Peripheral cathepsin L inhibition induces fat loss in C. elegans and mice through promoting central serotonin synthesis.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Cathepsin L and some other cathepsins have been implicated in the development of obesity in humans and mice. The functional inactivation of the proteases reduces fat accumulation during mammalian adipocyte differentiation. However, beyond degrading extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, the molecular mechanisms by which cathepsins control fat accumulation remain unclear. We now provide evidence from Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse models to suggest a conserved regulatory circuit in which peripheral cathepsin L inhibition lowers fat accumulation through promoting central serotonin synthesis. RESULTS:We established a C. elegans model of fat accumulation using dietary supplementation with glucose and palmitic acid. We found that nutrient supplementation elevated fat storage in

SUBMITTER: Lin Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6880508 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature