Deletion of Arntl, a component of the molecular clock, in adipocytes leads to cellular hypertrophy by increasing insulin sensitivity via FGF21

Mar 3, 2026Npj biological timing and sleep

Removing a key cell clock gene in fat cells may cause them to grow larger by increasing insulin response through FGF21

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Abstract

Deletion of the Arntl gene in adipocytes resulted in increased insulin sensitivity and elevated levels in adipose tissue.

  • Loss of function in adipocytes is associated with inhibited lipolysis and cellular hypertrophy.
  • Elevated expression of Fgf21 in adipose tissue may contribute to metabolic changes observed in adipocyte-specific Arntl deficient mice.
  • Double knockout of Arntl and Fgf21 in adipocytes reversed increased insulin sensitivity and adipocyte hypertrophy.
  • These findings suggest that BMAL1 influences fat mobilization and insulin signaling through FGF21.
  • Disruption of circadian rhythm could be linked to the mechanisms underlying obesity.

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