Intrinsic expression of viperin regulates thermogenesis in adipose tissues

Significance The expression of numerous interferon (IFN)-inducible proteins is triggered by IFN or stimuli that activate IFN signaling pathways in innate immune responses. However, many of these proteins are expressed without stimulation in specific tissues, suggesting that their intrinsic expression may have novel functions. We show here that viperin, an IFN-inducible protein, regulates fatty acid β-oxidation–mediated thermogenesis in adipose tissues. Viperin deficiency up-regulates the expression of thermogenesis- and fatty acid β-oxidation–related genes, which in turn increases heat production, reduces fat mass, improves high-fat diet–induced glucose tolerance, and enhances cold tolerance. Thus, the intrinsic expression of viperin plays a novel, pivotal role in thermoregulation.

Intrinsic expression of viperin regulates thermogenesis in adipose tissues Journal Articles