Effect of USP21 deficiency on transcriptomes in skeletal muscle of mice

Skeletal muscle is the pivotal organ for energy homeostasis, but the regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that ubiquitin specific protease 21 (USP21) is a regulator of skeletal muscle physiology. To elucidate features important for USP21, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis using the muscle tissue of muscle-specific USP21 knockout (USP21-MKO) mice or wild-type littermates with floxed genotype, screened and analyzed the differentially expressed genes. Transcriptomics assay enabled us to discover major signaling nodes persistently activated by USP21 ablation in close association with the genes linked to fuel oxidation. Consequently, USP21 ablation altered gross metabolic phenotypes. Overall design: Examination of RNA expression in gastrocnemius muscles of WT or skeletal muscle-specific USP21 KO mice.