Nighttime light exposure enhances Rev-erb?-targeting microRNAs and contributes to hepatic steatosis.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:The exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts the biological rhythms and has been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) display a critical role in fine-tuning the circadian system and energy metabolism. In this study, we aimed to assess whether altered miRNAs expression in the liver underlies metabolic disorders caused by disrupted biological rhythms. RESULTS:We found that C3H/HePas mice exposed to ALAN developed obesity, and hepatic steatosis, which was paralleled by decreased expression of Rev-erb? and up-regulation of its lipogenic targets ACL and FAS in liver. Furthermore, the expression of Rev-erb?-targeting miRNAs, miR-140-5p, 185-5p, 326-5p and 328-5p were increased in this group. Consistently, overexpression of these miRNAs in primary hepatocytes reduced Rev-erb? expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Importantly, overexpression of Rev-erb?-targeting miRNAs increased mRNA levels of Acly and Fasn. CONCLUSION:Thus, altered miRNAs profile is an important mechanism underlying the disruption of the peripheral clock caused by exposure to ALAN, which could lead to hepatic steatosis.

SUBMITTER: Borck PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6145802 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature