How Feeding and Fasting Affect Liver Gene Expression
Author Information
Author(s): Huang Jie, Pashkov Victor, Kurrasch Deborah M, Yu Kan, Gold Stephen J, Wilkie Thomas M
Primary Institution: UT Southwestern Medical Center
Hypothesis
Rgs16 expression in liver is regulated by feeding and fasting cycles.
Conclusion
Rgs16 is a gene that responds to feeding schedules and is involved in regulating liver metabolism.
Supporting Evidence
- Rgs16 is the only RGS gene that is diurnally regulated in the liver of ad libitum fed mice.
- Rgs16 mRNA expression is rapidly down regulated after feeding.
- Rgs16 expression is localized to periportal hepatocytes, where it may regulate lipolysis and gluconeogenesis.
Takeaway
When mice eat, a specific gene in their liver called Rgs16 turns off quickly, and when they don't eat, it turns on. This helps the liver manage energy.
Methodology
The study involved analyzing Rgs16 mRNA levels in the liver of mice under different feeding conditions using Northern blot and QPCR techniques.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a single gene and its expression in a specific type of liver cell, which may not represent broader metabolic processes.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 female mice, aged four weeks to over one year.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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