Abstract

Upon infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, adipocytes adopt a clearly defined inflammatory phenotype with concomitant down-regulation of adiponectin expression, which influences the pathogenesis of Chagas heart disease. Herein, we examined how T. cruzi interferes with transcriptional regulation of adiponectin production in mouse adipocytes. The invading pathogen activates the Ca2+/calcineurin/NFATc4 signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells. Parasite-induced early activation of NFATc4 is involved in repressing adiponectin expression through recognition of the specific response element located at (−363 to −344) of the gene promoter. Nuclear import of dephosphorylated NFATc4 and decreased adiponectin levels were further demonstrated in white adipose tissue from acutely infected mice. Our current findings point to better clarify the complex role of adipose tissue in the modulation of inflammatory mechanisms operative during T. cruzi infection.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.