Identification of putative calorie restriction mimetics using mammalian gene expression profiles
1Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
Open Biology
|September 15, 2020
Summary
Researchers identified compounds like corticosteroids and PPAR agonists that mimic calorie restriction effects. These drugs could offer a pharmacological solution to obesity by altering liver gene expression, bypassing dietary challenges.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Pharmacology
- Genomics
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for major health issues including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
- Calorie restriction is a theoretical solution but difficult to achieve practically.
- Pharmacological interventions offer an alternative by mimicking metabolic changes of calorie restriction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify compounds that induce liver gene expression profiles similar to those seen with calorie restriction.
- To explore a pharmacological strategy for managing obesity and related health risks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression profiles in mice and rats.
- Comparison of gene signatures induced by various compounds against those of calorie restriction.
- Identification of candidate compounds based on gene expression mimicry.
Main Results:
- Corticosteroids were identified as compounds that mimic calorie restriction in liver gene signatures.
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists were also found to be potential candidates.
- Certain antibacterial and antifungal agents showed similar gene expression profiles.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological agents, including corticosteroids and PPAR agonists, can replicate the liver gene signature of calorie restriction.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic avenue for obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
- Further research into these compounds could lead to novel drug development for metabolic health.
