BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in various important biological processes, however, its role in energy balance and obesity remains largely unknown.

METHODS

Differentially expressed lncRNAs in the hypothalamus of diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice versus chow-fed mice were identified by RNA sequencing. Lentivirus-mediated overexpression and knockdown of a novel lncRNA, AK044061, were used to assess its role in energy balance and the development of DIO. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull down assays were carried out to analyze the interaction between lncRNA AK044061 and RelA, an NF-κB subunit.

RESULTS

LncRNA AK044061 was upregulated in the hypothalamus of DIO mice. Acute intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of glucose reduced the expression of lncRNA AK044061, whereas an overnight of fasting enhanced its expression. RNA in situ hybridization data showed that AK044061 was expressed in the neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of AK044061 in ARC cells, or in the neurons of the ARC nucleus led to an obesity-like phenotype and related metabolic disorders. Furthermore, knockdown of lncRNA AK044061 in Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons mitigated DIO and its related metabolic dysregulations. In mechanism, we showed that lncRNA AK044061 was associated with RelA and could enhance the NF-κB reporter activity. The effect of lncRNA AK044061 on energy balance is mediated by NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that excessive lncRNA AK044061 in the ARC nucleus leads to energy imbalance and obesity. LncRNA AK044061 expressed in the AgRP neurons is important in the development of dietary obesity in mice.