Molecular mechanisms of snoRNA-IL-15 crosstalk in adipocyte lipolysis and NK cell rejuvenation

Yaohua Zhang, Zilong Zhao, Lisa A. Huang, Yuan Liu, Jun Yao, Chengcao Sun, Yajuan Li, Zhao Zhang, Youqiong Ye, Fei Yuan, Tina K. Nguyen, Nikhil Reddy Garlapati, Andrew Wu, Sergey D. Egranov, Abigail S. Caudle, Aysegul A. Sahin, Bora Lim, Laura Beretta, George A. Calin, Dihua YuMien Chie Hung, Michael A. Curran, Katayoun Rezvani, Boyi Gan, Zhi Tan, Leng Han, Chunru Lin, Liuqing Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Obesity, in which the functional importance of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) remains elusive, correlates with risk for many cancer types. Here, we identify that the serum copies of adipocyte-expressed SNORD46 correlate with body mass index (BMI), and serum SNORD46 antagonizes interleukin-15 (IL-15) signaling. Mechanically, SNORD46 binds IL-15 via G11, and G11A (a mutation that significantly enhances binding affinity) knockin drives obesity in mice. Functionally, SNORD46 blocks IL-15-induced, FER kinase-dependent phosphorylation of platelet glycoprotein 4 (CD36) and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) in adipocytes, leading to inhibited lipolysis and browning. In natural killer (NK) cells, SNORD46 suppresses the IL-15-dependent autophagy, leading to reduced viability of obese NK. SNORD46 power inhibitors exhibit anti-obesity effects, concurring with improved viability of obese NK and anti-tumor immunity of CAR-NK cell therapy. Hence, our findings demonstrate the functional importance of snoRNAs in obesity and the utility of snoRNA power inhibitors for antagonizing obesity-associated immune resistance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1457-1473.e13
JournalCell Metabolism
Volume35
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 8 2023

Keywords

  • adipocyte
  • autophagy
  • interleukin-15
  • lipase
  • natural killer cells
  • obesity
  • small nucleolar RNA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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