The role of NCEH1 in obesity

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K08870
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Jichi Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Manabu 自治医科大学, 医学部, 客員研究員 (70406122)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 肥満 / マクロファージ / NCEH1

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1), which is abundantly expressed in macrophages, mediates the hydrolysis of CE accumulated as a lipid droplet. To elucidate the role of NCEH1 in obesity, NCEH1 knockout (NCEH1KO) mice were fed a high-fat diet for 24 weeks. Both NCEH1KO and control mice gained weight at similar rates over the entire observation period. NCEH1KO perigonadal fat pads were heavier than those from male control mice, while liver weights were lighter in NCEH1KO compared with control mice. NCEH1KO mice had lower levels of fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol than control mice. Although further investigation should be required to determine the role of NCEH1 in obesity, NCEH1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity.

Free Research Field

脂質代謝

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

肥満の病態形成において、マクロファージは重要な役割を担っている。そして、マクロファージの細胞内脂質代謝は炎症などの細胞機能に関わることが明らかになっている。本研究では、細胞内コレステロール代謝に関わるNCEH1の発現を調節することにより肥満病態における糖脂質代謝を制御する可能性が示唆され、意義のある成果と考えられる。