Transcriptional regulatory program in wild-type and retinoblastoma gene-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts during adipocyte differentiation

Interactions between glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and estrogens regulates lipid metabolism

Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT), is linked to numerous health issues, including insulin resistance (IR), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The distribution of adipose tissue differs by sex, with men typically exhibiting android adiposity and pre-menopausal women displaying gynecoid adiposity. After menopause, women have an increased risk of developing android-type obesity, IR, and DM2. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are important in treating obesity and DM2 by regulating insulin secretion, impacting glucose and lipid metabolism. GLP-1Rs are found in various tissues including the pancreas, brain, and adipose tissue. Studies suggest GLP-1RAs and estrogen replacement therapies have similar effects on tissues like the liver, central nervous system, and WAT, probably by converging pathways involving protein kinases. To investigate these interactions, female rats underwent ovariectomy (OVR) to promote a state of estrogen deficiency. After 20 days, the rats were euthanized and the tissues were incubated with 10 μM of liraglutide, a GLP-1RA. Results showed significant changes in metabolic parameters: OVR increased lipid catabolism in perirenal WAT and basal lipolysis in subcutaneous WAT, while liraglutide treatment enhanced stimulated lipolysis in subcutaneous WAT. Liver responses included increased stimulated lipolysis with liraglutide. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns in WAT of OVR rats and those treated with GLP-1RA, highlighting pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism. Functional enrichment analysis showed estrogen's pivotal role in these pathways, influencing genes involved in lipid metabolism regulation. Overall, the study underscores GLP-1RA acting directly on adipose tissues and highlights the complex interactions between GLP-1 and estrogen in regulating metabolism, suggesting potential synergistic therapeutic effects in treating metabolic disorders like obesity and DM2.

Caveolin-2 controls preadipocyte survival in the mitotic clonal expansion for adipogenesis

Here, we report that Caveolin-2 (Cav-2) is a cell cycle regulator in the mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) for adipogenesis. For the G2/M phase transition and re-entry into the G1 phase, dephosphorylated Cav-2 by protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) controlled epigenetic activation of Ccnb1, Cdk1, and p21 in a lamin A/C-dependent manner, thereby ensuring the survival of preadipocytes. Cav-2, associated with lamin A/C, recruited the repressed promoters of Ccnb1 and Cdk1 for activation, and disengaged the active promoter of p21 from lamin A/C for inactivation through histone H3 modifications at the nuclear periphery. Cav-2 deficiency abrogated the histone H3 modifications and impeded the transactivation of Ccnb1, Cdk1, and p21, leading to a delay in mitotic entry, retardation of re-entry into G1 phase, and the apoptotic cell death of preadipocytes. Re-expression of Cav-2 restored the G2/M phase transition and G1 phase re-entry, preadipocyte survival, and adipogenesis in Cav-2-deficient preadipocytes. Our study uncovers a novel mechanism by which cell cycle transition and apoptotic cell death are controlled for adipocyte hyperplasia.

Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Adipogenic Potential: A Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis

Our understanding of adipose tissue has progressed from an inert tissue for energy storage to be one of the largest endocrine organs regulating metabolic homoeostasis through its ability to synthesize and release various adipokines that regulate a myriad of pathways. The field of adipose tissue biology is growing due to this association with various chronic metabolic diseases. An important process in the regulation of adipose tissue biology is adipogenesis, which is the formation of new adipocytes. Investigating adipogenesis in vitro is currently a focus for identifying factors that might be utilized in clinically. A powerful tool for such work is high-throughput sequencing which can rapidly identify changes at gene expression level. Various cell models exist for studying adipogenesis and has been used in high-throughput studies, yet little is known about transcriptome profile that underlies adipogenesis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. This study utilizes RNA-sequencing and computational analysis with DESeq2, gene ontology, protein–protein networks, and robust rank analysis to understand adipogenesis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts in-depth. Our analyses confirmed the requirement of mitotic clonal expansion prior to adipogenesis in this cell model and highlight the role of Cebpa and Cebpb in regulating adipogenesis through interactions of large numbers of genes.

