Loss of inflammatory signaling molecule protects mice against diet-induced obesity

The accumulation of adipose tissue is associated with increased inflammation, and it has been proposed that modification of proinflammatory responses could alter adipose tissue composition. A study in this issue of JCI Insight demonstrates that mice lacking the proinflammatory signaling molecule TAK1 are protected from obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet.

A team led by Antonia Sassmann-Schweda of the Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research and colleagues generated mice lacking TAK1 specifically in adipocytes. Compared to control animals, TAK1-deficient mice had reduced numbers of adipocytes and exhibited increased energy expenditure. Moreover, removal of TAK1 from mice that had previously been fed a high fat diet prevented additional weight gain and improved glucose tolerance. The results of this study suggest that TAK1 should be further explored as a target for obesity treatment.