Cereblon regulates the production of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 23 in diabetes

Cereblon (CRBN) is an extensively expressed protein involved in crucial physiological processes. This study reveals CRBN's role in governing hepatic fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) expression and production via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway in diabetic conditions. The expressions of hepatic Crbn, Yin Yang 1 (Yy1), and Fgf23 genes were significantly increased in diabetic mice and forskolin (FSK)-treated primary hepatocytes, correlating with elevated FGF23 production. Overexpression of Crbn and Yy1 increased hepatic FGF23 and cytokines by upregulating YY1 gene expression, which was reduced in Crbn- and Yy1-silenced mice and primary hepatocytes. Besides, we also found that CRBN-mediated regulation of hepatic FGF23 involved YY1 recruitment to the Fgf23 gene promoters, evidenced by reporter assays, deletion studies, and mutant analyses. These findings identify CRBN and YY1 as key contributors to gluconeogenic signaling-driven FGF23 production and inflammation in diabetes, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for addressing metabolic disorders like diabetes. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(12): 533-538].