Expression of Caveolin 1 Is Enhanced by DNA Demethylation during Adipocyte Differentiation. Status of Insulin Signaling

Caveolin 1 (Cav-1) is an essential constituent of adipocyte caveolae which binds the beta subunit of the insulin receptor (IR) and is implicated in the regulation of insulin signaling. We have found that, during adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells the promoter, exon 1 and first intron of the Cav-1 gene undergo a demethylation process that is accompanied by a strong induction of Cav-1 expression, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms must have a pivotal role in this differentiation process. Furthermore, IR, PKB-Akt and Glut-4 expression are also increased during the differentiation process suggesting a coordinated regulation with Cav-1. Activation of Cav-1 protein by phosphorylation arises during the differentiation process, yet in fully mature adipocytes insulin is no longer able to significantly increase Cav-1 phosphorylation. However, these long-term differentiated cells are still able to respond adequately to insulin, increasing IR and PKB-Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake. The activation of Cav-1 during the adipocyte differentiation process could facilitate the maintenance of insulin sensitivity by these fully mature adipocytes isolated from additional external stimuli. However, under the influence of physiological conditions associated to obesity, such as chronic inflammation and hypoxia, insulin sensitivity would finally be compromised.     

Induction of cell death by photodynamic therapy with a new synthetic photosensitizer DH-I-180-3 in undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells

To examine the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect on adipocytes, we investigated whether PDT using DH-I-180-3, a new synthetic lipophilic photosensitizer, induced cell death of both undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3-L1. 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes in the culture medium containing pantothenate, insulin, dexamethasone, isobutylmethylxanthine, and troglitazone. PDT was applied to both undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3-L1. Photosensitizer uptake in fat cells was determined by measuring its mean fluorescence intensity. DH-I-180-3 mediated effectively PDT-induced cell death of both pre-adipocytes and adipocytes. And the photosensitizer was accumulated more rapidly in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, compared with other cancer cell lines. These results demonstrate that PDT is a potent cell death inducer in pre-adipocytes and adipocytes. Thus, PDT with DH-I-180-3 may be applied for a new therapeutic modality for obesity treatment.     

Vanillin induces adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells by activating extracellular signal regulated kinase 42/44

AimsTo investigate the effect of vanillin, a dietary component, on adipocyte differentiation and the mechanism involved in the process using 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes.Main methodsThe effect of vanillin on adipocyte differentiation was detected by Oil Red O analysis. The activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 42/44 (ERK 42/44), Akt, expression of the key regulator of adipocyte differentiation peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPARγ) and its target gene glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) were detected by western blotting. Glucose uptake assay was used to determine the insulin sensitivity of adipocytes differentiated by vanillin treatment. To confirm the role of ERK 42/44 and Akt, Oil Red O analysis was performed with cells differentiated in the presence or absence of ERK inhibitor U0126 or Akt kinase 1/2 inhibitor.Key findingsVanillin induced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells in a dose dependent manner and also increased the expression levels of PPARγ and its target gene GLUT4. The adipocytes differentiated by vanillin exhibited insulin sensitivity as demonstrated by a significant increase in glucose uptake. Vanillin treatment activated the phosphorylation of ERK 42/44 during the initial phase of adipocyte differentiation but there was no significant change in the Akt phosphorylation status.SignificanceThe data show that vanillin induces adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells by activating ERK42/44 and these adipocytes are insulin sensitive in nature.     

Localization of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 to caveolae in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in response to insulin treatment

The insulin-induced translocation of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) from intracellular membranes to the cell surface in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was differentiation-dependent and did not occur in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. Prompted by findings that the plasma membrane of 3T3-L1 adipocytes was rich in caveolae, we determined whether LRP1 became caveolae-associated upon insulin stimulation. The caveolae domain was isolated by the well characterized detergent solubilization and sucrose density ultracentrifugation methodology. Under basal conditions, only a trace amount of LRP1 was caveolae-associated despite the markedly elevated caveolin-1 and caveolae after adipocytic cell differentiation. Upon insulin treatment, the amount of LRP1 associated with caveolae was increased by 4-fold within 10 min, which was blocked completely by pretreatment with wortmannin prior to insulin. The caveolar localization of LRP1 in adipocytes was specific to insulin; treatment with platelet-derived growth factor-bb isoform did not promote but rather decreased caveolar localization of LRP1 below basal levels. The insulin-induced caveolar localization of LRP1 was also observed in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts where translocation of LRP1 from intracellular membranes to the cell surface was absent, suggesting that association of LRP1 with caveolae was achieved, at least in part, through lateral transmigration along the plane of plasma membranes. Immunocytochemistry studies revealed partial co-localization of LRP1 (either endogenous LRP1 or an epitope-tagged minireceptor) with caveolin-1 in cells treated with insulin, which was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation of LRP1 with caveolin-1 in cells treated with insulin but not platelet-derived growth factor-bb. These results suggest that the localization of LRP1 to caveolae responds selectively to extracellular signals.     

Characterization of the insulin and insulin-like growth factor receptors and responsitivity of a fibroblast/adipocyte cell line before and after differentiation

TA1 cells, like 3T3-L1 cells, undergo a differentiation process in vitro from a fibroblast to an adipocyte phenotype. The TA1 pre-adipocytes were found to have low numbers of insulin receptors but high numbers of receptors for insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II. Also, the pre-adipocytes were more responsive to IGF than insulin as measured by either stimulation of glucose or amino acid uptake. After differentiation, the adipocytes had higher numbers of insulin receptors and a better responsitivity to insulin than to IGF-I. These results indicate that insulin-like growth factors are the primary regulators of the pre-adipocytes whereas insulin regulates the adipocytes.     

The mitogenic and antiapoptotic actions of ghrelin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Ghrelin, a stomach-derived hormone, induces adiposity when administered to rodents. Because ghrelin receptor is abundantly expressed in adipose tissue, we investigated the role of ghrelin in adipocyte biology. We observed ghrelin receptor expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Treatment of preadipocytes with ghrelin induced cellular proliferation and differentiation to mature adipocytes, as well as basal and insulin-stimulated glucose transport, but it inhibited adipocyte apoptosis induced by serum deprivation. Exposure of 3T3-L1 cells to ghrelin caused a rapid activation of MAPKs, especially ERK1/2. Chemical inhibition of MAPK blocked the mitogenic and antiapoptotic effects of ghrelin. Ghrelin also stimulated the insulin receptor substrate-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes, whereas inhibition of this pathway blocked the effects of ghrelin on cell proliferation, antiapoptosis and glucose uptake. These findings suggest that the direct effects of ghrelin on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in adipocytes may play a role in regulating fat cell number. These effects may be mediated via activation of the MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathways.     

Glut-4 is translocated to both caveolae and non-caveolar lipid rafts, but is partially internalized through caveolae in insulin-stimulated adipocytes

Caveolae and non-caveolar lipid rafts are two types of membrane lipid microdomains that play important roles in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes. In order to ascertain their specific functions in this process, caveolae were ablated by caveolin-1 RNA interference. In Cav-1 RNAi adipocytes, neither insulin-stimulated glucose uptake nor Glut-4 （glucose transporter 4） translocation to membrane lipid microdomains was affected by the ablation of caveolae. With a modified sucrose density gradient, caveolae and non-caveolar lipid rafts could be separated. In the wild-type 3T3- L l adipocytes, Glut-4 was found to be translocated into both caveolae and non-caveolar lipid rafts. However, in Cav1 RNAi adipocytes, Glut-4 was localized predominantly in non-caveolar lipid rafts. After the removal of insulin, caveolaelocalized Glut-4 was internalized faster than non-caveolar lipid raft-associated Glut-4. The internalization of Glut-4 from plasma membrane was significantly decreased in Cav-1 RNAi adipocytes. These results suggest that insulin-stimulated Glut-4 translocation and glucose uptake are caveolae-independent events. Caveolae play a role in the internalization of Glut-4 from plasma membrane after the removal of insulin.     

Caveolin-1-deficient mice are lean, resistant to diet-induced obesity, and show hypertriglyceridemia with adipocyte abnormalities.

