Deletion of Myelin Protein Zero-Like 3 Increases Sebaceous Gland Size and Sebocyte Proliferation but Reduces Skin Adipose Depots: Can MPZL3 Inhibition Promote Excessive Loss of Lipids via Sebum Hypersecretion?

Deletion of Myelin Protein Zero-like 3 (MPZL3) in mice leads to increased sebaceous gland size and sebocyte proliferation, resulting in a greasy hair coat and enhanced sebum production. This is accompanied by a 50% reduction in total adipose depots and resistance to high-fat diet-induced weight gain. The study found significant reductions in dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) thickness and the number and size of dermal adipocytes in MPZL3 knockout mice. These findings suggest that MPZL3 negatively regulates sebocyte proliferation and sebum production while promoting adipose tissue accumulation. The potential for MPZL3 inhibitors to manage obesity by targeting sebaceous glands and reducing lipid depots is proposed for further exploration.