Genetic Liver-Specific AMPK Activation Protects against Diet-Induced Obesity and NAFLD

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved master regulator of metabolism, whose activation has been proposed to be therapeutically beneficial for the treatment of several metabolic diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, characterized by excessive accumulation of hepatic lipids, is the most common chronic liver disease and a major risk factor for development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions. To assess the therapeutic potential of AMPK activation, we have generated a genetically engineered mouse model, termed iAMPKCA, where AMPK can be inducibly activated in vivo in mice in a spatially and temporally restricted manner. Using this model, we show that liver-specific AMPK activation reprograms lipid metabolism, reduces liver steatosis, decreases expression of inflammation and fibrosis genes, and leads to significant therapeutic benefits in the context of diet-induced obesity. These findings further support AMPK as a target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. [Display omitted] •Creation of a genetically engineered inducible activated allele of AMPKa1, iAMPKCA mice•Hepatic AMPK activation leads to reduced steatosis and inflammation in obese mice•Hepatic AMPK activation blocks white adipose tissue expansion in mice on a high-fat diet•AMPK is a therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Garcia et al. present a GEMM, the “iAMPKCA” mouse, where AMPK is inducibly activated in vivo in a tissue-specific and temporal on and off nature. Liver-specific AMPK activation in these mice protects from diet-induced obesity and reduces liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. These data further support AMPK as a therapeutic target for NAFLD.