Caveolae organelles and caveolin-1 protein expression are most abundant in adipocytes and endothelial cells. Our initial report on mice lacking caveolin-1 (Cav-1) demonstrated a loss of caveolae and perturbations in endothelial cell function. More recently, however, observation of the Cav-1-deficient cohorts into old age revealed significantly lower body weights, as compared with wild-type controls. These results suggest that Cav-1 null mice may have problems with lipid metabolism and/or adipocyte functioning. To test this hypothesis directly, we placed a cohort of wild-type and Cav-1 null mice on a high fat diet. Interestingly, despite being hyperphagic, Cav-1 null mice show overt resistance to diet-induced obesity. As predicted, adipocytes from Cav-1 null null mice lack caveolae membranes. Early on, a lack of caveolin-1 selectively affects only the female mammary gland fat pad and results in a near complete ablation of the hypo-dermal fat layer. There are also indications of generalized adipose tissue pathology. With increasing age, a systemic decompensation in lipid accumulation occurs resulting in dramatically smaller fat pads, histologically reduced adipocyte cell diameter, and a poorly differentiated/hypercellular white adipose parenchyma. To gain mechanistic insights into this phenotype, we show that, although serum insulin, glucose, and cholesterol levels are entirely normal, Cav-1 null mice have severely elevated triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, especially in the post-prandial state. However, this build-up of triglyceride-rich chylomicrons/very low density lipoproteins is not due to perturbed lipoprotein lipase activity, a major culprit of isolated hypertriglyceridemia. The lean body phenotype and metabolic defects observed in Cav-1 null mice are consistent with the previously proposed functions of caveolin-1 and caveolae in adipocytes. Our results show for the first time a clear role for caveolins in systemic lipid homeostasis in vivo and place caveolin-1/caveolae as major factors in hyperlipidemias and obesity.     

Insulin and TNF alpha induce expression of the forkhead transcription factor gene Foxc2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via PI3K and ERK 1/2-dependent pathways

We have recently identified the winged helix/forkhead gene Foxc2 as a key regulator of adipocyte metabolism that counteracts obesity and diet-induced insulin resistance. This study was performed to elucidate the hormonal regulation of Foxc2 in adipocytes. We find that TNF alpha and insulin induce Foxc2 mRNA in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells with the kinetics of an immediate early response (1-2 h with 100 ng/ml insulin or 5 ng/ml TNF alpha). This induction is, in both cases, attenuated by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin as well as the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059. Furthermore, we show that stimulation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate or 8-(4-chlorophenyl)thio-cAMP induces the expression of Foxc2. Interestingly, we find that the basal level of Foxc2 mRNA is down-regulated whereas hormonal responsiveness increases during differentiation of 3T3-L1 from preadipocytes to adipocytes. At the protein level, immunoblots with Foxc2 antibody demonstrated an induction of Foxc2 by insulin and TNF alpha in nuclear extracts of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. EMSA of nuclear proteins from phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate- and TNF alpha-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes using a forkhead consensus oligonucleotide revealed specific binding of a Foxc2/DNA complex. In conclusion, our data suggest that insulin and TNF alpha regulate the expression of Foxc2 via a PI3K- and ERK 1/2-dependent pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Also, signaling pathways downstream of PKA and PKC induce the expression of Foxc2 mRNA.     

Gene expression, synthesis and degradation of hyaluronan during differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The high molecular weight glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) is an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), however, the link between HA regulation and development of the adipocyte ECM, which is essential for differentiation, remains undefined. Hyaluronan synthase gene expression, HA synthetic rate and molecular weight during differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were compared to undifferentiated 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and non-adipogenic NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. In the 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes, the predominant genes associated with HA metabolism were found to be HA synthase-2 (Has-2) and hyaluronidase-2 (Hyal-2) demonstrating a co-regulation of expression which was stimulated by adipogenic induction consequently resulting in increased synthesis of high molecular weight HA (>10 MDa) and its simultaneous degradation. Accumulation of HA correlated positively with cell number, although synthetic rate was inversely related suggesting a regulatory feedback mechanism. Within 24h post-induction, pre-adipocytes responded with a higher HA synthetic rate and later, accumulated cytoplasmic lipid. In contrast, undifferentiated pre-adipocytes had a reduced HA synthetic rate during clonal expansion and did not accumulate lipid. HA was continuously and rapidly metabolised throughout 3T3-L1 adipogenesis, where terminal differentiation coincided with the increased generation of low molecular weight, angiogenic HA fragments, a likely prerequisite for concurrent neovascularisation of adipose tissue. This study has highlighted a relationship between HA metabolism and adipocyte differentiation, suggesting that the balance between the formation and regulation of the adipocyte extracellular matrix is finely coordinated in a growth phase-specific dependent manner.     

Role of the F-actin cytoskeleton in the RVD and RVI processes in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

The role of the F-actin cytoskeleton in cell volume regulation was studied in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, using a quantitative rhodamine-phalloidin assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electronic cell sizing. A hypotonic challenge (160 mOsm) was associated with a decrease in cellular F-actin content at 1 and 3 min and a hypertonic challenge (600 mOsm) with an increase in cellular F-actin content at 1, 3, and 5 min, respectively, compared to isotonic (310 mOsm) control cells. Confocal visualization of F-actin in fixed, intact Ehrlich cells demonstrated that osmotic challenges mainly affect the F-actin in the cortical region of the cells, with no visible changes in F-actin in other cell regions. The possible role of the F-actin cytoskeleton in RVD was studied using 0. 5 microM cytochalasin B (CB), cytochalasin D (CD), or chaetoglobosin C (ChtC), a cytochalasin analog with little or no affinity for F-actin. Recovery of cell volume after hypotonic swelling was slower in cells pretreated for 3 min with 0.5 microM CB, but not in CD- and ChtC-treated cells, compared to osmotically swollen control cells. Moreover, the maximal cell volume after swelling was decreased in CB-treated, but not in CD- or Chtc-treated cells. Following a hypertonic challenge imposed using the RVD/RVI protocol, recovery from cell shrinkage was slower in CB-treated, but not in CD- or Chtc-treated cells, whereas the minimal cell volume after shrinkage was unaltered by either of these treatments. It is concluded that osmotic cell swelling and shrinkage elicit a decrease and an increase in the F-actin content in Ehrlich cells, respectively. The RVD and RVI processes are inhibited by 0.5 microM CB, but not by 0.5 microM CD, which is more specific for actin.     

Efficient adenovirus transduction of 3T3-L1 adipocytes stably expressing coxsackie-adenovirus receptor

3T3-L1 adipocytes have proven difficult to transfect with plasmid-encoded cDNAs or even infect with virally-derived cDNAs. We have developed and characterized a 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell line stably expressing the truncated receptor for coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) for its ability to be infected with adenoviruses at a low multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.). Using green fluorescent protein driven by the cytomegalovirus promoter in adenovirus fiber type 5 we compared infection efficiencies of CAR adipocytes versus the parental 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As assessed by immunofluorescence, CAR adipocytes were infected at approximately 100-fold greater efficiency than regular 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The efficiency of transduction for the CAR adipocytes was >90% at multiplicities of infection of 50 whereas standard adipocytes were poorly transduced even at an m.o.i. of 2000. Since many investigators studying insulin action use 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we compared CAR adipocytes versus regular adipocytes and showed that the two cell lines were similar with respect to insulin stimulation of insulin receptor, MAPK, and Akt phosphorylation and basal- and insulin-stimulated glucose transport. In addition, CAR adipocytes accumulated GLUT4 and SCD1 proteins during the adipogenesis program with the same time course as regular 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Lastly, CAR adipocytes produced and secreted the adipose-specific hormone Acrp30. These data suggest 3T3-L1CARDelta1 adipocytes are virtually indistinguishable from their parental cells, but demonstrate a significant advantage with improved efficiency of adenoviral transduction for gain or deletion of function studies.     

Low-Dose Bisphenol-A Impairs Adipogenesis and Generates Dysfunctional 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs), including bisphenol-A (BPA), have been recently involved in obesity and diabetes by dysregulating adipose tissue function. Our aim was to examine whether prolonged exposure to low doses of BPA could affect adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolic functions. Therefore, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were cultured for three weeks with BPA 1nM to mimic human environmental exposure. We evaluated BPA effect on cell proliferation, differentiation, gene expression and adipocyte metabolic function. BPA significantly increased pre-adipocyte proliferation (p<0.01). In 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiated in the presence of BPA, the expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4/Adipocyte Protein 2 (FABP4/AP2) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPα) was increased by 3.5, 1.5 and 3 folds, respectively. Mature adipocytes also showed a significant increase in lipid accumulation (p<0.05) and alterations of insulin action, with significant reduction in insulin-stimulated glucose utilization (p<0.001). Moreover, in mature adipocytes, mRNA levels of Leptin, interleukin-6 (IL6) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) were significantly increased (p<0.05). In conclusion, BPA prolonged exposure at low doses, consistent with those found in the environment, may affect adipocyte differentiation program, enhancing pre-adipocyte proliferation and anticipating the expression of the master genes involved in lipid/glucose metabolism. The resulting adipocytes are hypertrophic, with impaired insulin signaling, reduced glucose utilization and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Thus, these data supported the hypothesis that BPA exposure, during critical stages of adipose tissue development, may cause adipocyte metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, thereby increasing the risk of developing obesity-related diseases.     

EID1-induces brown-like adipocyte traits in white 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes

PPARγ and pRB play an important role in the development of adipose cells, and functional modification of these proteins may lead to beneficial changes in adipose cell physiology. In the present work, we show that over-expression of EID1 (E1A-like inhibitor of differentiation), an inhibitor of muscle cell differentiation, reduces PPARγ ligand-dependent transactivation and decreases triglyceride stores in pre-adipocytes (3T3-L1 cells). Additionally, we found that EID1 binds to pRB at the onset of adipocyte differentiation and may act to reduce pRB levels. Over-expression of EID1 in 3T3-L1 cells leads to increased expression of UCP1 and PGC-1α, both of which are involved in caloric dissipation and thermogenesis, in brown adipose tissue. These results indicate that EID1 is able to reduce fat accumulation in adipose cells and induce expression of brown fat genes in pre-adipocytes (3T3-L1 cells) normally destined to become white fat cells. The functional reduction of PPARγ and pRB mediated by EID1 in adipose cells may play an important role in insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome.     

Modulation by dexamethasone of the pyruvate dehydrogenase-complex activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Chronic exposure of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes to dexamethasone plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) with or without insulin caused a significant increase in the specific activity of 'total' pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and in the percentage of the 'active' form of the complex compared with cells exposed to a chronic insulin treatment or an acute treatment (2 days) with dexamethasone plus IBMX. In acute-drug-switch-over experiments, dexamethasone also caused an increase in the percentage of 'active' PDC in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results show that, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, dexamethasone, even in the absence of insulin, increases the proportion of PDC in its 'active' form. The mechanism of the dexamethasone effect remains to be investigated.     

A Novel, Multifunctional c-Cbl Binding Protein in Insulin Receptor Signaling in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The protein product of the c-Cbl proto-oncogene is prominently tyrosine phosphorylated in response to insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and not in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. After insulin-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation, c-Cbl specifically associates with endogenous c-Crk and Fyn. These results suggest a role for tyrosine-phosphorylated c-Cbl in 3T3-L1 adipocyte activation by insulin. A yeast two-hybrid cDNA library prepared from fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes was screened with full-length c-Cbl as the target protein in an attempt to identify adipose-specific signaling proteins that interact with c-Cbl and potentially are involved in its tyrosine phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Here we describe the isolation and the characterization of a novel protein that we termed CAP for c-Cbl-associated protein. CAP contains a unique structure with three adjacent Src homology 3 (SH3) domains in the C terminus and a region showing significant sequence similarity with the peptide hormone sorbin. Both CAP mRNA and proteins are expressed predominately in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and not in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. CAP associates with c-Cbl in 3T3-L1 adipocytes independently of insulin stimulation in vivo and in vitro in an SH3-domain-mediated manner. Furthermore, we detected the association of CAP with the insulin receptor. Insulin stimulation resulted in the dissociation of CAP from the insulin receptor. Taken together, these data suggest that CAP represents a novel c-Cbl binding protein in 3T3-L1 adipocytes likely to participate in insulin signaling.     

