RNA sequencing reveals niche gene expression effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate in primary myotubes.

Various forms of fasting and ketogenic diet have shown promise in (pre-)clinical studies to normalize body weight, improve metabolic health, and protect against disease. Recent studies suggest that β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), a fasting-characteristic ketone body, potentially acts as a signaling molecule mediating its beneficial effects via histone deacetylase inhibition. Here, we have investigated whether βOHB, in comparison to the well-established histone deacetylase inhibitor butyrate, influences cellular differentiation and gene expression.