Abstract
BECN1, a protein essential for autophagy, is involved in adipocyte differentiation, lipolysis and insulin resistance. The discovery of new mechanisms for modifying BECN1 in adipocytes may provide novel therapeutic targets for obesity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of mutations at the acetylation sites of BECN1 on adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis. We found that Ace-BECN1 levels were increased in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and isoproterenol-/TNF-α-stimulated lipolysis and in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues of high-fat diet mice. K414 was identified as an acetylation site of BECN1, which affects the stability of the BECN1 protein. Mutation at K414 of BECN1 affected autophagy, differentiation and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These data indicated the potential of BECN1 K414 as a key molecule and a drug target for regulating autophagy and lipid metabolism in adipocytes.