Adipogenic cell line TA1: a suitable model to study the effect of beta-adrenergic agonists on lipid metabolism.

The stable adipogenic cell line TA1 was investigated as a potential in vitro system to examine effects of beta-adrenergic agonists on lipid metabolism at the cellular level. Initial experiments were conducted to establish whether dexamethasone, indomethacin, or both in combination induce rapid differentiation of TA1 preadipocytes to adipocytes. Based on activity of fatty acid synthase, dexamethasone and indomethacin, individually and in combination, were observed to induce differentiation in TA1 cells at different rates (dexamethasone/indomethacin greater than indomethacin greater than dexamethasone). Dexamethasone/indomethacin induced complete differentiation in TA1 cells 4 days after confluence, as indicated by increased activity of fatty acid synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and malic enzyme. Finally, mature TA1 adipocytes were treated with various concentrations of isoproterenol and ractopamine to determine the responsiveness of TA1 adipocytes to a beta-adrenergic challenge. Glycerol release was increased and fatty acid synthase activity was decreased in a dose-dependent manner for both isoproterenol and ractopamine. These results indicate that fully differentiated TA1 adipocytes may be useful to study direct cellular effects of lipolytic and lipogenic agents on lipid metabolism.     

Differentiation of newborn rat preadipocytes in culture: effects of insulin and dexamethasone

A preadipocyte cell population isolated from the inguinal tissue of 3-day-old rats converts at confluence into mature adipocytes when cultured with insulin (10(-9) M). Insulin is necessary only from Day 4 postplating. If the addition of insulin is further delayed, the proportion of cells which will undergo adipose conversion decreases. A loss of the differentiation competence is also observed when the cells are allowed to proliferate (seeding at a low density in a serum containing medium). A preexposure of the primary cells to dexamethasone during the insulin-insensitive period (Days 0-4) accelerates the subsequent "insulin-dependent" adipose conversion. In order to produce its effect, dexamethasone needs only to be present for 4 h on Day 2 postplating. The effect of dexamethasone is probably due neither to inhibition of cell proliferation nor to induction of the cell content of insulin receptors. The evolution of G3PDH enzyme activity as well as of G3PDH protein and mRNA was used as an indicator of the differentiation process. The enzyme accumulates to a low extent during culture in the absence of insulin. When insulin is present, the enzyme level is dramatically increased (maximum on Day 11). Dexamethasone pretreatment (Days 0-4, or 4 h on Day 2) accelerated the G3PDH enzyme activity increase as well as protein and mRNA accumulation. This was also true in cells maintained in insulin-free medium; however, in this case, the increase in the enzyme activity was limited to the first 8 days of culture and full differentiation did not take place. We conclude that: (1) the rat preadipocytes are committed to differentiate, requiring insulin as a sufficient physiological stimulus; (2) the differentiation program is progressively lost after greater than 4 days of culture without insulin and more rapidly if the cells are allowed to undergo divisions; and (3) dexamethasone accelerates the insulin-dependent adipose conversion but alone does not ensure the complete differentiation process.     

Analysis of gene expression during differentiation of adipogenic cells in culture and hormonal control of the developmental program

Treatment of 10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts with 5-azacytidine, an inhibitor of mammalian DNA methylation, leads to the appearance of several new cell types, including adipocytes. We have isolated several such adipogenic cell lines and characterized two of them, TA1 and TA2. When subconfluent these cells resemble fibroblasts. After growth is arrested at high density, both clones express a functional adipose phenotype characterized by accumulation of lipid droplets. This in vitro differentiation is accompanied by a greater than 100-fold increase in glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase activity, an enzyme characteristic of mature adipocytes. Consistent with these morphologic and enzymatic changes, differentiated TA1 cells show a widespread alteration in protein composition as well as a substantial change in the pattern of secreted proteins. We have constructed a cDNA library of TA1 adipocytes and have isolated 12 different cDNA clones corresponding to mRNAs that are induced during adipogenesis. Among these RNAs, some are not expressed prior to initiating differentiation whereas others are expressed in 10T1/2 cells and TA1 preadipocytes. Treatment of TA1 cells with insulin and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone leads to an acceleration of the phenotypic changes observed during adipogenesis. We have found that hormone treatment leads to a precocious accumulation of specific RNA for all of the clones studied. Analysis of the temporal control of RNA accumulation during differentiation indicates that there are different categories of RNAs, some of which accumulate by day 1 after treatment while others are not apparent until day 3.     

