Single-Cell Transcriptomics Identifies Pituitary Gland Changes in Diet-Induced Obesity in Male Mice

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Research
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Obesity is a global chronic disease linked to numerous health issues, including endocrine alterations.
• The pituitary gland regulates vital hormones affected by metabolic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate obesity-induced changes in mouse pituitary gland cell populations and gene expression using single-cell RNA sequencing.
• To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying diet-mediated endocrine disruptions.

Main Methods:

• Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of pituitary glands from male mice on control and high-fat diets (HFD).
• Analysis of cell population proportions and gene expression patterns.
• Correlation of pituitary changes with serum hormone levels.

Main Results:

• High-fat diet (HFD) significantly altered somatotrope (increased) and lactotrope (decreased) cell populations.
• Somatotropes showed increased metabolic activity and altered cholesterol biosynthesis pathways.
• Gene expression for gonadotropin regulation was downregulated despite unchanged gonadotrope cell fractions.
• Melanotrope proportion decreased, while corticotropes and thyrotropes were least affected.
• Decreased serum prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone correlated with pituitary changes.

Conclusions:

• Diet-induced obesity causes significant alterations in pituitary gland cellular composition and gene expression.
• These changes contribute to altered hormone levels, impacting metabolism and reproductive functions.
• The study highlights the pituitary's sensitivity to dietary factors and its role in obesity-related endocrine dysfunction.