Epigenetic Regulation of Adipogenesis by Histone-Modifying Enzymes

Abstract

Many studies investigating the transcriptional control of adipogenesis have been published so far; recently the research is focusing on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating the process of adipocyte development. Histone-modifying enzymes and the histone tails post-transcriptional modifications catalyzed by them, are fundamentally involved in the epigenetic regulation of adipogenesis. In our review, we will discuss recent advances in epigenomic regulation of adipogenesis with a focus on histone-modifying enzymes implicated in the various phases of adipocytes differentiation process from mesenchymal stem cells to mature adipocytes. Understanding adipogenesis, may provide new ways to treat obesity and related metabolic diseases.

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Obesity

“…Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression through reversible heritable changes that are transmitted across generations and that do not alter DNA sequence. The most studied epigenetic processes controlling gene expression through changes of chromatin architecture and binding of transcription factors are the methylation of cytosines within CpG dinucleotides, post-translational modifications of histones (i.e., acetylation/deacetylation or methylation/demethylation of lysine residues) catalyzed by histone-modifying enzymes [ 1 ], and microRNAs regulating multiple mRNAs [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Environmental factors, including EDCs, may be involved in obesity development by altering the epigenetic mechanisms [ 26 , 27 , 28 ] ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Transcriptional analyses also showed associations between histone-modifying enzymes and obesity [ 1 ]. Indeed, expression of some histone deacetylases (HDACs), a class of enzymes regulating adipocyte differentiation and metabolism, has been found reduced in the adipose tissue of obese women [ 32 ].…”

“…Adipose tissue represents the main storage of energy in the human body [ 1 ]. It is now recognized that adipose tissue function is regulated by endocrine system and that it behaves as an endocrine organ producing hormones.…”

“…Obesity is a metabolic condition characterized by the expansion of fat mass due to the increase in size (hypertrophy) and number (hyperplasia) of adipocytes [ 1 ]. Since 1980, the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled globally, and therefore, this condition is a serious threat to human health [ 3 ].…”

Emerging roles of epigenetic regulation in obesity and metabolic disease

“…Histones undergo various posttranslational modifications, including methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation. Numerous studies have been conducted regarding histone modifications in WAT, which have been extensively reviewed elsewhere ( 49 , 50 , 51 ). In the present review, we briefly outline the roles of histone modifications in regulating adipogenesis and adipocyte function.…”