A growth factor-repressible gene associated with protein kinase C- mediated inhibition of adipocyte differentiation

The conversion of determined adipoblasts to fully differentiated adipocytes requires appropriate environmental conditions. A strict dependence on cell confluence and a facilitation by glucocorticoid hormones have previously been described. We have found that agents that are capable of activating protein kinase C, such as basic fibroblast growth factor and phorbol esters, inhibit the differentiation of the adipogenic cell line TA1 without stimulating cell growth. Here we describe the sequence and characterization of a cDNA (clone 5) that detects an RNA, the expression of which is enhanced by glucocorticoids and increasing cell density. In contrast, activators of protein kinase C including basic fibroblast growth factor, phorbol esters, and synthetic diacylglycerols inhibit clone 5 gene expression. It appears that clone 5 expression is closely linked to environmental and hormonal factors that promote the differentiation of adipogenic cells.     

Differential effects of fibroblast growth factor and tumor promoters on the initiation and maintenance of adipocyte differentiation

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) has been shown to inhibit the differentiation of myogenic and adipogenic cell lines without inducing a proliferative response. We have previously shown that agents capable of activating protein kinase C (PKC), such as FGF and the phorbol ester tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), inhibit the differentiation of the adipogenic cell line TA1, as measured by the rapid loss of adipocyte-specific RNAs. We report here that the treatment of fully differentiated TA1 adipocytes with FGF at 10 ng/ml induces the reversal of adipocyte differentiation, even in cells where PKC activity has been down-regulated by TPA pretreatment. In contrast, TPA or lower concentrations of FGF (1 ng/ml), both effective inducers of c-fos RNA in adipocytes, fail to reverse adipocyte differentiation. The adipocytes, however, will extinguish differentiation-specific functions in response to TPA by the addition of a calcium ionophore. Therefore, we propose that there are two FGF-sensitive pathways in TA1 cells: one responsible for the initiation of differentiation (TPA sensitive) and another required for maintenance of the adipose phenotype (TPA insensitive). These results suggest that activation of two distinct signaling pathways--one PKC and calcium dependent, the other FGF activated but PKC independent--are capable of inhibiting the biochemical events responsible for the maintenance of adipocyte differentiation.     

Differentiation of A31T6 proadipocytes to adipocytes: a flow cytometric analysis.

A flow cytometric assay has been developed which provides precise, quantitative information on the accumulation of cytoplasmic triglycerides in individual A31T6 proadipocytes as they differentiate into adipocytes. The opportunity to measure multiple optical parameters on a cell-by-cell basis has enabled us to monitor phenotypic aspects of differentiation with a greater level of sensitivity than was previously possible. Using the fluorescent hydrophobic probe, Nile red, we have found that as a cell proceeds along the differentiation pathway, the gold fluorescence signal from the cell increases, reflecting the accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. The value of the ratio of gold to red fluorescence defines a cell as being differentiated or undifferentiated. The greater resolution afforded by this cytometric method over more conventional approaches has allowed us to determine (1) the presence of an undifferentiated population of cells whose existence is not detected by conventional phase microscopy, (2) that insulin is not required to drive differentiation in this system, though the rate of differentiation is increased when the cells are exposed to insulin in combination with dexamethasone, (3) that exposure to a combination of insulin and dexamethasone results in a lower accumulation of lipid in a cell than does exposure to either agent alone, and (4) that A31T6 cells show the same response to differentiation-promoting agents whether applied at the time of plating or at confluence.     

Adipose tissue islets: tissue culture of a potential source of fat cells in the adult rat

Collagenase digests of adipose tissue of the 3 to 4-month-old rat contain groups of 20-100 tightly arranged cells (islets) that copurify with the free-floating fat cells. When cultured along with mature adipocytes the islets give rise to cells, initially fibroblast-like, which rapidly proliferate, acquire lipid droplets, and differentiate into small adipocytes within 4-6 days without the addition to the medium of the agents usually required to produce differentiation in stromal-vascular preadipocytes. Differentiation of these cells is independent of confluence and begins as early as day 2 of culture. The proportion of islet-derived cells that differentiate is directly correlated with the number of mature adipocytes simultaneously present in the culture (r = .709; P less than 0.001). Culture medium exposed to mature adipocytes demonstrated differentiation-promoting activity, suggesting a paracrine effect of these cells. Islets may in vivo constitute a source for newly formed adipocytes in the adult rat. The differentiation of these potential adipocytes may be regulated, at least in part, by the mature fat cells via a paracrine effect.     

