A Role for Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 in Adipocyte Development

Obesity is characterized by increases in the number of mature adipocytes. Nascent adipocytes arise from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by a multi-step process — MSCs are recruited to the adipocyte lineage forming determined preadipocytes, these committed progenitors proliferate, undergo growth arrest, and finally differentiate into mature adipocytes. Although the genetic mechanisms that control the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes are understood to a large extent, the earliest events in adipogenesis — especially the commitment of MSCs into preadipocytes — are largely unknown. Recently, bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) has been implicated in the commitment of pluripotent MSCs to the adipocyte lineage by two independent lines of investigation. First, growth-arrested 10T1/2 cells do not normally respond to a hormonal cocktail that causes various growth-arrested preadipocyte cell lines to differentiate into adipocytes, but if 10T1/2 cells are first treated with BMP-4 they will respond to these hormonal inducers by undergoing terminal adipocyte differentiation. Second, a preadipocyte cell line, A33 cells, derived from 10T1/2 cells after exposing the cells to the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine was shown to express BMP-4, and this endogenous BMP-4 expression is required for acquisition of the preadipocyte phenotype of these cells. A role for the BMP-4 signaling pathway in adipogenesis is discussed.     

Regulation of Wnt signaling during adipogenesis

We have identified Wnt10b as a potent inhibitor of adipogenesis that must be suppressed for preadipocytes to differentiate in vitro. Here, we demonstrate that a specific inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3, CHIR 99021, mimics Wnt signaling in preadipocytes. CHIR 99021 stabilizes free cytosolic beta-catenin and inhibits adipogenesis by blocking induction of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Preadipocyte differentiation is inhibited when 3T3-L1 cells are exposed to CHIR 99021 for any 24 h period during the first 3 days of adipogenesis. Consistent with this time frame of inhibition, expression of Wnt10b mRNA is suppressed upon induction of differentiation, with a 50% decline by 6 h and complete inhibition by 36 h. Of the agents used to induce differentiation, exposure of 3T3-L1 cells to methyl-isobutylxanthine or cAMP is sufficient to suppress expression of Wnt10b mRNA. Inhibition of adipogenesis by Wnt10b is likely mediated by Wnt receptors, Frizzled 1, 2, and/or 5, and co-receptors low density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6. These receptors, like Wnt10b, are highly expressed in preadipocytes and stromal vascular cells. Finally, we demonstrate that disruption of extracellular Wnt signaling by expression of secreted Frizzled related proteins causes spontaneous adipocyte conversion.     

Wnt signaling inhibits adipogenesis through beta-catenin-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Wnt signaling has been reported to block apoptosis and regulate differentiation of mesenchymal progenitors through inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 and stabilization of beta-catenin. The effects of Wnt in preadipocytes may be mediated through Frizzled (Fz) 1 and/or Fz2 as these Wnt receptors are expressed in preadipocytes and their expression declines upon induction of differentiation. We ectopically expressed constitutively active chimeras between Wnt8 and Fz1 or Fz2 in preadipocytes and mesenchymal precursor cells. Our results indicated that activated Fz1 increases stability of beta-catenin, inhibits apoptosis, induces osteoblastogenesis, and inhibits adipogenesis. Although activated Fz2 does not influence apoptosis or osteoblastogenesis, it inhibits adipogenesis through a mechanism independent of beta-catenin. An important mediator of the beta-catenin-independent pathway appears to be calcineurin because inhibitors of this serine/threonine phosphatase partially rescue the block to adipogenesis caused by Wnt3a or activated Fz2. These data supported a model in which Wnt signaling inhibits adipogenesis through both beta-catenin-dependent and beta-catenin-independent mechanisms.     

Role of Wnt10b and C/EBPalpha in spontaneous adipogenesis of 243 cells

This report examines the balance of positive and negative adipogenic factors in a line of immortalized 243 embryonic fibroblasts that undergo spontaneous preadipocyte differentiation. Control of adipogenesis reflects the interplay of factors that promote or inhibit expression of C/EBPalpha and PPARgamma. The 243 cells express C/EBPalpha early and at elevated levels compared to 3T3-F442A preadipocytes or adipocytes. Cell clones were derived from the heterogeneous 243 population for ability or inability to differentiate into adipocytes. Wnt10b, a secreted protein that inhibits adipogenesis, is expressed at high levels in cells with low adipogenic potential and is undetectable in preadipocytes that spontaneously differentiate. In contrast, C/EBPalpha is expressed at reduced levels in cells with low adipogenic potential, and is expressed at high levels in preadipocytes that spontaneously differentiate. These data are consistent with a model in which decreased Wnt10b, coupled with increased C/EBPalpha, results in induction of PPARgamma and spontaneous adipogenesis of 243 cells.     

