Frontiers in Immunology (Jul 2023)

Growth hormone remodels the 3D-structure of the mitochondria of inflammatory macrophages and promotes metabolic reprogramming

  • Blanca Soler Palacios,
  • Ricardo Villares,
  • Pilar Lucas,
  • José Miguel Rodríguez-Frade,
  • Ana Cayuela,
  • Jonathan G. Piccirillo,
  • Manuel Lombardía,
  • David Delgado Gestoso,
  • Miguel Fernández-García,
  • Miguel Fernández-García,
  • Cristina Risco,
  • Coral Barbas,
  • Fernando Corrales,
  • Carlos Oscar S. Sorzano,
  • Nuria Martínez-Martín,
  • José Javier Conesa,
  • Francisco J. Iborra,
  • Mario Mellado

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200259
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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IntroductionMacrophages are a heterogeneous population of innate immune cells that support tissue homeostasis through their involvement in tissue development and repair, and pathogen defense. Emerging data reveal that metabolism may control macrophage polarization and function and, conversely, phenotypic polarization may drive metabolic reprogramming.MethodsHere we use biochemical analysis, correlative cryogenic fluorescence microscopy and cryo-focused ion-beam scanning electron microscopy.ResultsWe demonstrate that growth hormone (GH) reprograms inflammatory GM-CSF-primed monocyte-derived macrophages (GM-MØ) by functioning as a metabolic modulator. We found that exogenous treatment of GM-MØ with recombinant human GH reduced glycolysis and lactate production to levels similar to those found in anti-inflammatory M-MØ. Moreover, GH treatment of GM-MØ augmented mitochondrial volume and altered mitochondrial dynamics, including the remodeling of the inner membrane to increase the density of cristae.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that GH likely serves a modulatory role in the metabolism of inflammatory macrophages and suggest that metabolic reprogramming of macrophages should be considered as a new target to intervene in inflammatory diseases.

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