Multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (Mrp4) is a novel genetic factor in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes

Multidrug resistance protein 4 (Mrp4) is an efflux transporter known to transport several xenobiotics and endogenous molecules. We recently identified that the lack of Mrp4 increases adipose tissue and body weights in mice. However, the role of Mrp4 in adipose tissue physiology are unknown. The current study aimed at characterizing these specific roles of Mrp4 using wild-type (WT) and knockout (Mrp4(-/-)) mice. Our studies determined that Mrp4 is expressed in mouse adipose tissue and that the lack of Mrp4 expression is associated with adipocyte hypertrophy. Furthermore, the lack of Mrp4 increased blood glucose and leptin levels, and impaired glucose tolerance. Additionally, in 3T3-L1 cells and human pre-adipocytes, pharmacological inhibition of Mrp4 increased adipogenesis and altered expression of adipogenic genes. Lack of Mrp4 activity in both of our in vivo and in vitro models leads to increased activation of adipose tissue cAMP response element-binding protein (Creb) and decreased plasma prostaglandin E (PGE) metabolite levels. These changes in Creb activation, coupled with decreased PGE levels, together promoted the observed metabolic phenotype in Mrp4(-/-) mice. In conclusion, our results indicate that Mrp4 as a novel genetic factor involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.