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Cthrc1, a novel circulating hormone regulating metabolism
J Patrizia Stohn1, Nicole G Perreault, Qiaozeng Wang
1Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine, United States of America.
Plos One
|October 12, 2012
Summary
Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1 (Cthrc1) functions as a circulating hormone regulating lipid storage and glycogen levels. This discovery has broad implications for understanding cell metabolism and physiology.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1 (Cthrc1) gene expression was previously noted during development and in injured tissues.
- The role of Cthrc1 in normal adult tissues remained undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Cthrc1 in adult tissues.
- To determine if Cthrc1 possesses hormonal activity.
Main Methods:
- Generation of Cthrc1 null mutant mice using homologous recombination.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of Cthrc1 expression in adult mice and pigs.
- Measurement of Cthrc1 levels and half-life in human plasma.
Main Results:
- Cthrc1 null mice exhibited significant lipid accumulation in the liver (steatosis) and increased glycogen levels in muscle and liver.
- Cthrc1 was detected in the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus of mice and pigs, and in human plasma.
- Cthrc1 has a short half-life in circulation, with highest binding observed in the liver.
Conclusions:
- Cthrc1 exhibits characteristics of a circulating hormone originating from the anterior pituitary, hypothalamus, and bone.
- Cthrc1 plays a role in regulating lipid storage and cellular glycogen levels.
- These findings suggest broad implications for Cthrc1 in cell metabolism and overall physiology.
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