Nighttime light exposure enhances Rev-erbα-targeting microRNAs and contributes to hepatic steatosis

Metabolism. 2018 Aug:85:250-258. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.05.002. Epub 2018 May 8.

Abstract

Objective: The exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts the biological rhythms and has been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) display a critical role in fine-tuning the circadian system and energy metabolism. In this study, we aimed to assess whether altered miRNAs expression in the liver underlies metabolic disorders caused by disrupted biological rhythms.

Results: We found that C3H/HePas mice exposed to ALAN developed obesity, and hepatic steatosis, which was paralleled by decreased expression of Rev-erbα and up-regulation of its lipogenic targets ACL and FAS in liver. Furthermore, the expression of Rev-erbα-targeting miRNAs, miR-140-5p, 185-5p, 326-5p and 328-5p were increased in this group. Consistently, overexpression of these miRNAs in primary hepatocytes reduced Rev-erbα expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Importantly, overexpression of Rev-erbα-targeting miRNAs increased mRNA levels of Acly and Fasn.

Conclusion: Thus, altered miRNAs profile is an important mechanism underlying the disruption of the peripheral clock caused by exposure to ALAN, which could lead to hepatic steatosis.

Keywords: Clock genes; De novo lipogenesis; Exposure to artificial light at night; Hepatic steatosis; microRNAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism*
  • Light*
  • Lipogenesis / physiology
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Motor Activity / physiology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • MicroRNAs