Ghrelin promotes hepatic lipogenesis by activation of mTOR-PPARγ signaling pathway

Significance The peripheral effect of ghrelin on energy metabolism has been controversial. Our study demonstrates a direct peripheral effect of ghrelin to increase de novo lipogenesis in hepatocytes. Moreover, we define mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) signaling pathway as the intracellular target of ghrelin in hepatocytes. The effect of ghrelin is mediated by the direct interaction between raptor and PPARγ. Our study identifies a previously unidentified pathway to treat NFALD via targeting hepatic ghrelin receptor/mTOR/PPARγ.