ANKRD53 is downregulated in human obesity and coordinates lipolysis with mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in adipocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Human adipose tissue is central to obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction. ANKRD53 is a human-specific, adipocyte-enriched ankyrin repeat scaffold protein with largely unknown function. We investigated its role in human adipocyte metabolism and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

RNA-seq analysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from 236 individuals quantified ANKRD53 expression and its association with metabolic traits. In human primary adipocytes, we assessed lipolysis (free fatty acid and glycerol release) and mitochondrial respiration (oxygen consumption rate) after ANKRD53 overexpression or knockdown. An AAV was used to overexpress ANKRD53 in mouse inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). Protein interactors were identified by imm

SUBMITTER: Su Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12924745 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature