Obesity caused by an OVOL2 mutation reveals dual roles of OVOL2 in promoting thermogenesis and limiting white adipogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Using random germline mutagenesis in mice, we identified a viable hypomorphic allele (boh) of the transcription-factor-encoding gene Ovol2 that resulted in obesity, which initially developed with normal food intake and physical activity but decreased energy expenditure. Fat weight was dramatically increased, while lean weight was reduced in 12-week-old boh homozygous mice, culminating by 24 weeks in massive obesity, hepatosteatosis, insulin resistance, and diabetes. The Ovol2^boh/boh genotype augmented obesity in Lep^ob/ob mice, and pair-feeding failed to normalize obesity in Ovol2^boh/boh mice. OVOL2-deficient mice were extremely cold intolerant. OVOL2 is essential for brown/beige adipose tissue-mediated thermogenesis. In white adipose tissues, OVOL2 limited

SUBMITTER: Zhang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9633419 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature