IL-15Rα is a determinant of muscle fuel utilization, and its loss protects against obesity.
Publication/Presentation Date
10-15-2015
Abstract
IL-15Rα is the widely expressed primary binding partner for IL-15. Because of the wide distribution in nonlymphoid tissues like skeletal muscle, adipose, or liver, IL-15/IL-15Rα take part in physiological and metabolic processes not directly related to immunity. In fast muscle, lack of IL-15Rα promotes an oxidative switch, with increased mitochondrial biogenesis and fatigue resistance. These effects are predicted to reproduce some of the benefits of exercise and, therefore, improve energy homeostasis. However, the direct effects of IL-15Rα on metabolism and obesity are currently unknown. We report that mice lacking IL-15Rα (IL-15Rα(-/-)) are resistant to diet-induced obesity (DIO). High-fat diet-fed IL-15Rα(-/-) mice have less body and liver fat accumulation than controls. The leaner phenotype is associated with increased energy expenditure and enhanced fatty acid oxidation by muscle mitochondria. Despite being protected against DIO, IL-15Rα(-/-) are hyperglycemic and insulin-resistant. These findings identify novel roles for IL-15Rα in metabolism and obesity.
Volume
309
Issue
8
First Page
835
Last Page
844
ISSN
1522-1490
Published In/Presented At
Loro, E., Seifert, E. L., Moffat, C., Romero, F., Mishra, M. K., Sun, Z., Krajacic, P., Anokye-Danso, F., Summer, R. S., Ahima, R. S., & Khurana, T. S. (2015). IL-15Rα is a determinant of muscle fuel utilization, and its loss protects against obesity. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 309(8), R835–R844. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00505.2014
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
26269523
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article