PHOSPHO1, a novel skeletal regulator of insulin resistance and obesity

Abstract

The skeleton is recognised as a key endocrine regulator of metabolism. Here we show that mice lacking the bone mineralization enzyme PHOSPHO1 (Phospho1-/-) exhibited improved basal glucose homeostasis and resisted high-fat-diet induced weight gain and diabetes. The metabolic protection in Phospho1-/- mice was manifested in the absence of altered levels of osteocalcin. Osteoblasts isolated from Phospho1-/- mice were enriched for genes associated with energy metabolism and diabetes; Phospho1 both directly and indirectly interacted with genes associated with glucose transport and insulin receptor signalling. Canonical thermogenesis via brown adipose tissue did not underlie the metabolic protection observed in adult Phospho1-/- mice. However, the decreased serum choline levels in Phospho1-/- mice were normalized by feeding a 2% choline rich diet resulting in a normalization in insulin sensitivity and fat mass. This study identifies PHOSPHO1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.