Exploring the Genetic Conception of Obesity via the Dual Role of FoxO

Obesity or overweight are not superficial problems, constituting a pressing issue. The obesity index has almost tripled since 1975, which is an alarming state. Most of the individuals are currently becoming overweight or have inappropriate body mass index (BMI) conditions. Obesity is characterized by increased fat accumulation and thus poses a higher health risk. There is increased size and volume of fat cells in the body, which usually accounts for obesity. Many investigations have been carried out in this area, such as behavioral improvements, dietary changes, chemical involvements, etc., but presently no such goals are established to manage these health concerns. Based on previous literature reports and our interpretation, the current review indicates the involvement of various transcriptional and transporter functions in modifying the above-mentioned health conditions. Various transcriptional factors such as Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) impart a significant effect on the physiology and pathology of metabolic dysfunction such as obesity. FoxO1 plays a dual role whether in the progression or suppression of metabolic processes depending on its targets. Thus, in the current study, will be discussed the dual role of FoxO1 in metabolic conditions (such as obesity), also summarizing the role of various other transcriptional factors involved in obesity.

Exploring the Genetic Conception of Obesity via the Dual Role of FoxO

Obesity or overweight are not superficial problems, constituting a pressing issue. The obesity index has almost tripled since 1975, which is an alarming state. Most of the individuals are currently becoming overweight or have inappropriate body mass index (BMI) conditions. Obesity is characterized by increased fat accumulation and thus poses a higher health risk. There is increased size and volume of fat cells in the body, which usually accounts for obesity. Many investigations have been carried out in this area, such as behavioral improvements, dietary changes, chemical involvements, etc., but presently no such goals are established to manage these health concerns. Based on previous literature reports and our interpretation, the current review indicates the involvement of various transcriptional and transporter functions in modifying the above-mentioned health conditions. Various transcriptional factors such as Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) impart a significant effect on the physiology and pathology of metabolic dysfunction such as obesity. FoxO1 plays a dual role whether in the progression or suppression of metabolic processes depending on its targets. Thus, in the current study, will be discussed the dual role of FoxO1 in metabolic conditions (such as obesity), also summarizing the role of various other transcriptional factors involved in obesity.

In vitro and ex vivo models of adipocytes

Adipocytes are specialized cells with pleiotropic roles in physiology and pathology. Several types of fat cells with distinct metabolic properties coexist in various anatomically defined fat depots in mammals. White, beige, and brown adipocytes differ in their handling of lipids and thermogenic capacity, promoting differences in size and morphology. Moreover, adipocytes release lipids and proteins with paracrine and endocrine functions. The intrinsic properties of adipocytes pose specific challenges in culture. Mature adipocytes float in suspension culture due to high triacylglycerol content and are fragile. Moreover, a fully differentiated state, notably acquirement of the unilocular lipid droplet of white adipocyte, has so far not been reached in two-dimensional culture. Cultures of mouse and human-differentiated preadipocyte cell lines and primary cells have been established to mimic white, beige, and brown adipocytes. Here, we survey various models of differentiated preadipocyte cells and primary mature adipocyte survival describing main characteristics, culture conditions, advantages, and limitations. An important development is the advent of three-dimensional culture, notably of adipose spheroids that recapitulate in vivo adipocyte function and morphology in fat depots. Challenges for the future include isolation and culture of adipose-derived stem cells from different anatomic location in animal models and humans differing in sex, age, fat mass, and pathophysiological conditions. Further understanding of fat cell physiology and dysfunction will be achieved through genetic manipulation, notably CRISPR-mediated gene editing. Capturing adipocyte heterogeneity at the single-cell level within a single fat depot will be key to understanding diversities in cardiometabolic parameters among lean and obese individuals.

The homeobox factor Irx3 maintains adipogenic identity

BACKGROUND

Inhibition of Irx3 and Irx5 has been shown to reduce body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) mass through cell-autonomous and sympathetic-induced increases in adipocyte beiging and thermogenesis in mice and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms of the Irx control over beiging are still largely unknown, as illustrated by recent reports showing divergent effects of Irx3 on adipocyte metabolism and function. Here, we investigated the role of Irx3 in controlling beige preadipocyte function and differentiation.

