Work

RNA binding protein HuD regulates fatty acid oxidation in pancreatic β-cells by modulating long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase expression

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play crucial roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of metabolic pathways. Although the RBP HuD has been extensively studied in pancreatic β-cells, its role in cellular metabolism remains poorly understood. In this study, we uncover a novel function of HuD in regulating fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in mouse insulinoma βTC6 cells. Through genetic knockdown and overexpression approaches, we demonstrate that HuD modulates the expression of long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD), a key enzyme in FAO, by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of its mRNA. Loss of HuD impaired FAO, leading to lipid droplet accumulation, elevated reactive oxygen species production, and increased lipotoxicity under lipid-stress conditions. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for HuD in maintaining fatty acid homeostasis and suggest that the HuD-LCAD regulatory axis may represent a promising therapeutic target for preserving β-cell integrity and function.

Source: Animal Cells and Systems

DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2025.2542168

Authors: Jiyoon Seo, Seungyeon Ryu, Wei Zhang, Eun Kyung Lee, Seung Min Jeong

Institutions: Catholic University of Korea, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center

Language: English

Topic: Pancreatic function and diabetes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,459