Shift from visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue in Cyp17a1-knockout rats prevents the progression of metabolic syndrome.

ABSTRACT: In this study, we investigated the effects of Cyp17a1 gene knockout (KO) on obesity and metabolic syndrome. Cyp17a1 KO in rats using CRISPR-Cas9 resulted in sex dimorphism and obesity, and interestingly, site-specific accumulation was found in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Surprisingly, an insulin tolerance test and oral glucose tolerance test did not show any issues with insulin sensitivity and secretion despite hyperglycemia. In addition, Cyp17a1 KO rats showed normal plasma insulin and free fatty acid levels compared to wild-type rats, and blood biochemistry analysis revealed normal triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Cyp17a1 KO adipose-tissue-derived stem cells from SAT showed increased expression of KLF5, an early adipoge

SUBMITTER: Jeon BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12700391 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature