Perfluorooctanoic acid binds to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and promotes adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

We examined the effect of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on adipose cells using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and found that PFOA increased adipocyte differentiation, triglyceride accumulation, and the mRNA level of factors related to adipocyte differentiation. In addition, PFOA bound to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ). These results suggest that PFOA promotes adipocyte differentiation as a PPAR γ ligand.     

Resveratrol inhibits TNF-alpha-induced changes of adipokines in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is chronically elevated in adipose tissues of obese rodents and humans. Increased levels of TNF-α are implicated in the induction of atherogenic adipokines, such as plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) and IL-6, and the inhibition of the anti-atherogenic adipokine, adiponectin. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on TNF-α-induced atherogenic changes of the adipokines in 3T3-L1 cells. Exposure to TNF-α for 24 h increased PAI-1 and IL-6 secretion and decreased adiponectin secretion. The mRNA expression of adipokines changed in parallel with mRNA expression. Resveratrol effectively reversed the secretion and mRNA expression of the atherogenic adipokines, PAI-1 and IL-6, induced by TNF-α. Decreased secretion levels and mRNA expression of adiponectin by TNF-α were also recovered by resveratrol treatment. Our results suggest that resveratrol may improve obesity-induced cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis, by attenuating the TNF-α-induced changes of adipokines.     

Soyasapogenols reduce cellular triglyceride levels in 3T3-L1 mouse adipocyte cells by accelerating triglyceride lipolysis

Soyasapogenol is a soyasaponin aglycone, which has been suggested to exert a more potent function than the glycoside form. In this study, the effect of soyasapogenol A and B on cultured adipocyte cell function was investigated using mouse 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with insulin, dexamethasone, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine for differentiation to adipocytes, and the cells were then cultured in the presence of soyasapogenol A or B (6.25 or 12.5 µM). The media were harvested and refreshed every 2 d. After a 10 d culture, the cells were harvested and the triglyceride content of the cells was determined. The triglyceride content of soyasapogenol B-treated cells was significantly lower than those of vehicle-treated cells. Glycerol and free fatty acid levels in the soyasapogenol-treated cell media were higher than those in vehicle cells. However, there was no difference in the level of adipose triglyceride lipase among soyasapogenol A-, soyasapogenol B-, and vehicle-treated cells. The secreted adiponectin and resistin levels of soyasapogenol-treated cell media were also different compared with those of vehicle-treated cells. Especially, the secreted resistin level in soyasapogenol B-treated cell media was obviously reduced compared with that of vehicle-treated cells. Taken together, these results suggest that soyasapogenol B exerted an anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effect on adipocytes by lowering the cellular triglyceride level by accelerating triglyceride lipolysis with reduced resistin secretion.     

MiR-185 inhibits 3T3-L1 cell differentiation by targeting SREBP-1

Adipogenesis involves a highly orchestrated series of complex events in which microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an essential role. In this study, we found that the miR-185 expression increased gradually during 3T3-L1 cells differentiation. To explore the role of miR-185 in adipogenesis, miRNA agomirs and antagomirs were used to perform miR-185 overexpression and knockdown, respectively. Overexpression of miR-185 dramatically reduced the mRNA expression of the adipogenic markers, PPARγ, FABP4, FAS, and LPL, and the protein level of PPARγ and FAS. MiR-185 overexpression also led to a notable reduction in lipid accumulation. In contrast, miR-185 inhibition promoted differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. By target gene prediction and luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) may be the target of miR-185. These results indicate that miR-185 negatively regulates the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells by targeting SREBP-1, further highlighting the importance of miRNAs in adipogenesis.     

Lnc-RAP3对小鼠3T3-L1前脂肪细胞分化的影响

长链非编码RNA (long non-coding RNA, lncRNA)是一类长度大于200nt、没有长开放阅读框架但往往具有mRNA结构特征的RNA,可以在转录及转录后水平参与基因的表达调控。近年来,有研究证实lncRNA对脂肪生成具有重要作用。Lnc-RAP3位于小鼠(Mus musculus)17号染色体,其表达量在小鼠脂肪细胞分化前后呈现显著差异,但其具体的生物学功能尚不清楚。为探讨lnc-RAP3在小鼠3T3-L1前脂肪细胞成脂分化中的作用,本文首先构建了lnc-RAP3的真核表达载体pcDNA3.1-RAP3,利用脂质体将pcDNA3.1-RAP3和人工合成的lnc-RAP3的siRNAs分别转染3T3-L1前脂肪细胞,并对转染后的细胞进行诱导分化,并通过油红O染色、qRT-PCR检测成脂分化相关基因表达等方法比较过表达和敲降lnc-RAP3对3T3-L1前脂肪细胞成脂分化的影响。结果显示,过表达lnc-RAP3后,细胞内脂滴聚集显著减少(P<0.05),在诱导分化第0 d、2 d和4 d时C/EBPα、Glut4、PPARγ、LPL和FAS的表达水平均呈显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)下降;敲降lnc-RAP3后,细胞内脂滴聚集显著增多(P<0.05),同时在诱导分化第0 d、2 d时PPARγ、LPL、C/EBPα、FAS和Glut4的表达水平呈显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)升高。本研究结果表明,lnc-RAP3可能通过影响成脂分化相关基因的表达来抑制3T3-L1前脂肪细胞的成脂分化。     

Proteomic analysis for inhibitory effect of chitosan oligosaccharides on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation

In the present study, we performed a differential proteomic analysis using 2-DE combined with MS to clarify the molecular mechanism for the suppressive effect of chitosan oligosaccharides (CO) during differentiation of adipocyte 3T3-L1. Cell differentiation was significantly inhibited by CO at the concentration of 4 mg/mL. Protein mapping of adipocyte homogenates by 2-DE revealed that numerous protein spots were differentially altered in response to CO treatment. Out of 50 identified proteins showing significant alterations, six were up-regulated and 44 were down-regulated by CO treatment in comparison to control mature adipocytes. Among them, most of the proteins are associated with lipid metabolism, cytoskeleton, and redox regulation, in which the levels of farnesyl diphosphate synthetase (FDS), dedicator of cytokinesis 9 (DOCK9), and chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) were significantly reduced (>two-fold) with CO treatment. These results have not previously been examined in the context of adipogenesis, and thus can be used as novel biomarkers. Taken together with immunoblot analysis, it was concluded that the inhibitory effect of CO on adipocyte differentiation was mediated by C/EBPalpha and PPARgamma pathway through significant downregulations of important adipogenic molecules such as fatty acid binding protein and glucose transporter 4.     

LMO4 modulates proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Previous microarray analyses revealed that LMO4 is expressed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, however, its roles in adipogenesis are unknown. In the present study, using RT-PCR sequencing and quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we confirmed that LMO4 gene is expressed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and its expression peaks at the early stage of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Further analyses showed that LMO4 knockdown decreased the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and attenuated the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, as evidenced by reduced lipid accumulation and down-regulation of PPARγ gene expression. Collectively, our findings indicate that LMO4 is a novel modulator of adipogenesis.     

槟榔碱对3T3-L1脂肪细胞脂代谢的影响

目的：观察槟榔碱对3T3-L1脂肪细胞脂代谢的影响并探讨其可能机制。方法：采用经典的"鸡尾酒"法诱导3T3-L1前脂肪细胞分化成熟,随后用不同浓度的槟榔碱（0、25、50、100 μmol/L）处理成熟脂肪细胞72 h。72 h后,四甲基偶氮唑盐（MTT）法检测细胞的活性;油红O染色观察胞浆内脂滴情况;Western blot检测脂肪酸合成酶（FAS）、甘油三酯脂肪酶（ATGL）、激素敏感性脂肪酶（HSL）蛋白表达。结果：诱导分化成熟的脂肪细胞胞浆内可见大量脂滴;MTT显示：0~100 μmol/L槟榔碱对脂肪细胞活力无显著影响;油红O染色后脂质含量测定结果表明槟榔碱能减少成熟脂肪细胞中脂质含量;Western blot结果显示：与0 μmol/L组（对照组）相比,槟榔碱可显著降低脂肪细胞内FAS的蛋白表达,增加ATGL和HSL的蛋白表达;其中以50 μmol/L组最为显著。结论：槟榔碱使脂肪细胞脂解增强,可能与降低脂质合成关键酶FAS的表达,增加脂质分解代谢关键酶ATGL和HSL的表达有关。     

Benzyl isothiocyanate ameliorates lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during adipocyte differentiation

ABSTRACT

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is an organosulfur compound derived from cruciferous vegetables and papaya seeds. In this study, we investigated the effect of BITC on the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during adipocyte differentiation. The treatment of BITC during the differentiation-inducing stage significantly ameliorated the lipid accumulation, whereas it had no inhibitory effect during the differentiation-maintaining stage. BITC also significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of the adipocyte-specific markers, such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. BITC significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, whereas it enhanced that of AMP-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, BITC significantly suppressed the intracellular 2-deoxyglucose uptake as well as glucose transporter 4 expression. These results suggest that inhibition of the adipocyte differentiation and glucose uptake may mainly contribute to the inhibitory effect of BITC on the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

Abbreviations: PPARγ: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ; CEBP: CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein; GLUT4: glucose transporter 4; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ERK1/2: extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; MAPK: a mitogen-activated protein kinase; ITCs: isothiocyanates; BITC: benzyl isothiocyanate; FBS: fetal bovine serum; CS: calf serum; AITC: allyl ITC; IBMX: 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; KRH: Krebs-Ringer-Hepes-bicarbonate; 2-DG: 2-deoxy-d-glucose     

ErbB2 and EGFR are downmodulated during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