Wnt信号通路与前体脂肪细胞

Wnt蛋白是一类分泌型蛋白生长因子,通过自分泌和旁分泌作用调节多种细胞的发生和发育.新近研究表明,Wnt信号通路在前体脂肪细胞的增殖分化中发挥着重要作用.Wnt蛋白的配基通过与细胞膜上的特异性受体Frizzled1/2/5及辅助受体LRP5/6结合,激活经典或非经典的Wnt信号通路,影响下游靶基因产物的磷酸化作用,进而抑制C/EBPα、PPARγ等脂肪细胞关键转录因子,使细胞保持未分化状态,从而抑制脂肪的形成.本文就Wnt信号通路的研究史和主要分支、作用方式及其抑制脂肪细胞的机制方面进行了综述,并对今后的研究方向和应用作了展望.     

SIRT1 inhibits adipogenesis and promotes myogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2 pluripotent cells by regulating Wnt signaling

Background

The directed differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is tightly controlled by a complex network. Wnt signaling pathways have an important function in controlling the fate of MSCs. However, the mechanism through which Wnt/β-catenin signaling is regulated in differentiation of MSCs remains unknown. SIRT1 plays an important role in the regulation of MSCs differentiation.

Results

This study aimed to determine the effect of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) on adipogenesis and myogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. First, the MSC commitment and differentiation model was established by using 5-azacytidine. Using the established model, C3H10T1/2 cells were treated with SIRT1 activator/inhibitor during differentiation. The results showed that resveratrol inhibits adipogenic differentiation and improves myogenic differentiation, whereas nicotinamide promotes adipogenic differentiation. Notably, during commitment, resveratrol blocked adipocyte formation and promoted myotubes differentiation, whereas nicotinamide enhanced adipogenic potential of C3H10T1/2 cells. Furthermore, resveratrol elevated the expression of Cyclin D1 and β-catenin in the early stages. The luciferase assay showed that knockdown SIRT1 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling, while resveratrol treatment or overexpression SIRT1 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling. SIRT1 suppressed the expression of Wnt signaling antagonists sFRP2 and DACT1. Knockdown SIRT1 promoted adipogenic potential of C3H10T1/2 cells, whereas overexpression SIRT1 inhibited adipogenic differentiation and promoted myogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

Together, our results suggested that SIRT1 inhibits adipogenesis and stimulates myogenic differentiation by activating Wnt signaling.

     

Errα通过抑制β-Catenin促进猪前体脂肪细胞成脂分化

雌激素相关受体α（Errα）和Wnt/β-Catenin 信号通路都能够调控成脂分化.研究表明Errα和wnt/β-Catenin信号通路之间存在互作,β-联蛋白（β-Catenin）是Wnt/β-Catenin 信号通路的关键因子. 为了研究Errα和β-Catenin在脂肪生成中的相互作用,在293A细胞中包装得到Errα腺病毒并侵染猪前体脂肪细胞. LiCl 和XCT790被用于不同处理的猪前体脂肪细胞. 蛋白质印迹实验发现,在成脂分化过程中,Errα表达升高,β-Catenin表达降低. 显微观察绿色荧光发现,Errα腺病毒能够侵染猪前体脂肪细胞. 蛋白质印迹实验显示,在猪前体脂肪细胞中,Errα腺病毒促进Errα表达,XCT790抑制Errα表达. 油红O染色结果表明,β-Catenin抑制成脂分化,而Errα通过抑制β-Catenin促进成脂分化. 进一步的蛋白质印迹实验表明,在猪前体脂肪细胞成脂分化过程中,LiCl能够稳定β-Catenin表达,Errα抑制β-Catenin表达. 这些发现提示,Errα通过抑制β-Catenin表达来促进成脂分化.     

