury. This work provides important insights into the previously undescribed function of SAMe as a new arm of the metabolic adaptation to fasting.
GrantsERDF A way of making Europe AECC Scientific Foundation Ayudas Fundacion BBVA a equipos de investigacion cientifica La CAIXA Foundation Redes de Investigacion HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-Doctoral Networks Fundacion BBVA Accion Estrategica Ciberehd Emergentes 2018 (ISCIII) Gilead Sciences International Research Scholars Program in Liver Disease MCIN/AEI European Research Council (ERC) Ministry of Education Departamento de Educacion del Gobierno Vasco El FSE invierte en tu futuro European Union Spanish Ministry of Universities Fundacion Cientifica AECC Xunta de Galicia Xunta deGalicia (AyudasPRO-ERC) UPV/EHU MCI/ UE/ISCiii ERDF A way ofmaking Europe Ayudas para apoyar grupos de investigacion del sistema Universitario Vasco CIBERNED MSCA Doctoral Networks European Community Fundacion MutuaMadrilen