Deletion of miRNA processing enzyme Dicer in POMC-expressing cells leads to neurodegeneration and development of obesity
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ABSTRACT: The activity of the endoribonuclease Dicer is crucial to produce the mature form of most microRNAs (miRNAs). Recent studies indicate that lack of miRNAs in different neuronal types results in a range of anatomical and behavioural phenotypes. In the present study we aimed to investigate the developmental and metabolic consequences of miRNA ablation in hypothalamic POMC neurons studying mice with a conditional deletion of Dicer in this population of neurons (POMCDicerKO). These mice exhibited a progressive obese phenotype characterized by hyperphagia, increased adiposity, hyperleptinemia, defective glucose metabolism and alterations in the pituitary-adrenal axis. The development of the obese phenotype was paralleled by a POMC neuron degenerative process that was complete by 6 weeks of age. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and gene expression studies in control C57Bl/6 adult mice showed that Dicer was expressed in relevant hypothalamic areas and neurons implicated in energy balance, and that its expression was regulated by nutrient availability. Collectively, our results highlight a crucial role for miRNAs in POMC neuron survival and the consequent development of neurodegenerative obesity.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE38672 | GEO | 2012/11/16
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA168366
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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