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Leptin modulated changes in adipose tissue protein expression in ob/ob mice
Wei Zhang1, Suresh Ambati, Mary Anne Della-Fera
1Department of Animal and Dairy Science, Athens, Georgia, USA.
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|August 21, 2010
Summary
Leptin treatment in mice altered protein expression in adipose tissue, particularly affecting molecular chaperones and cytoskeleton proteins. These changes may influence lipid metabolism and apoptosis by modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial shape.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Leptin is a key hormone regulating energy balance and metabolism.
- Leptin deficiency (ob/ob mice) leads to obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
- Understanding leptin's molecular targets in adipose tissue is crucial for metabolic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify protein expression changes in adipose tissue of leptin-deficient mice treated with leptin.
- To uncover potential protein targets of leptin action in white adipose tissue.
- To investigate leptin's role in regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial morphology.
Main Methods:
- Comparative proteomic analysis using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE).
- Protein identification via MALDI-TOF MS after trypsin digestion.
- Validation of mRNA levels for key proteins using real-time reverse transcription-PCR.
Main Results:
- Twelve functional protein groups were differentially expressed in leptin-treated vs. control ob/ob mice.
- Upregulation of molecular chaperones (e.g., CALR, PDIA3, PHB) and redox proteins (e.g., PRDX6).
- Alterations in cytoskeleton proteins (e.g., β actin, desmin, α-tubulin) were observed.
- mRNA levels of CALR, PDIA3, and PHB were significantly upregulated, consistent with protein expression.
Conclusions:
- Leptin treatment modulates protein expression in adipose tissue, impacting cellular functions.
- Altered expression of molecular chaperones and redox proteins may mediate leptin's effects on endoplasmic reticulum stress.
- Changes in cytoskeleton proteins suggest a role for leptin in regulating mitochondrial morphology.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying leptin's metabolic actions.
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