Role of Seipin in Human Diseases and Experimental Animal Models
Yuying Li,
Xinmin Yang,
Linrui Peng,
Qing Xia,
Yuwei Zhang,
Wei Huang,
Tingting Liu,
Da Jia
Affiliations
Yuying Li
West China Pancreatitis Centre, Centre for Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Xinmin Yang
West China Pancreatitis Centre, Centre for Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Linrui Peng
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Qing Xia
West China Pancreatitis Centre, Centre for Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Yuwei Zhang
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Wei Huang
West China Pancreatitis Centre, Centre for Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Tingting Liu
West China Pancreatitis Centre, Centre for Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Da Jia
Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Seipin, a protein encoded by the Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (BSCL2) gene, is famous for its key role in the biogenesis of lipid droplets and type 2 congenital generalised lipodystrophy (CGL2). BSCL2 gene mutations result in genetic diseases including CGL2, progressive encephalopathy with or without lipodystrophy (also called Celia’s encephalopathy), and BSCL2-associated motor neuron diseases. Abnormal expression of seipin has also been found in hepatic steatosis, neurodegenerative diseases, glioblastoma stroke, cardiac hypertrophy, and other diseases. In the current study, we comprehensively summarise phenotypes, underlying mechanisms, and treatment of human diseases caused by BSCL2 gene mutations, paralleled by animal studies including systemic or specific Bscl2 gene knockout, or Bscl2 gene overexpression. In various animal models representing diseases that are not related to Bscl2 mutations, differential expression patterns and functional roles of seipin are also described. Furthermore, we highlight the potential therapeutic approaches by targeting seipin or its upstream and downstream signalling pathways. Taken together, restoring adipose tissue function and targeting seipin-related pathways are effective strategies for CGL2 treatment. Meanwhile, seipin-related pathways are also considered to have potential therapeutic value in diseases that are not caused by BSCL2 gene mutations.