Activin E controls body fat distribution via suppression of adipose lipolysis in mice
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Body fat distribution is a heritable risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In humans, rare Inhibin beta E (INHBE, activin E) loss-of-function variants are associated with lower waist-to-hip ratio and protection from type 2 diabetes. Hepatic fatty acid sensing promotes INHBE expression during fasting and in obese individuals, yet it is unclear how the hepatokine activin E governs body shape and energy metabolism. Here, we uncover activin E as a negative feedback regulator of adipose lipolysis that restrains excessive fat breakdown during fasting. By suppressing β-agonist-induced lipolysis, activin E promotes visceral fat accumulation, adipocyte hypertrophy and contributes to adipose dysfunction in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that activin E elicits its effect on adipose tissue through ACVR1C, activating SMAD2/3 signaling and suppressing PPARG target genes. Conversely, loss of activin E or ACVR1C increases fat utilization, lowers adiposity and drives gene signatures indicative of healthy adipose function. Our studies identify activin E-ACVR1C as metabolic rheostat promoting liver-adipose crosstalk to preserve fat mass during prolonged fasting, a mechanism that is maladaptive in obese individuals.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE231444 | GEO | 2023/07/14
REPOSITORIES: GEO
ACCESS DATA