Effects of Fasting on Gene Expression in the Small Intestine
Author Information
Author(s): Heleen M van den Bosch, Meike Bünger, Philip J de Groot, Jolanda van der Meijde, Guido JEJ Hooiveld, Michael Müller
Primary Institution: Wageningen University
Hypothesis
How does fasting affect the expression of intestinal transporters and metabolic enzymes?
Conclusion
Fasting significantly alters the expression of various transporters and metabolic enzymes in the murine small intestine.
Supporting Evidence
- 33 of the 253 analyzed genes were differentially expressed after 24 hours of fasting.
- Fasting increased the expression of genes involved in fat oxidation and cholesterol secretion.
- PPARα was identified as a mediator for the adaptive response to fasting.
Takeaway
When mice don't eat for a day, their bodies change how they process food and energy, which helps them adapt to not having food.
Methodology
The study used Affymetrix GeneChip MOE430A arrays and quantitative RT-PCR to analyze gene expression.
Limitations
The study only measured mRNA levels, which may not directly reflect protein abundance.
Participant Demographics
Male wild-type and PPARα-null mice, aged 3-4 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0019
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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