Bile acids (BAs) are synthesized from cholesterol. BA synthesis is tightly controlled to prevent incidence of diseases, such as cholestasis, gallstone disease, malabsorption, hypercholesterolemia, etc. BAs are important for nutrient absorption and also function as endocrine hormones to regulate metabolic homeostasis. BAs can activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5 to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetes and obesity. NAFLD is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, and is often associated with obesity and diabetes. Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3) is a transcription factor. So far, the role of hepatic FOXA3 in BA metabolism is completely unknown. Using both gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we show that FOXA3 is regulated by FXR and may regulate BA metabolism and metabolic homeostasis. In this project, we plan to investigate the role of hepatic FOXA3 in feedback regulation of BA metabolism and the role of BA signaling in FOXA3-regulated metabolic homeostasis. We will use a number of genetically modified mice as well as gain-of-function approaches to accomplish our goals.
Relevance: Bile acid signaling plays an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and human heath. Completion of the proposed studies will help determine the role of hepatic FOXA3 in BA feedback regulation and metabolic regulation, and may lead to a new strategy for treatment of metabolic disorders. Thus, this project is highly relevant to human health.