METHODS

Stable knock out of Irx3 in ME3 mouse preadipocytes capable of beiging was performed using a CRISPR-Cas9 system, and the effect on cell differentiation was assessed by qPCR, RNA-seq, Oil-red-O lipid staining and Alcian Blue staining of proteoglycans. Changes in cell identities were validated using cell type enrichment analysis from RNA-seq data. Proliferation and cell cycle progression in undifferentiated cells were measured by WST-1 and flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was determined by fluorescence spectrometry and mitochondrial respiration was investigated by Seahorse assay.

RESULTS

Irx3 was found to be essential for the identity, function and adipogenic differentiation of beige adipocyte precursors. Irx3-KO impaired proliferation, ROS generation and mitochondrial respiration in the preadipocytes. We further observed profound changes in numerous genes during both early and late stages of adipogenic differentiation, including genes important for adipocyte differentiation, cell cycle progression, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and morphogenesis. Irx3-KO cells failed to accumulate lipids following adipogenic stimuli, and cell enrichment analysis revealed a loss of preadipocyte identity and a gain of chondrocyte-like identity in Irx3-KO cells during early differentiation. Finally, unlike the control cells, the Irx3-KO cells readily responded to chondrogenic stimuli.

CONCLUSIONS

Irx3 is required for preadipocyte identity and differentiation capacity. Our findings suggest that, while inhibition of Irx3 may be beneficial during later developmental stages to modulate adipogenesis in the beige direction, constitutive and complete absence of Irx3 in the embryonic fibroblast stage leads to detrimental loss of adipogenic differentiation capacity.

IRX5 regulates adipocyte amyloid precursor protein and mitochondrial respiration in obesity

Objective

A causal obesity risk variant in the FTO locus was recently shown to inhibit adipocyte thermogenesis via increased adipose expression of the homeobox transcription factors IRX3 and IRX5. However, causal effects of IRX5 on fat storage remain to be shown in vivo, and discovery of downstream mediators may open new therapeutic avenues.

Methods

17 WT and 13 Irx5 knockout (KO) mice were fed low-fat control (Ctr) or high-fat (HF) diet for 10 weeks. Body weight, energy intake and fat mass were measured. Irx5-dependent gene expression was explored by transcriptome analysis of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), confirmatory obesity-dependent expression in human adipocytes in vivo, and in vitro knock-down, overexpression and transcriptional activation assays.

Results

Irx5 knock-out mice weighed less, had diminished fat mass, and were protected from diet-induced fat accumulation. Key adipose mitochondrial genes Pparγ coactivator 1-alpha (Pgc-1α) and uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) were upregulated, and a gene network centered on amyloid precursor protein (App) was downregulated in adipose tissue of knock-out mice and in isolated mouse adipocytes with stable Irx5 knock-down. An APP-centered network was also enriched in isolated adipocytes from obese compared to lean humans. IRX5 overexpression increased APP promoter activity and both IRX5 and APP inhibited transactivation of PGC-1α and UCP1. Knock-down of Irx5 or App increased mitochondrial respiration in adipocytes.

Conclusion

Irx5-KO mice were protected from obesity and this can partially be attributed to reduced adipose App and improved mitochondrial respiration. This novel Irx5-App pathway in adipose tissue is a possible therapeutic entry point against obesity.

Critical role of the peroxisomal protein PEX16 in white adipocyte development and lipid homeostasis

The importance of peroxisomes for adipocyte function is poorly understood. Herein, we provide insights into the critical role of peroxin 16 (PEX16)-mediated peroxisome biogenesis in adipocyte development and lipid metabolism. Pex16 is highly expressed in adipose tissues and upregulated during adipogenesis of murine and human cells. We demonstrate that Pex16 is a target gene of the adipogenesis “master-regulator” PPARγ. Stable silencing of Pex16 in 3T3-L1 cells strongly reduced the number of peroxisomes while mitochondrial number was unaffected. Concomitantly, peroxisomal fatty acid (FA) oxidation was reduced, thereby causing accumulation of long-and very long-chain (polyunsaturated) FAs and reduction of odd-chain FAs. Further, Pex16-silencing decreased cellular oxygen consumption and increased FA release. Additionally, silencing of Pex16 impaired adipocyte differentiation, lipogenic and adipogenic marker gene expression, and cellular triglyceride stores. Addition of PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone and peroxisome-related lipid species to Pex16-silenced 3T3-L1 cells rescued adipogenesis. These data provide evidence that PEX16 is required for peroxisome biogenesis and highlights the relevance of peroxisomes for adipogenesis and adipocyte lipid metabolism.

