Lipoprotein receptor LRP1 regulates leptin signaling and energy homeostasis in the adult central nervous system

Qiang Liu, Juan Zhang, Celina Zerbinatti, Yan Zhan, Benedict J. Kolber, Joachim Herz, Louis J. Muglia, Guojun Bu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Scopus citations

Abstract

Obesity is a growing epidemic characterized by excess fat storage in adipocytes. Although lipoprotein receptors play important roles in lipid uptake, their role in controlling food intake and obesity is not known. Here we show that the lipoprotein receptor LRP1 regulates leptin signaling and energy homeostasis. Conditional deletion of the Lrp1 gene in the brain resulted in an obese phenotype characterized by increased food intake, decreased energy consumption, and decreased leptin signaling. LRP1 directly binds to leptin and the leptin receptor complex and is required for leptin receptor phosphorylation and Stat3 activation. We further showed that deletion of the Lrp1 gene specifically in the hypothalamus by Cre lentivirus injection is sufficient to trigger accelerated weight gain. Together, our results demonstrate that the lipoprotein receptor LRP1, which is critical in lipid metabolism, also regulates food intake and energy homeostasis in the adult central nervous system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere1000575
JournalPLoS biology
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lipoprotein receptor LRP1 regulates leptin signaling and energy homeostasis in the adult central nervous system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this