Volume regulation by Amphiuma red blood cells. The membrane potential and its implications regarding the nature of the ion-flux pathways

After osmotic perturbation, the red blood cells of Amphiuma exhibited a volume-regulatory response that returned cell volume back to or toward control values. After osmotic swelling, cell-volume regulation (regulatory volume decrease; RVD) resulted from net cellular loss of K, Cl, and osmotically obliged H2O. In contrast, the volume-regulatory response to osmotic shrinkage (regulatory volume increase; RVI) was characterized by net cellular uptake of Na, Cl, and H2O. The net K and Na fluxes characteristic of RVD and RVI are increased by 1-2 orders of magnitude above those observed in studies of volume-static control cells. The cell membrane potential of volume-regulating and volume-static cells was measured by impalement with glass microelectrodes. The information gained from the electrical and ion-flux studies led to the conclusion that the ion fluxes responsible for cell-volume regulation proceed via electrically silent pathways. Furthermore, it was observed that Na fluxes during RVI were profoundly sensitive to medium [HCO3] and that during RVI the medium becomes more acid, whereas alkaline shifts in the suspension medium accompany RVD. The experimental observations are explained by a model featuring obligatorily coupled alkali metal-H and Cl-HCO3 exchangers. The anion- and cation-exchange pathways are separate and distinct yet functionally coupled via the net flux of H. As a result of the operation of such pathways, net alkali metal, Cl, and H2O fluxes proceed in the same direction, whereas H and HCO3 fluxes are cyclic. Data also are presented that suggest that the ion-flux pathways responsible for cell-volume regulation are not activated by changes in cell volume per se but by some event associated with osmotic perturbation, such as changes in intracellular pH.     

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。     

3T3-L1 adipocytes promote the growth of mammary epithelium

Murine mammary epithelium grows in association with predominantly adipocyte stroma in vivo. To investigate potential growth-promoting effects of adipocytes on mammary epithelium, we developed a co-culture system of mammary epithelium and adipocytes by taking advantage of the 3T3-L1 cell line. These cells undergo adipocyte differentiation when the culture reaches confluence and growth ceases. Mid-pregnant murine mammary epithelium was plated on lethally irradiated feeder layers of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells, 3T3-C2 fibroblasts (a subclone of 3T3 cells that does not undergo adipocyte differentiation), or tissue culture plastic. Mammary epithelial colony size on adipocyte feeder layers was 2-fold larger than colonies on 3T3-C2 cells and 4-fold larger than colonies on tissue culture plastic. Measurement of tritiated thymidine [3H]TdR incorporation and labelling index in mammary cells was significantly higher on adipocytes than on other feeder layers or plastic. There was a 6-fold increase in mammary cell number after 5 days in culture when mammary epithelium was plated on substrate-attached material ('extracellular matrix') derived from 3T3-L1 cells and a 4-fold increase in cell number when plated on plastic in conditioned medium derived from 3T3-L1 adipocytes compared with growth on plastic in unconditioned medium. We conclude that interaction of mammary epithelium with adipocytes results in a marked increase in proliferation of mammary epithelium and that extracellular components may mediate this effect.     

Expression and modulation of TUB by insulin and thyroid hormone in primary rat and murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes

tub encodes a protein of poorly understood function, but one implicated strongly in the control of energy balance and insulin sensitivity. Whilst tub expression is particularly prominent in neurones it is also detectable in extraneuronal tissues. We show here, for the first time, expression of TUB protein in rat adipocytes and the murine adipocyte model 3T3-L1 and demonstrate that insulin induces its tyrosine phosphorylation and association with the insulin receptor. TUB expression is regulated developmentally during adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and in response to cell treatment with thyroid hormone or induction of insulin resistance. TUB was upregulated 5- to 10-fold in adipocytes from obese Zucker rats and 3T3-L1 adipocytes that had been rendered insulin resistant, a response that could be antagonised by rosiglitasone, an insulin-sensitising drug. Our data are consistent with a previously unforeseen role for TUB in insulin signalling and fuel homeostasis in adipocytes.