BMP-dependent mobilization of fatty acid metabolism promotes Caenorhabditis elegans survival on a bacterial pathogen.

ABSTRACT: The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted peptide ligands of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family, initially identified for their roles in development and differentiation across animal species. They are now increasingly recognized for their roles in physiology and infectious disease. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the BMP ligand DBL-1 controls fat metabolism and immune response, in addition to its roles in body size regulation and development. DBL-1 regulates classical aspects of innate immunity, including the induction of anti-microbial peptides. We theorized that BMP-dependent regulation of fat metabolism could also promote resilience against microbial pathogens. We found that exposure to a bacterial pathogen alters total fat stores, lipid droplet dynamic

SUBMITTER: Yamamoto KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12690539 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature