The 14th Ile residue is essential for Leptin function in regulating energy homeostasis in rat

Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 5:6:28508. doi: 10.1038/srep28508.

Abstract

LEPTIN (LEP) is a circulating hormone released primarily from white adipocytes and is crucial for regulating satiety and energy homeostasis in humans and animals. Using the CRISPR technology, we created a set of Lep mutant rats that carry either null mutations or a deletion of the 14(th) Ile (LEP(∆I14)) in the mature LEP protein. We examined the potential off-target sites (OTS) by whole-genome high-throughput sequencing and/or Sanger-sequencing analysis and found no OTS in mutant rats. Mature LEP(∆I14) is incessantly produced and released to blood at a much elevated level due to the feedback loop. Structure modeling of binding conformation between mutant LEP(∆I14) and LEPTIN receptor (LEPR) suggests that the conformation of LEP(∆I14) impairs its binding with LEPR, consistent with its inability to activate STAT3-binding element in the luciferase reporter assay. Phenotypic study demonstrated that Lep(∆I14) rats recapitulate phenotypes of Lep-null mutant rats including obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hepatic steatosis, nephropathy, and infertility. Compared to the existing ob/ob mouse models, this Lep(∆I14/∆I14) rat strain provides a robust tool for further dissecting the roles of LEP in the diabetes related kidney disease and reproduction problem, beyond its well established function in regulating energy homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Female
  • Homeostasis
  • Isoleucine / metabolism*
  • Leptin / chemistry*
  • Leptin / genetics*
  • Leptin / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice, Obese
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mutation
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Leptin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Leptin / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Leptin
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Isoleucine