Induction of the terminal differentiation of a human squamous cell carcinoma by steroids with glucocorticoid activity

SqCC/Y1, a human malignant squamous cell carcinoma, spontaneously differentiates when grown to confluence in delipidized serum-containing medium, as measured by the capacity to form detergent-insoluble cornified cell envelopes. Thus, 30% of SqCC/Y1 cells spontaneously attained the differentiated state after 6 days in culture. Exposure of SqCC/Y1 cells to 30, 100, or 300 nM hydrocortisone increased the number of mature cells, producing a 25, 100, and 225%, respective, increase in the number of differentiated cells over the spontaneous rate of maturation. Retinoic acid at levels of 3-300 nM was inhibitory, causing a 24-85% decrease in the number of differentiated cells. Simultaneous treatment with hydrocortisone and retinoic acid indicated mutual antagonism of the effects of these agents on the formation of cornified envelopes. Since hydrocortisone possesses antiangiogenic (AG), mineralocorticoid (MC) and glucocorticoid (GC) activities, steroids with different degrees of GC, MC, and AG potency were examined for their capacities to induce terminal differentiation. Only steroids with GC activity, such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and RU-28362, were capable of increasing the degree of SqCC/Y1 differentiation and antagonizing the inhibitory effects of retinoic acid on the maturation process. In addition, the GC antagonist, RU-38486, reversed the stimulation of cellular differentiation produced by the glucocorticoids. The findings indicate that GC activity is required for the steroid-induced terminal differentiation of SqCC/Y1 cells.     

HP1alpha guides neuronal fate by timing E2F-targeted genes silencing during terminal differentiation

A critical step of neuronal terminal differentiation is the permanent withdrawal from the cell cycle that requires the silencing of genes that drive mitosis. Here, we describe that the alpha isoform of the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) protein family exerts such silencing on several E2F-targeted genes. Among the different isoforms, HP1alpha levels progressively increase throughout differentiation and take over HP1gamma binding on E2F sites in mature neurons. When overexpressed, only HP1alpha is able to ensure a timed repression of E2F genes. Specific inhibition of HP1alpha expression drives neuronal progenitors either towards death or cell cycle progression, yet preventing the expression of the neuronal marker microtubule-associated protein 2. Furthermore, we provide evidence that this mechanism occurs in cerebellar granule neurons in vivo, during the postnatal development of the cerebellum. Finally, our results suggest that E2F-targeted genes are packaged into higher-order chromatin structures in mature neurons relative to neuroblasts, likely reflecting a transition from a 'repressed' versus 'silenced' status of these genes. Together, these data present new epigenetic regulations orchestrated by HP1 isoforms, critical for permanent cell cycle exit during neuronal differentiation.     

Featured Article: Dexamethasone and rosiglitazone are sufficient and necessary for producing functional adipocytes from mesenchymal stem cells

The final product of adipogenesis is a functional adipocyte. This mature cell acquires the necessary machinery for lipid metabolism, loses its proliferation potential, increases its insulin sensitivity, and secretes adipokines. Multipotent mesechymal stromal cells have been recognized as a source of adipocytes both in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro adipogenic differentiation of human MSC (hMSC) has been induced up to now by using a complex stimulus which includes dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, indomethacin, and insulin (a classical cocktail) and evaluated according to morphological changes. The present work was aimed at demonstrating that the simultaneous activation of dexamethasone’s canonical signaling pathways, through the glucocorticoid receptor and CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) and rosiglitazone through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) is sufficient yet necessary for inducing hMSC adipogenic differentiation. It was also ascertained that hMSC exposed just to dexamethasone and rosiglitazone (D&R) differentiated into cells which accumulated neutral lipid droplets, expressed C/EBP-alpha, PPAR-gamma, aP2, lipoprotein lipase, acyl-CoA synthetase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, adiponectin, and leptin genes but did not proliferate. Glucose uptake was dose dependent on insulin stimulus and high levels of adipokines were secreted (i.e. displaying not only the morphology but also expressing mature adipocytes’ specific genes and functional characteristics). This work has demonstrated that (i) the activating C/EBPs and PPAR-gamma signaling pathways were sufficient to induce adipogenic differentiation from hMSC, (ii) D&R producing functional adipocytes from hMSC, (iii) D&R induce adipogenic differentiation from mammalian MSC (including those which are refractory to classical adipogenic differentiation stimuli). D&R would thus seem to be a useful tool for MSC characterization, studying adipogenesis pathways and producing functional adipocytes.     

