Neuroplastin-55 is a receptor of Manf and protects against diet-induced obesity by promoting adipose browning

Q Qingyi Jia (Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) J Jinhang Zhang (Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) H Haiying Song (Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) J Jiahao Chen (Spin-X Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices) Z Zhenyu Zhang H Huihui Yu (Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) Y Yi Chen Q Qinhui Liu (Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) X Xiandan Jing (Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) H Haixia Xu J Jingwei Li (Process Research and Development) Y Yimin Xiong (Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) M Meilin Ma (Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) N Na Yang (School of Materials and Energy) J Junyan Li (Department of Materials Science and Engineering) Y Yining Xu (Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu) Y Yanping Li J Jinhan He

Abstract

The browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) enhances thermogenesis and holds great potential in obesity treatment. Membrane receptors have been proven as essential factors during WAT browning. In this study, we found that transmembrane receptor neuroplastin-55 (Np55) was markedly upregulated in the adipose tissue of both obese individuals and mice. Fat-specific Np55 knockout (Np55 FKO ) sensitized mice to high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders, which was attributed to impaired energy expenditure and WAT browning. We identified that mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (Manf) acts as a ligand for Np55 with high binding affinity. Mechanistically, Np55 forms a complex with tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor-2 (TRAF2) and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) to activate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and conduct WAT browning after Manf stimulation. Additionally, we identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2470738600) in Manf compromised the binding affinity to Np55 and thermogenic capacity. Finally, we showed that Np55 is indispensable for Manf-induced thermogenesis and weight loss in obese mice. Our results underscore the pivotal role of Np55 as a receptor of Manf in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for obesity and related disorders.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 122, Issue 48
Published December 02, 2025
ISSN 0027-8424
Publisher National Academy of Sciences

Authors (18)

Q

Qingyi Jia

Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

J

Jinhang Zhang

Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

H

Haiying Song

Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

J

Jiahao Chen

Spin-X Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices

Z

Zhenyu Zhang

H

Huihui Yu

Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

Y

Yi Chen

Q

Qinhui Liu

Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

X

Xiandan Jing

Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

H

Haixia Xu

J

Jingwei Li

Process Research and Development

Y

Yimin Xiong

Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

M

Meilin Ma

Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

N

Na Yang

School of Materials and Energy

J

Junyan Li

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Y

Yining Xu

Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu

Y

Yanping Li

J

Jinhan He