Sex differences in the expression and function of hepatic very low-density lipoprotein receptor during protein deficiency in mice

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. Overall design: 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. Total RNA was extracted from frozen liver samples and quantified using spectrophotometry. RNA library preparation and RNA sequencing were performed by Novogene Co., LTD.