Rpl13a small nucleolar RNAS regulate systemic glucose metabolism

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that form ribonudeoproteins to guide covalent modifications of ribosomal and small nuclear RNAs in the nucleus. Recent studies have also uncovered additional non-canonical roles for snoRNAs. However, the physiological contributions of these small RNAs are largely unknown. Here, we selectively deleted four snoRNAs encoded within the introns of the ribosomal protein L13a (Rpl13a) locus in a mouse model. Loss of Rpl13a snoRNAs altered mitochondrial metabolism and lowered reactive oxygen species tone, leadingto increased glucose- stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic islets and enhanced systemic glucose tolerance. Islets from mice lacking Rpl13a snoRNAs demonstrated blunted oxidative stress responses. Furthermore, these mice were protected against diabetogenic stimuli that cause oxidative stress damage to islets. Our study illuminates a previously unrecognized role for snoRNAs in metabolic regulation.
Introduction Box C/D snoRNAs are short noncoding RNAs containing conserved C and D box consensus motifs that form ribonudeoproteins with NOP56, NOP58,15.5 kDa, and the methyltransferase fibrillarin (1). These ribonudeoproteins [...]