Activation of normal genes in malignant cells: activation of chemotaxis in relation to other stages of normal differentiation in myeloid leukemia.

Genetically differerent clones of myeloid leukemic cells have been used to study the activation of normal genes in these malignant cells by the normal physiological inducer of myeloid cell differentiation, the protein MGI. In appropriate clones, MGI induced the normal differentiation-associated property of chemotaxis to a variety of compounds including the steroid hormone dexamethasone. The induced cells could also distinguish among different steroids by chemotaxis, suggesting that there are specific membrane interaction sites for steroids. The sequence of differentiation in these cells was the formation of C3 and Fc rosettes leads to phagocytosis of these rosettes and chemotaxis leads to synthesis and secretion of lysozyme leads to mature macrophages or granulocytes. The use of appropriate mutants and the comparison of induction by MGI and dexamethasone has shown that chemotaxis to casein can be dissociated from: chemotaxis to dexamethasone, ATP, and bacterial factor; formation of C3 or Fc rosettes; phagocytosis of these rosettes; synthesis of lysozyme; and the formation of mature cells. It is suggested from this dissection of normal differentiation that there are different membrane changes for specific chemotaxis, formation of these rosettes, and their phagocytosis, and that induction of each of these properties requires activation of different genes.     

B- and T-cell development both involve activity of the unfolded protein response pathway

The unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway regulates the functional capacity of the endoplasmic reticulum for protein folding. Beyond a role for UPR signaling during terminal differentiation of mature B cells to antibody-secreting plasma cells, the status or importance of UPR signaling during hematopoiesis has not been explored, due in part to difficulties in isolating sufficient quantities of cells at developmentally intermediate stages required for biochemical analysis. Following reconstitution of irradiated mice with hematopoietic cells carrying a fluorescent UPR reporter construct, we found that IRE1 nuclease activity for XBP1 splicing is active at early stages of T- and B-lymphocyte differentiation: in bone marrow pro-B cells and in CD4(+)CD8(+) double positive thymic T cells. IRE1 was not active in B cells at later stages. In T cells, IRE activity was not detected in the more mature CD4(+) T-cell population but was active in the CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cell population. Multiple signals are likely to be involved in activating IRE1 during lymphocyte differentiation, including rearrangement of antigen receptor genes. Our results show that reporter-transduced hematopoietic stem cells provide a quick and easy means to identify UPR signaling component activation in physiological settings.     

Reciprocal regulation of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators in the differentiation of murine preadipocyte line 3T3-L1 and the hormonal regulation of fibrinolytic factors in the mature adipocytes

Adipose tissue expresses a variety of genes including tumor necrosis factor alpha and type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1); and these factors, produced by adipocytes, may be associated with the risk of coronary events in obesity. In this study, we characterized the production of fibrinolytic factors including tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase-type PA (uPA), and PAI-1 in the differentiation of preadipocytes, and examined the hormonal regulation of these fibrinolytic factors in mature adipocytes. Mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were employed as a model of adipocytes. Adipocyte differentiation was induced by insulin, dexamethasone, and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine (IBMX). alpha-Glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) mRNA, indices for adipocyte maturation, were induced on Day 4, and gradually increased. GPDH activity reached its maximum level on Day 14. The level of tPA, a major PA in preadipocytes, dramatically decreased with differentiation. On the other hand, that of uPA reciprocally increased. PAI-1 production was also dramatically induced concomitant with differentiation. In mature adipocytes, uPA production was dominant (25 microg/ml/24 h vs. 0.8 microg/ml/24 h for tPA). Total PA activity in the mature adipocytes was reduced by insulin or dexamethasone, but not by glucagon. Insulin, IBMX, and dexamethasone significantly decreased both uPA and tPA production, and increased PAI-1 production. Glucagon had no effect on the production of these fibrinolytic factors. Our results reveal that uPA is one of the markers for the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and that insulin, IBMX, and dexamethasone are potent regulators of the fibrinolytic activity in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, reciprocally affecting PA and PAI-1 levels in them.