TRPM7 channels regulate breathing during sleep in obesity by acting peripherally in the carotid bodies

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects over 50% of obese individuals. Exaggerated hypoxic chemoreflex is a cardinal trait of SDB in obesity. We have shown that leptin acts in the carotid bodies (CB) to augment chemoreflex and Ihat leptin activates the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channel. However, the effect of leptin-TRPM7 signalling in CB on breathing and SDB has not been characterized in diet-induced obesity (DIO). We hypothesized that leptin acts via TRPM7 in the CB to increase chemoreflex leading to SDB in obesity. DIO mice were implanted with EEG/EMG electrodes and transfected with Lepr(b). short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or Trpm7shRNA vs. control shRNA in the CB area bilaterally. Mice underwent a full-polysomnography and metabolic studies at baseline and after transfection. Ventilatory responses Co hypoxia and hypercapnia were assessed during wakefulness. Lepr(b) and Trpm7 were upregulated and their promoters were demethylated in the CB of DIO mice. Lepr(b )knockdown in the CB did not significantly affect ventilation. Trpm7 knockdown in the CB stimulated breathing during sleep in normoxia. These effects were not driven by changes in CB chemosensitivity or metabolism. Under sustained hypoxia, Trpm7 shRNA in the CB augmented ventilation during sleep, but decreased oxyhaemoglobin saturation. We conclude that the suppression of TRPM7 in the CB improved sleep-related hypoventilation and that the respiratory effects of CB TRPM7 channels in obesity are independent of leptin. TRPM7 signalling in the CB could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity-related SDB.