Loss of TSC complex enhances gluconeogenesis via upregulation of Dlk1-Dio3 locus miRNAs

Loss of the tumor suppressor tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1) in the liver promotes gluconeogenesis and glucose intolerance. We asked whether this could be attributed to aberrant expression of small RNAs. We preformed small-RNA sequencing on liver of Tsc1 knock-out mice, and found that miRNAs of the delta like homolog 1 (Dlk1) – deiodinase iodothyronine type III (Dio3) locus are upregulated in an mTORC1-dependent manner. Sustained mTORC1 signaling during development prevented CpG methylation and silencing of the Dlk1-Dio3 locus, thereby increasing miRNA transcription. Deletion of miRNAs encoded by the Dlk1-Dio3 locus reduced gluconeogenesis, glucose intolerance and fasting blood glucose levels. Thus, miRNAs contribute to the metabolic effects observed upon loss of TSC1 and hyperactivation of mTORC1 in the liver. Furthermore, we show that miRNA is a downstream effector of hyperactive mTORC1 signaling. Overall design: MiRNA-Seq sample from mice liver is analyzed. There are 5 replicates for Tsc1 mutant ("M") and 5 for the control condition ("C").