Ildr1 gene deletion protects against diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia

Immunoglobulin-like Domain-Containing Receptor 1 (ILDR1) is expressed on nutrient sensing cholecystokinin-positive enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract and it has the unique ability to induce fat-mediated CCK secretion. However, the role of ILDR1 in CCK-mediated regulation of satiety is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of ILDR1 on food intake and metabolic activity using mice with genetically-deleted Ildr1.

The expression of ILDR1 in murine tissues and the measurement of adipocyte cell size were evaluated by light and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The effects of Ildr1 deletion on mouse metabolism were quantitated using CLAMS chambers and by targeted metabolomics assays of multiple tissues. Hormone levels were measured by ELISA. The effects of Ildr1 gene deletion on glucose and insulin levels were determined using in vivo oral glucose tolerance, meal tolerance, and insulin tolerance tests, as well as ex vivo islet perifusion.

ILDR1 is expressed in a wide range of tissues. Analysis of metabolic data revealed that although Ildr1-/- mice consumed more food than wild-type littermates, they gained less weight on a high fat diet and exhibited increased metabolic activity. Adipocytes in Ildr1-/- mice were significantly smaller than in wild-type mice fed either low or high fat diets. ILDR1 was expressed in both alpha and beta cells of pancreatic islets. Based on oral glucose and mixed meal tolerance tests, Ildr1-/- mice were more effective at lowering post-prandial glucose levels, had improved insulin sensitivity, and glucose-regulated insulin secretion was enhanced in mice lacking ILDR1.

Ildr1 loss significantly modified metabolic activity in these mutant mice. While Ildr1 gene deletion increased high fat food intake, it reduced weight gain and improved glucose tolerance. These findings indicate that ILDR1 modulates metabolic responses to feeding in mice.