Uncovering the function of Wisp1 in whole-body glucose homeostasis: insights from Wisp1 knockout mice

Abstract

WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (Wisp1/CCN4) is a matricellular protein implicated in inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in obesity, yet its role in whole-body glucose metabolism remains unclear. In this study, Wisp1 knockout (KO) mice were analysed under physiological and high-fat (HF) diet conditions to define its impact on metabolic regulation. Neither physiological nor HF diet conditions revealed an effect of Wisp1 deficiency on whole-body glucose tolerance. However, male KO mice on a HF diet exhibited enhanced insulin sensitivity, lower insulin levels, and a marked reduction in adipose tissue inflammation, as evidenced by diminished macrophage infiltration and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in visceral fat. Additionally, beta cell mass expansion was attenuated in KO mice under HF diet, aligning with lower macrophage infiltration in islets. These findings suggest that improved insulin sensitivity in KO mice occurs independently of changes in glucose tolerance, likely due to mitigated adipose tissue inflammation. Thus, Wisp1 primarily modulates local adipose inflammatory responses, indirectly affecting islet adaptation to metabolic stress, rather than serving as a direct regulator of systemic glucose homeostasis.