Cyclophilin D deficiency prevents diet-induced obesity in mice

Mitochondrial coupling efficiency is pivotal in thermogenesis and energy homeostasis. Here we show that deletion of cyclophilin D (CypD), a key modulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, demonstrated resistance to diet-induced obesity (DIO) in both male and female mice, due to increased basal metabolic rate, heat production, total energy expenditure and expenditure of fat energy, despite increased food consumption. Absorption of fatty acids is not altered between CypD−/− and wild-type mice. Adult CypD−/− developed hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance albeit resistant to DIO. These data demonstrate that inhibition of CypD function could protect from HFD-IO by increasing energy expenditure in both male and female mice. Inhibition of CypD may offer a novel target to modulate metabolism.

Research highlights
► CypD−/− mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity, despite increased energy intake.
► CypD−/− mice expended more fat energy although fat absorption is not altered.
► CypD−/− mice have increased heat production and total energy expenditure.
► Inhibition of CypD may offer a therapeutic strategy to modulate obesity.