Depletion of the TRF1 telomere-binding protein leads to leaner mice with altered metabolic profiles
TRF1, a component of the telomere shelterin complex, plays crucial roles in telomere protection, telomere length regulation, and stemness. Here, we describe a previously unknown connection between TRF1 and metabolism. Telomere attrition has been linked to obesity. Our study reveals that <i>Trf1</i>-deficient mice exhibit a leaner phenotype, reduced adiposity, and improved glucose tolerance, even when subjected to a high-fat diet, independently of telomere shortening. These findings uncover a previously unknown role of TRF1 in regulating metabolism.
Authors
- Juana M. Flores (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7995-4426)
- Ana Cayuela López (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7728-9867)
- Juan Ruano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0286-4107)
- Leire Bejarano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4439-282X)
- Marı́a A. Blasco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4211-233X)
- Rosa Serrano
- Ruth Álvarez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0141-4881)
Institutions
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (ES)
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Aging
- Published
- 2025-09-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206320
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Telomeres, Telomerase, and Senescence
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.16
Funders
- European Commission
- Fundación Botín
- European Regional Development Fund
- Agencia Estatal de Investigación