Thrap3 docks on phosphoserine 273 of PPARγ and controls diabetic gene programming

Phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) at Ser273 by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) in adipose tissue stimulates insulin resistance, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. We show here that Thrap3 (thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein 3) can directly interact with PPAR gamma when it is phosphorylated at Ser273, and this interaction controls the diabetic gene programming mediated by the phosphorylation of PPAR gamma. Knockdown of Thrap3 restores most of the genes dysregulated by CDK5 action on PPAR gamma in cultured adipocytes. Importantly, reduced expression of Thrap3 in fat tissue by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) regulates a specific set of genes, including the key adipokines adiponectin and adipsin, and effectively improves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in high-fat-fed mice without affecting body weight. These data indicate that Thrap3 plays a crucial role in controlling diabetic gene programming and may provide opportunities for the development of new therapeutics for obesity and type 2 diabetes.