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Adaptive Thermogenesis in Mice Is Enhanced by Opsin 3-Dependent Adipocyte Light Sensing
Gowri Nayak1, Kevin X Zhang1, Shruti Vemaraju1
1Center for Chronobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; The Visual Systems Group, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Cell Reports
|January 23, 2020
Summary
Blue light regulates energy metabolism by activating encephalopsin (OPN3) in adipocytes. This light-sensing pathway controls thermogenesis and lipolysis, impacting how the body responds to cold.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Light detection is crucial for life, influencing vision and circadian rhythms.
- Encephalopsin (OPN3) is a blue-light-sensitive opsin involved in various physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of encephalopsin (OPN3) in light-mediated regulation of adipocyte function and energy metabolism.
- To elucidate the specific mechanisms by which OPN3 influences thermogenesis and lipolysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized germline null and adipocyte-specific conditional null mice to study OPN3 function.
- Investigated the effects of blue light stimulation on mouse adipocytes.
- Assessed thermogenesis, hypothermia upon cold exposure, lipolysis, and hormone-sensitive lipase phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking OPN3 exhibited light- and Opn3-dependent deficits in thermogenesis and became hypothermic when exposed to cold.
- Blue light stimulation of mouse adipocytes enhanced lipolysis and hormone-sensitive lipase phosphorylation.
- This light-induced response in adipocytes was dependent on OPN3 expression.
Conclusions:
- Encephalopsin (OPN3) mediates a novel light response pathway in adipocytes.
- Light-dependent regulation of lipolysis in white adipocytes by OPN3 plays a key role in energy metabolism.
- This pathway highlights a direct link between light perception and metabolic adaptation to cold.
