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Prohibitin: an unexpected role in sex dimorphic functions
K Hoa Nguyen1, Sudharsana R Ande1, Suresh Mishra1,2
1Department of Internal Medicine, John Buhler Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Rm 843, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4 Canada.
Abstract:
Sex differences are known to exist in adipose and immune functions in the body, and sex steroid hormones are known to be involved in sexually dimorphic biological and pathological processes related to adipose-immune interaction. However, our knowledge of proteins that mediate such differences is poor. Two novel obese mice models, Mito-Ob and m-Mito-Ob, that have been reported recently have revealed an unexpected role of a pleiotropic protein, prohibitin (PHB), in sex differences in adipose and immune functions. This discovery points towards a role of pleiotropic proteins and their potential interplay with sex steroid hormones in mediating sexually dimorphic adipose-immune interaction.
Insights
Prohibitin (PHB) plays a key role in sex differences in fat and immune cell functions. This protein may interact with sex hormones to influence these sexually dimorphic processes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and immunology
- Molecular biology
- Obesity research
Background:
- Sex differences in adipose and immune functions are influenced by sex steroid hormones.
- The specific proteins mediating these sex differences, particularly in adipose-immune interactions, are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prohibitin (PHB) in mediating sex differences in adipose and immune functions.
- To explore the potential interplay between PHB, sex steroid hormones, and sexually dimorphic adipose-immune interactions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two novel obese mouse models (Mito-Ob and m-Mito-Ob).
- Analyzed the function of prohibitin (PHB) in the context of sex differences.
Main Results:
- Identified an unexpected role for prohibitin (PHB) in sex differences observed in adipose and immune functions.
- Demonstrated that PHB is involved in sexually dimorphic adipose-immune interactions.
Conclusions:
- Pleiotropic proteins like prohibitin (PHB) are crucial in mediating sex differences in adipose and immune functions.
- PHB may interact with sex steroid hormones to regulate sexually dimorphic adipose-immune crosstalk.