Sex differences in the function of hepatic VLDLR during protein deficiency in mice. Mus musculus

Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor (VLDLR), a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, is responsible for VLDL uptake in peripheral tissues. We reported that significant increase in hepatic VLDLR levels following protein restriction in male mice does not contribute to hepatic fat accumulation, indicating that VLDLR may have hitherto unknown functions. Here, we used RNA-sequencing analysis of liver samples to analysis the effects of protein restriction on hepatic VLDLR in male and female mice. Wild-type (WT) and Vldlr knockout (KO) mice were fed a control or low-protein diet containing 20% or 2% protein, respectively, for 20 days.