Loss of the actin remodeler Eps8 causes intestinal defects and improved metabolic status in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In a variety of organisms, including mammals, caloric restriction improves metabolic status and lowers the incidence of chronic-degenerative diseases, ultimately leading to increased lifespan.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we show that knockout mice for Eps8, a regulator of actin dynamics, display reduced body weight, partial resistance to age- or diet-induced obesity, and overall improved metabolic status. Alteration in the liver gene expression profile, in behavior and metabolism point to a calorie restriction-like phenotype in Eps8 knockout mice. Additionally, and consistent with a calorie restricted metabolism, Eps8 knockout mice show increased lifespan. The metabolic alterations in Eps8 knockout mice correlated with a significant reduction in intestinal

SUBMITTER: Tocchetti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2830459 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature