A new LD protein, ApoL6 disrupts the Perilipin 1-HSL interaction to inhibit lipolysis

ABSTRACT ApoL6 is a new LD-associated protein containing an apoprotein-like domain, expressed mainly in adipose tissue, specifically in adipocytes. ApoL6 expression is low in fasting but induced upon feeding. ApoL6 knockdown results in smaller LD with lower triglyceride (TAG) content in adipocytes, while ApoL6 overexpression causes larger LD with higher TAG content. We show that ApoL6 effect in adipocytes is by inhibition of lipolysis. While ApoL6, Perilipin 1 (Plin1) and HSL can form a complex on LD, C-terminal domain of ApoL6 directly interacts with Plin1, to compete with Plin1 binding to HSL through Plin1 N-terminal domain, thereby keeping HSL in a “stand by” status. Thus, ApoL6 ablation decreases WAT mass, protecting mice from diet-induced obesity, while adipose overexpression increases WAT mass to bring obesity and insulin resistance with hepatosteatosis, making ApoL6 a potential future target against obesity and diabetes.