Beaudry Lab Investigates Acute Effects of Elevated Corticosterone on White Adipocyte Lipolysis
Publications
The Beaudry Lab at the University of Toronto, led by Dr. Jacqueline L. Beaudry, has contributed to a recent study published in American Journal of Physiology – Cell Physiology. The research, titled “Acute antilipolytic effects of elevated levels of corticosterone in differentiated murine white adipocytes”, explores how elevated corticosterone levels impact lipolysis in white adipocytes.
Study Overview
The study examines the acute effects of elevated corticosterone on lipolysis in differentiated 3T3-L1 white adipocytes. Findings indicate that elevated corticosterone levels (50–200 µM) significantly decrease basal lipolysis within 1–4 hours of exposure. This inhibition occurs independently of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated pathways, suggesting alternative mechanisms at play. Notably, the reduction in lipolysis is associated with decreased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activity through reduced phosphorylation at serine 563, without affecting cAMP or PKA signaling pathways.
Implications for Metabolic Health
These findings highlight that elevated corticosterone levels can acutely suppress lipolysis in white adipocytes through GR-independent mechanisms. Understanding these pathways is crucial for comprehending how stress hormones influence lipid metabolism and contribute to metabolic disorders.
Research Team and Affiliations
Negar Mir, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
Sulayman A. Lyons, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
Zhengzhang Guo, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
Safa Khadija Mirza, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
Wenbo Tan, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
Ashley J. Peckett, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University
Jacqueline L. Beaudry, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