Chibby promotes adipocyte differentiation through inhibition of beta-catenin signaling

The canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway plays diverse roles in embryonic development and disease. Activation of this pathway, likely by Wnt-10b, has been shown to inhibit adipogenesis in cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and in mice. Here, we report that the beta-catenin antagonist Chibby (Cby) is required for adipocyte differentiation. Cby is expressed in adipose tissue in mice, and Cby protein levels increase during adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Ectopic expression of Cby induces spontaneous differentiation of these cells into mature adipocytes to an extent similar to that of dominant-negative Tcf-4. In contrast, depletion of Cby by RNA interference potently blocks adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 and mouse embryonic stem cells. In support of this, embryonic fibroblasts obtained from Cby-deficient embryos display attenuated differentiation to the adipogenic lineage. Mechanistically, Cby promotes adipocyte differentiation, in part by inhibiting beta-catenin, since gain or loss of function of Cby influences beta-catenin signaling in 3T3-L1 cells. Our results therefore establish Cby as a novel proadipogenic factor required for adipocyte differentiation.     

Wnt5b stimulates adipogenesis by activating PPARγ, and inhibiting the β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling pathway together with Wnt5a

Correct Wnt signaling is required for adipogenesis and alterations occur in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Gene expression studies showed that β-catenin independent Wnt5b was down-regulated in T2DM preadipocytes, while its paralog Wnt5a was unchanged. Our study aimed at defining the expression profile and function of Wnt5a and Wnt5b during adipogenesis by determining their effect on aP2 and PPARγ expression and assessing the level of β-catenin translocation in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Additionally, we explored the effect on adipogenic capacity by Wnt5b overexpression in combination with stimulation of the β-catenin dependent or β-catenin independent Wnt signaling. Expression of Wnt5b was, like Wnt5a, down-regulated upon induction of differentiation and both inhibit β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling at the initiation of adipogenesis. Wnt5b additionally appears to be a potent enhancer of adipogenic capacity by stimulation of PPARγ and aP2. Down-regulation of Wnt5b could therefore contribute to decreased adipogenesis observed in T2DM diabetic subjects.     

Gene expression patterns of bovine perimuscular preadipocytes during adipogenesis

Bovine perimuscular fat (PMF) preadipocytes were induced to undergo adipogenesis in vitro in our recent study to define the expression patterns of genes involved in the differentiation process. Based on the understanding of the interaction among adipogenic genes, a broad overview of gene expression profile in the differentiating PMF preadipocytes was evaluated using bovine specific DNA microarray from day 2 to 8 post-differentiation induction. A total of 100 significantly differentially expressed genes were detected between differentiated and control cells including those involved in several biochemical pathways and cellular/molecular signaling. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR validated that typical adipogenic genes were up-regulated at early differentiation in the preadipocytes. These results suggest that the PMF preadipocyte system is available as a novel in vitro model for molecular adipogenesis studies in the bovine and that a series of genes are switched on/off during early events associated with adipogenesis.     

The effects of myostatin on adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells are mediated through cross-communication between Smad3 and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways

The effects of myostatin on adipogenic differentiation are poorly understood, and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We determined the effects of human recombinant myostatin protein on adipogenesis of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and adipose tissue-derived preadipocytes. For both progenitor cell types, differentiation in the presence of myostatin caused a dose-dependent reduction of lipid accumulation and diminished incorporation of exogenous fatty acid into cellular lipids. Myostatin significantly down-regulated the expression of adipocyte markers PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha, leptin, and aP2, but not C/EBPbeta. Overexpression of PPARgamma, but not C/EBPbeta, blocked the inhibitory effects of myostatin on adipogenesis. Myostatin induced phosphorylation of Smad3 in hMSCs; knockdown of Smad3 by RNAi or inhibition of its upstream kinase by an Alk5 inhibitor blocked the inhibitory effect of myostatin on adipogenesis in hMSCs, implying an important role of Smad3 activation in this event. Furthermore, myostatin enhanced nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and formation of the Smad3-beta-catenin-TCF4 complex, together with the altered expression of a number of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway genes in hMSCs. The inhibitory effects of myostatin on adipogenesis were blocked by RNAi silencing of beta-catenin and diminished by overexpression of dominant-negative TCF4. The conclusion is that myostatin inhibited adipogenesis in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and preadipocytes. These effects were mediated, in part, by activation of Smad3 and cross-communication of the TGFbeta/Smad signal to Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF4 pathway, leading to down-regulation of PPARgamma.     

