Rats lacking Ucp1 present a novel translational tool for the investigation of thermogenic adaptation during cold challenge.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Valuable studies have tested the role of UCP1 on body temperature maintenance in mice, and we sought to knockout Ucp1 in rats (Ucp1^-/- ) to provide insight into thermogenic mechanisms in larger mammals.

Methods

We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create Ucp1^-/- rats. Body weight and adiposity were measured, and rats were subjected to indirect calorimetry. Rats were maintained at room temperature or exposed to 4°C for either 24 h or 14 days. Analyses of brown and white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle were conducted via histology, western blot comparison of oxidative phosphorylation proteins, and qPCR to compare mitochondrial DNA levels and mRNA expression profiles. RNA-seq was performed in skeletal muscle.

Results

Ucp1^-/- rats with

SUBMITTER: Warfel JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11318575 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature