CD38 deficiency suppresses adipogenesis and lipogenesis in adipose tissues through activating Sirt1/PPARγ signaling

Ling-Fang Wang1,2, Lian-Jie Miao1,2, Xiao-Nv Wang1

  • 1Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.

Insights

CD38 deficiency protects against obesity by inhibiting adipogenesis and lipogenesis. This occurs through the Sirt1/PPARγ-FASN signaling pathway, impacting fat accumulation during obesity development.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic research
  • Obesity research
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • CD38 is highly expressed in adipose tissue of obese individuals.
  • CD38-deficient mice exhibit resistance to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity.
  • The precise role of CD38 in adipogenesis and lipogenesis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of CD38 in regulating adipogenesis and lipogenesis.
  • To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of obesity models using CD38-deficient (CD38-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice fed HFD.
  • Induction of adipocyte differentiation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), 3T3-L1, and C3H10T1/2 cells.
  • Assessment of lipid accumulation and gene expression related to adipogenesis and lipogenesis.

Main Results:

  • CD38-/- mice showed significant resistance to HFD-induced obesity.
  • CD38 expression increased in adipocytes of HFD-fed WT mice and in differentiating cells.
  • Expressions of PPARγ, AP2, C/EBPα, SREBP1, and FASN were attenuated in CD38-/- cells.
  • CD38 deficiency activated Sirt1 signaling, modulated by resveratrol and nicotinamide.

Conclusions:

  • CD38 deficiency impairs adipogenesis and lipogenesis.
  • This impairment is mediated by the activation of the Sirt1/PPARγ-FASN signaling pathway.
  • Targeting CD38 may offer a therapeutic strategy for obesity.