New inducible genetic method reveals critical roles of GABA in the control of feeding and metabolism
- 14 March 2016
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- Vol. 113 (13), 3645-3650
- https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1602049113
Abstract
Currently available inducible Cre/loxP systems, despite their considerable utility in gene manipulation, have pitfalls in certain scenarios, such as unsatisfactory recombination rates and deleterious effects on physiology and behavior. To overcome these limitations, we designed a new, inducible gene-targeting system by introducing an in-frame nonsense mutation into the coding sequence of Cre recombinase (nsCre). Mutant mRNAs transcribed from nsCre transgene can be efficiently translated into full-length, functional Cre recombinase in the presence of nonsense suppressors such as aminoglycosides. In a proof-of-concept model, GABA signaling from hypothalamic neurons expressing agouti-related peptide (AgRP) was genetically inactivated within 4 d after treatment with a synthetic aminoglycoside. Disruption of GABA synthesis in AgRP neurons in young adult mice led to a dramatic loss of body weight due to reduced food intake and elevated energy expenditure; they also manifested glucose intolerance. In contrast, older mice with genetic inactivation of GABA signaling by AgRP neurons had only transient reduction of feeding and body weight; their energy expenditure and glucose tolerance were unaffected. These results indicate that GABAergic signaling from AgRP neurons plays a key role in the control of feeding and metabolism through an age-dependent mechanism. This new genetic technique will augment current tools used to elucidate mechanisms underlying many physiological and neurological processes.Keywords
Funding Information
- Pew Charitable Trusts (0026188)
- The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation (7-13-JF-61)
- BAYLOR COLLABORATIVE FACULTY RESEARCH INVENSTMENT PROGRAM (2015)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (CRIS)
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine (FACULTY START-UP)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa (FACULTY START-UP)
- HHS | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK093587)
- HHS | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK101379)
- HHS | NIH | National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01-DA24908)
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