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Elucidating the role of plexin D1 in body fat distribution and susceptibility to metabolic disease using a zebrafish model system.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Minchin, JEN; Rawls, JF
Published in: Adipocyte
October 2, 2017

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer were responsible for 68% of all deaths worldwide in 2012. The regional distribution of lipid deposited within adipose tissue (AT) - so called body fat distribution (BFD) - is a strong risk factor for NCDs. BFD is highly heritable; however, the genetic basis of BFD is almost entirely unknown. Genome-wide association studies have identified several loci associated with BFD, including at Plexin D1 (PLXND1) - a gene known to modulate angiogenesis. We recently demonstrated that zebrafish homozygous for a null mutation in plxnd1 had a reduced capacity to store lipid in visceral AT (VAT) leading to altered BFD. Moreover, we found that type V collagens were upregulated in plxnd1 mutants, and mediated the inhibitory effect of Plxnd1 on VAT growth. These results strengthen evidence that Plxnd1 influences BFD in human populations, and validate zebrafish as a model to study BFD. However, many pertinent questions remain unanswered. Here we outline potential Plxnd1 mechanisms of action in AT, and describe the genetic architecture at human PLXND1 that is associated with BFD and NCD susceptibility.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Adipocyte

DOI

EISSN

2162-397X

Publication Date

October 2, 2017

Volume

6

Issue

4

Start / End Page

277 / 283

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • Zebrafish
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Body Fat Distribution
  • Animals
 

Citation

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Minchin, J. E. N., & Rawls, J. F. (2017). Elucidating the role of plexin D1 in body fat distribution and susceptibility to metabolic disease using a zebrafish model system. Adipocyte, 6(4), 277–283. https://doi.org/10.1080/21623945.2017.1356504
Minchin, James E. N., and John F. Rawls. “Elucidating the role of plexin D1 in body fat distribution and susceptibility to metabolic disease using a zebrafish model system.Adipocyte 6, no. 4 (October 2, 2017): 277–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/21623945.2017.1356504.
Minchin, James E. N., and John F. Rawls. “Elucidating the role of plexin D1 in body fat distribution and susceptibility to metabolic disease using a zebrafish model system.Adipocyte, vol. 6, no. 4, Oct. 2017, pp. 277–83. Pubmed, doi:10.1080/21623945.2017.1356504.

Published In

Adipocyte

DOI

EISSN

2162-397X

Publication Date

October 2, 2017

Volume

6

Issue

4

Start / End Page

277 / 283

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • Zebrafish
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Body Fat Distribution
  • Animals