Background aims: In obesity, depletion of Kupffer cells (KCs) expressing CRIg (complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily) leads to microbial DNA accumulation, which subsequently triggers tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. However, the mechanism underlying obesity-mediated changes in KC complement immune functions is largely unknown.
Approach results: Using KC-specific deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) transgenic mice treated with guide RNA, we assessed the effects of restoring CRIg or the serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) abundance on KC functions and metabolic phenotypes in obese mice. The impacts of weight loss on KC responses were evaluated in a diet switch mouse model. The role of SRSF3 in regulating KC functions was also evaluated using KC-specific SRSF3 knockout mice. Here, we report that overexpression of CRIg in KCs of obese mice protects against bacterial DNA accumulation in metabolic tissues. Mechanistically, SRSF3 regulates CRIg expression, which is essential for maintaining the CRIg+ KC population. During obesity, SRSF3 expression decreases, but it is restored with weight loss through a diet switch, normalizing CRIg+ KCs. KC SRSF3 is also repressed in obese human livers. Lack of SRSF3 in KCs in lean and obese mice decreases their CRIg+ population, impairing metabolic parameters. During the diet switch, the benefits of weight loss are compromised due to SRSF3 deficiency. Conversely, SRSF3 overexpression in obese mice preserves CRIg+ KCs and improves metabolic responses.
Conclusions: Restoring SRSF3 abundance in KCs offers a strategy against obesity-associated tissue inflammation and insulin resistance by preventing bacterial DNA accumulation.
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