SIRT1 Deacetylase in POMC Neurons Is Required for Homeostatic Defenses against Diet-Induced Obesity

SummaryFeeding on high-calorie (HC) diets induces serious metabolic imbalances, including obesity. Understanding the mechanisms against excessive body weight gain is critical for developing effective antiobesity strategies. Here we show that lack of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons causes hypersensitivity to diet-induced obesity due to reduced energy expenditure. The ability of leptin to properly engage the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling in POMC neurons and elicit remodeling of perigonadal white adipose tissue (WAT) is severely compromised in mutant mice. Also, electrophysiological and histomorphomolecular analyses indicate a selective reduction in sympathetic nerve activity and brown-fat-like characteristics in perigonadal WAT of mutant mice, suggesting a physiologically important role for POMC neurons in controlling this visceral fat depot. In summary, our results provide direct genetic evidence that SIRT1 in POMC neurons is required for normal autonomic adaptations against diet-induced obesity.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (65 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► SIRT1 in POMC neurons governs autonomic defenses against diet-induced obesity
► SIRT1 is required for proper leptin-mediated activation of PI3K in POMC neurons
► SIRT1 in POMC neurons selectively controls perigonadal WAT-to-BAT-like remodeling
► SIRT1 in POMC neurons selectively governs sympathoactivation in perigonadal WAT