The Dietary Protein Source Modulates Obesity Development and Induces Distinct Plasma Lipid Profiles and Transcriptome...

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Transcriptomics
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Dietary protein sources (dairy, seafood, terrestrial meat) exhibit varying obesogenic potential.
• Underlying metabolic pathways, including thermogenesis, are not fully understood.
• High-fat, high-protein diets present obesogenic risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate metabolic and transcriptomic responses to different dietary proteins (casein, cod, chicken).
• Evaluate metabolic responses under thermoneutral and room temperature conditions.
• Identify key metabolic pathways and regulators influenced by dietary protein source.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed high-fat, high-protein diets with casein, cod, or chicken.
• Plasma metabolomics and liver/adipose tissue RNA sequencing were performed.
• Gene set enrichment analysis identified affected pathways and upstream regulators.

Main Results:

• Dietary protein source significantly influenced obesity development, irrespective of housing temperature.
• Distinct plasma lipid and tissue transcriptomic profiles were observed based on protein source.
• One-carbon metabolism was identified as a key affected pathway.
• Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2) was predicted as an upstream regulator.

Conclusions:

• Dietary protein source is a critical factor in obesity development and metabolic disturbances.
• Protein-specific alterations in one-carbon metabolism and mTORC1/2 signaling contribute to diet-induced obesity.
• Understanding these pathways can inform strategies for managing diet-related metabolic diseases.