Mitofusin 2 in POMC neurons connects ER stress with leptin resistance and energy imbalance

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Marc Schneeberger
  • Marcelo O Dietrich
  • David Sebastián
  • Mónica Imbernón
  • Carlos Castaño
  • Ainhoa Garcia
  • Yaiza Esteban
  • Alba Gonzalez-Franquesa
  • Ignacio Castrillón Rodríguez
  • Analía Bortolozzi
  • Pablo M Garcia-Roves
  • Ramon Gomis
  • Ruben Nogueiras
  • Tamas L Horvath
  • Antonio Zorzano
  • Marc Claret

Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) plays critical roles in both mitochondrial fusion and the establishment of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. Hypothalamic ER stress has emerged as a causative factor for the development of leptin resistance, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we show that mitochondria-ER contacts in anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus are decreased in diet-induced obesity. POMC-specific ablation of Mfn2 resulted in loss of mitochondria-ER contacts, defective POMC processing, ER stress-induced leptin resistance, hyperphagia, reduced energy expenditure, and obesity. Pharmacological relieve of hypothalamic ER stress reversed these metabolic alterations. Our data establish MFN2 in POMC neurons as an essential regulator of systemic energy balance by fine-tuning the mitochondrial-ER axis homeostasis and function. This previously unrecognized role for MFN2 argues for a crucial involvement in mediating ER stress-induced leptin resistance.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCell
Volume155
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)172-87
Number of pages16
ISSN0092-8674
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Sep 2013

    Research areas

  • Animals, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, GTP Phosphohydrolases, Hypothalamus, Leptin, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Neurons, Obesity, Pro-Opiomelanocortin, Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

ID: 184415352