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Identification of IQ motif–containing GTPase-activating protein 1 as a regulator of long-term ketosis
Hanna L. Erickson, Sayeepriyadarshini Anakk
Hanna L. Erickson, Sayeepriyadarshini Anakk
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Research Article Hepatology Metabolism

Identification of IQ motif–containing GTPase-activating protein 1 as a regulator of long-term ketosis

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Abstract

IQ motif–containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) is a ubiquitously expressed scaffolding protein that integrates multiple cellular processes, including motility, adhesion, and proliferation, but its role in metabolism is unknown. Here, we show that IQGAP1 is induced upon fasting and regulates β-oxidation of fatty acids and synthesis of ketone bodies in the liver. IQGAP1-null (Iqgap1–/–) mice exhibit reduced hepatic PPARα transcriptional activity, as evidenced during fasting, after ketogenic diet, and upon pharmacological activation. Conversely, we found that the activity of fed-state sensor mTORC1 is enhanced in Iqgap1–/– livers, but acute inhibition of mTOR in Iqgap1–/– mice was unable to rescue the defect in ketone body synthesis. However, reexpressing IQGAP1 in the livers of Iqgap1–/– mice was sufficient to promote ketone body synthesis, increase PPARα signaling, and suppress mTORC1 activity. Taken together, we uncover what we believe to be a previously unidentified role for IQGAP1 in regulating PPARα activity and ketogenesis.

Authors

Hanna L. Erickson, Sayeepriyadarshini Anakk

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Figure 4

PPARα activation is dysregulated in Iqgap1–/– livers.

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PPARα activation is dysregulated in Iqgap1–/– livers.
WT and Iqgap1–/– m...
WT and Iqgap1–/– mice were administered vehicle (CO) or Wy-14,643 (WY) daily for 4 days. (A–E) Hepatic gene expression of (A) Ppara, β-oxidation genes (B) Acadm and (C) Hadha, and ketogenesis genes (D) Hmgcs2 and (E) Bdh1 shows decreased induction in Iqgap1–/– animals. (F and G) Hepatic gene expression of β-oxidation genes (F) Cpt1a and (G) Ehhadh shows similar induction. (H and I) Hepatic gene expression of (H) Fgf21 and (I) ω-oxidation gene Cyp4a10. Expression was normalized to Gapdh expression (n = 5–6 mice per group). (J) Serum β-hydroxybutyrate levels in CO- and WY-treated mice (n = 5–6 mice per group). Values are displayed as mean ± SD. Two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparisons test was used to determine significance between 2 groups under 2 conditions. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, and ****P < 0.0001.

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