The nuclear receptor REV-ERBα is required for the daily balance of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

Mutations of clock genes can lead to diabetes and obesity. REV-ERBα, a nuclear receptor involved in the circadian clockwork, has been shown to control lipid metabolism. To gain insight into the role of REV-ERBα in energy homeostasis in vivo, we explored daily metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in chow-fed, unfed, or high-fat-fed Rev-erbα−/− mice and their wild-type littermates. Chow-fed Rev-erbα−/− mice displayed increased adiposity (2.5-fold) and mild hyperglycemia (∼10%) without insulin resistance. Indirect calorimetry indicates that chow-fed Rev-erbα−/− mice utilize more fatty acids during daytime. A 24-h nonfeeding period in Rev-erbα−/− animals favors further fatty acid mobilization at the expense of glycogen utilization and gluconeogenesis, without triggering hypoglycemia and hypothermia. High-fat feeding in Rev-erbα−/− mice amplified metabolic disturbances, including expression of lipogenic factors. Lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) gene, critical in lipid utilization/storage, is triggered in liver at ni...