Fsp27 plays a crucial role in muscle performance

Fsp27 was previously identified as a lipid droplet-associated protein in adipocytes. Various studies have shown that it plays a role in the regulation of lipid homeostasis in adipose tissue and liver. However, its function in muscle, which also accumulate and metabolize fat, remains completely unknown. Our present study identifies a novel role of Fsp27 in muscle performance. Here, we demonstrate that Fsp27-/- and Fsp27+ /- mice, both males and females, had severely impaired muscle endurance and exercise capacity compared with wild-type controls. Liver and muscle glycogen stores were similar among all groups fed or fasted, and before or after exercise. Reduced muscle performance in Fsp27-/- and Fsp27+ /- mice was associated with severely decreased fat content in the muscle. Furthermore, results in heterozygous Fsp27+ /- mice indicate that Fsp27 haploinsufficiency undermines muscle performance in both males and females. In summary, our physiological findings reveal that Fsp27 plays a critical role in muscular fat storage, muscle endurance, and muscle strength. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study identifying Fsp27 as a novel protein associated with muscle metabolism. The Fsp27-knockout model shows that Fsp27 plays a role in muscular-fat storage, muscle endurance, and muscle strength, which ultimately impacts limb movement. In addition, our study suggests a potential metabolic paradox in which FSP27-knockout mice presumed to be metabolically healthy based on glucose utilization and oxidative metabolism are unhealthy in terms of exercise capacity and muscular performance.

Automated summary

This study identifies Fsp27 as a novel protein associated with muscle metabolism. The Fsp27-knockout model reveals that Fsp27 plays a role in muscular-fat storage, muscle endurance, and muscle strength, ultimately impacting limb movement. Additionally, the study suggests a potential metabolic paradox in which Fsp27-knockout mice, presumed to be metabolically healthy based on glucose utilization and oxidative metabolism, exhibit impaired exercise capacity and muscular performance.