Overexpression of LYRM1 induces mitochondrial impairment in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Homo sapiens LYR motif containing 1 (LYRM1) is a recently discovered gene involved in adipose tissue homeostasis and obesity-associated insulin resistance. The exact mechanism by which LYRM1 induces insulin resistance has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that the overexpression of LYRM1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes resulted in reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, an abnormal mitochondrial morphology, and a decrease in intracellular ATP synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, LYRM1 overexpression led to excessive production of intracellular of reactive oxygen species. Collectively, our results indicated that the overexpression of LYRM1 caused mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes, which might be responsible for the development of LYRM1-induced insulin resistance.