Abstract 19088: The Plasminogen Receptor, Plg-RKT, Regulates Metabolic Homeostasis and Promotes Healthy Adipose Function

Introduction: Inhibition of the plasminogen activation system is linked to adipose fibrosis and insulin resistance in response to a high fat diet. However, the role of molecules that promote plasminogen activation has not been studied extensively. Plg-RKT is a novel transmembrane plasminogen receptor that promotes plasminogen activation and localizes plasmin activity on cell surfaces. Hypothesis: Plg-RKT regulates systemic metabolic homeostasis and promotes healthy adipocyte function. Methods: Plg-RKT null mice and wild-type littermates were fed a high fat (60%) diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Results: Plg-RKT-/- mice gained significantly more weight than Plg-RKT+/+ littermates over the course of the feeding regime (final wt., 54±0.9 g vs 39± 3.6 g, respectively, P<0.01 n=8). There were no differences in food intake by Plg-RKT-/- and Plg-RKT+/+ littermates. No genotype-dependent differences were observed when Plg-RKT-/- and Plg-RKT+/+ mice were fed a normal chow diet. Echo MRI measurements showed that total fat ...