The expression of receptors belonging to the epidermal growth factor receptor subfamily has been largely studied these last years in epithelial cells mainly as involved in cell proliferation and malignant progression. Although much work has focused on the role of these growth factor receptors in the differentiation of a variety of tissues, there is little information in regards to normal stromal cells. We investigated erbB2 expression in the murine fibroblast cell line Swiss 3T3L1, which naturally or hormonally induced undergoes adipocyte differentiation. We found that the Swiss 3T3-L1 fibroblasts express erbB2, in addition to EGFR, and in a quantity comparable to or even greater than the breast cancer cell line T47D. Proliferating cells increased erbB2 and EGFR levels when reaching confluence up to 4- and 10-fold, respectively. This expression showed a significant decrease when growth-arrested cells were stimulated to differentiate with dexamethasone and isobutyl-methylxanthine. Differentiated cells presented a decreased expression of both erbB2 and EGFR regardless of whether the cells were hormonally or spontaneously differentiated. EGF stimulation of serum-starved cells increased erbB2 tyrosine phosphorylation and retarded erbB2 migration in SDS-PAGE, suggesting receptor association and activation. Heregulin-alpha1 and -beta1, two EGF related factors, had no effect on erbB2 or EGFR phosphorylation. Although 3T3-L1 cells expressed heregulin, its specific receptors, erbB3 and erbB4, were not found. This is the first time in which erbB2 is reported to be expressed in an adipocytic cell line which does not depend on non EGF family growth factors (thyroid hormone, growth hormone, etc.) to accomplish adipose differentiation. Since erbB2 and EGFR expression were downmodulated as differentiation progressed it is conceivable that a mechanism of switching from a mitogenic to a differentiating signaling pathway may be involved, through regulation of the expression of these growth factor receptors.     

Chemerin enhances insulin signaling and potentiates insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

To explore a novel adipokine, we screened adipocyte differentiation-related gene and found that TIG2/chemerin was strongly induced during the adipocyte differentiation. Chemerin was secreted by the mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and expressed abundantly in adipose tissue in vivo as recently described. Intriguingly, the expression of chemerin was differently regulated in the liver and adipose tissue in db/db mice. In addition, serum chemerin concentration was decreased in db/db mice. Chemerin and its receptor/ChemR23 were expressed in mature adipocytes, suggesting its function in autocrine/paracrine fashion. Finally, chemerin potentiated insulin-stimulated glucose uptake concomitant with enhanced insulin signaling in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These data establish that chemerin is a novel adipokine that regulates adipocyte function.     

Esculetin induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Adipose tissue mass is determined by the volume and the number of adipocytes and is subjected to homeostatic regulation involving cell death mechanisms. We investigated the effects of esculetin, a coumarin compound, on apoptotic signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Esculetin treatment induced an increase in expression of Bax with a concomitant decrease of Bcl-2 in a time-dependent manner. Esculetin treatment also resulted in translocation of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol and cleavage of 116 kDa poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, resulting in the accumulation of an 85 kDa cleavage product in a caspase-dependent manner. Furthermore, esculetin selectively altered the phosphorylation state of members of the MAPK superfamily, causing dephosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and hyperphosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, an inhibitor of the JNK MAP kinase pathway, SP600125, reduced esculetin-induced cytochrome c release. These results indicate that esculetin mediated adipocyte apoptosis involves the mitochondrial pathway. Esculetin thus decreases adipocyte number by initiating this apoptotic process in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This work was supported by the Georgia Research Alliance, AptoTec, Inc., and by the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar endowment held by CAB.     

Rehmannia inhibits adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis

Rehmannia glutinosa, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used to increase physical strength. Here, we report that Rehmannia glutinosa extract (RE) inhibits adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. RE impairs differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. At the molecular level, treatment with RE inhibits expression of the key adipocyte differentiation regulator C/EBPβ, as well as C/EBPα and the terminal marker protein 422/aP2, during differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. Additionally, RE inhibits the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) process of adipocyte differentiation, and RE prevents localization of C/EBPβ to the centromeres. RE also prevents high fat diet (HFD) induced weight gain and adiposity in rats. Taken together, our results indicate that Rehmannia glutinosa extract inhibits preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in cultured cells and in rodent models of obesity.     

AFM对3T3-L1前脂细胞及其骨架的可视化研究

目的:为脂肪细胞分化提供数据,加深对3T3-L1细胞分化机制的了解.方法:应用AFM对3T3-L1前脂细胞的形貌、超微结构、机械性能和细胞骨架进行了可视化研究.结果:3T3-L1细胞舒展,伪足丰富,膜表面有大小不一的斑块和突起.通过统计分析得出3T3-L1细胞的高低差,均方根粗糙度、平均粗糙度和平均高度分别为622.3nm、77.34nm、55.80nm、393.1nm;AFM针尖与细胞膜表面的相对粘弹力为95.10±19.41pN,平均硬度为2.36±0.39mN/m,杨氏模量为4.85±0.99kPa.AFM对3T3-L1细胞骨架成像,观察到骨架南排列整齐的大纤维束和细小的微纤维以及颗粒状蛋白组成,形成网络结构.结论:细胞形貌结合细胞的机械性能可知3T3-L1细胞生长状态良好,细胞的移动迁移能力强.