Regulation of human subcutaneous adipocyte differentiation by EID1

Increasing thermogenesis in white adipose tissues can be used to treat individuals at high risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine the function of EP300-interacting inhibitor of differentiation (EID1), an inhibitor of muscle differentiation, in the induction of beige adipocytes from adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from healthy women undergoing abdominoplasty. ADMSCs were isolated in vitro, grown, and transfected with EID1 or EID1 siRNA, and differentiation was induced after 48 h by administering rosiglitazone. The effects of EID1 expression under the control of the aP2 promoter (aP2-EID1) were also evaluated in mature adipocytes that were differentiated from ADMSCs. Transfection of EID1 into ADMSCs reduced triglyceride accumulation while increasing levels of thermogenic proteins, such as PGC1α, TFAM, and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), all of which are markers of energy expenditure and mitochondrial activity. Furthermore, increased expression of the beige phenotype markers CITED1 and CD137 was observed. Transfection of aP2-EID1 transfection induced the conversion of mature white adipocytes to beige adipocytes, as evidenced by increased expression of PGC1α, UCP1, TFAM, and CITED1. These results indicate that EID1 can modulate ADMSCs, inducing a brown/beige lineage. EID1 may also activate beiging in white adipocytes obtained from subcutaneous human adipose tissue.

α/β-hydrolase domain containing protein 15 (ABHD15)--an adipogenic protein protecting from apoptosis

Our knowledge about adipocyte metabolism and development is steadily growing, yet many players are still undefined. Here, we show that α/β-hydrolase domain containing protein 15 (Abhd15) is a direct and functional target gene of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), the master regulator of adipogenesis. In line, Abhd15 is mainly expressed in brown and white adipose tissue and strongly upregulated during adipogenesis in various murine and human cell lines. Stable knockdown of Abhd15 in 3T3-L1 cells evokes a striking differentiation defect, as evidenced by low lipid accumulation and decreased expression of adipocyte marker genes. In preconfluent cells, knockdown of Abhd15 leads to impaired proliferation, which is caused by apoptosis, as we see an increased SubG1 peak, caspase 3/7 activity, and BAX protein expression as well as a reduction in anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein. Furthermore, apoptosis-inducing amounts of palmitic acid evoke a massive increase of Abhd15 expression, proposing an apoptosis-protecting role for ABHD15. On the other hand, in mature adipocytes physiological (i.e. non-apoptotic) concentrations of palmitic acid down-regulate Abhd15 expression. Accordingly, we found that the expression of Abhd15 in adipose tissue is reduced in physiological situations with high free fatty acid levels, like high-fat diet, fasting, and aging as well as in genetically obese mice. Collectively, our results position ABHD15 as an essential component in the development of adipocytes as well as in apoptosis, thereby connecting two substantial factors in the regulation of adipocyte number and size. Together with its intricate regulation by free fatty acids, ABHD15 might be an intriguing new target in obesity and diabetes research.

Decreased RB1 mRNA, protein, and activity reflect obesity-induced altered adipogenic capacity in human adipose tissue

Retinoblastoma (Rb1) has been described as an essential player in white adipocyte differentiation in mice. No studies have been reported thus far in human adipose tissue or human adipocytes. We aimed to investigate the possible role and regulation of RB1 in adipose tissue in obesity using human samples and animal and cell models. Adipose RB1 (mRNA, protein, and activity) was negatively associated with BMI and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) while positively associated with the expression of adipogenic genes (PPARγ and IRS1) in both visceral and subcutaneous human adipose tissue. BMI increase was the main contributor to adipose RB1 downregulation. In rats, adipose Rb1 gene expression and activity decreased in parallel to dietary-induced weight gain and returned to baseline with weight loss. RB1 gene and protein expression and activity increased significantly during human adipocyte differentiation. In fully differentiated adipocytes, transient knockdown of Rb1 led to loss of the adipogenic phenotype. In conclusion, Rb1 seems to play a permissive role for human adipose tissue function, being downregulated in obesity and increased during differentiation of human adipocytes. Rb1 knockdown findings further implicate Rb1 as necessary for maintenance of adipogenic characteristics in fully differentiated adipocytes.