Bone morphogenetic protein and retinoic acid signaling cooperate to induce osteoblast differentiation of preadipocytes

Mesenchymal cells can differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, myoblasts, or chondroblasts. Whether mesenchymal cells that have initiated differentiation along one lineage can transdifferentiate into another is largely unknown. Using 3T3-F442A preadipocytes, we explored whether extracellular signals could redirect their differentiation from adipocyte into osteoblast. 3T3-F442A cells expressed receptors and Smads required for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. BMP-2 increased proliferation and induced the early osteoblast differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase, yet only mildly affected adipogenic differentiation. Retinoic acid inhibited adipose conversion and cooperated with BMP-2 to enhance proliferation, inhibit adipogenesis, and promote early osteoblastic differentiation. Expression of BMP-RII together with BMP-RIA or BMP-RIB suppressed adipogenesis of 3T3-F442A cells and promoted full osteoblastic differentiation in response to retinoic acid. Osteoblastic differentiation was characterized by induction of cbfa1, osteocalcin, and collagen I expression, and extracellular matrix calcification. These results indicate that 3T3-F442A preadipocytes can be converted into fully differentiated osteoblasts in response to extracellular signaling cues. Furthermore, BMP and retinoic acid signaling cooperate to stimulate cell proliferation, repress adipogenesis, and promote osteoblast differentiation. Finally, BMP-RIA and BMP-RIB induced osteoblast differentiation and repressed adipocytic differentiation to a similar extent.     

Reversine increases the plasticity of lineage-committed preadipocytes to osteogenesis by inhibiting adipogenesis through induction of TGF-β pathway in vitro

Reversine has been reported to reverse differentiation of lineage-committed cells to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which then enables them to be differentiated into other various lineages. Both adipocytes and osteoblasts are known to originate from common MSCs, and the balance between adipogenesis and osteogenesis in MSCs is reported to modulate the progression of various human diseases, such as obesity and osteoporosis. However, the role of reversine in modulating the adipogenic potential of lineage-committed preadipocytes and their plasticity to osteogenesis is unclear. Here we report that reversine has an anti-adipogenic function in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in vitro and alters cell morphology and viability. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway appears to be required for the anti-adipogenic effect of reversine, due to reversine-induced expression of genes involved in TGF-β pathway and reversal of reversine-inhibited adipogenesis by inhibition of TGF-β pathway. We show that treatment with reversine transformed 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into MSC-like cells, as evidenced by the expression of MSCs marker genes. This, in turn, allowed differentiation of lineage-committed 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to osteoblasts under the osteogenic condition in vitro. Collectively, these findings reveal a new function of reversine in reversing lineage-committed preadipocytes to osteogenesis in vitro, and provide new insights into adipose tissue-based regeneration of osteoblasts.     

Estrogen sulfotransferase inhibits adipocyte differentiation

The estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) is a phase II drug-metabolizing enzyme known to catalyze the sulfoconjugation of estrogens. EST is highly expressed in the white adipose tissue of male mice, but the role of EST in the development and function of adipocytes remains largely unknown. In this report, we showed that EST played an important role in adipocyte differentiation. EST was highly expressed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and primary mouse preadipocytes. The expression of EST was dramatically reduced in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and mature primary adipocytes. Overexpression of EST in 3T3-L1 cells prevented adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, preadipocytes isolated from EST knockout (EST-/-) mice exhibited enhanced differentiation. The inhibitory effect of EST on adipogenesis likely resulted from the sustained activation of ERK1/2 MAPK and inhibition of insulin signaling, leading to a failure of switch from clonal expansion to differentiation. The enzymatic activity of EST was required for the inhibitory effect of EST on adipogenesis, because an enzyme-dead EST mutant failed to inhibit adipocyte differentiation. In vivo, overexpression of EST in the adipose tissue of female transgenic mice resulted in smaller adipocyte size. Taken together, our results suggest that EST functions as a negative regulator of adipogenesis.