Improved methodologies for the study of adipose biology: insights gained and opportunities ahead

Abstract

greater caution must be taken in interpreting studies of adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism.In this review, we offer a consolidated view of the wideranging approaches that can be taken to study adipose biology and discuss important considerations and pitfalls associated with each method. We divide the discussion into three sections; the fi rst section describes model systems, ways to understand where and when molecules of interest may play a role in the adipose lineage, and recent insights gained from these approaches. The second and third sections provide guidelines for the study of adipocyte biology in vivo and in cellular systems, respectively. Along the way, we highlight improved genetic and cellular models that can aid researchers interested in studying the role of their favorite protein in the adipose tissue and discuss the insights gained from each approach. IS MY FAVORITE GENE EXPRESSED IN THE ADIPOSE LINEAGE? WHERE DO I LOOK?The establishment and maintenance of adipocytes in principle involves key regulatory steps ( 3 ). First, multipotent progenitor cells must commit to the adipocyte lineage, a process referred to as preadipose cell determination. Next, in response to appropriate spatial and temporal cues, committed preadipose cells undergo adipocyte differentiation, a morphological and biochemical transition into mature adipocytes. Finally, mechanisms must exist that function to maintain the differentiated state of the mature adipocyte (adipocyte maintenance). This includes factors critical for regulating the functional properties of Abstract Adipocyte differentiation and function have become areas of intense focus in the fi eld of energy metabolism; however, understanding the role of specifi c genes in the establishment and maintenance of fat cell function can be challenging and complex. In this review, we offer practical guidelines for the study of adipocyte development and function. We discuss improved cellular and genetic systems for the study of adipose biology and highlight recent insights gained from these new approaches. -Wang, Q. A., P. E. Scherer, and R. K. Gupta. Improved methodologies for the study of adipose biology: insights gained and opportunities ahead. J. Lipid Res. 2014. 55: 605-624. Supplementary key words energy metabolism • adipogenesis • obesitySince the 1970s, fat cell differentiation of immortalized fi broblast cell lines has been an extensively studied model of cellular differentiation ( 1 ). The ability to study this process in a tissue culture dish has allowed cellular biologists and biochemists to explore general mechanisms of cell fate determination and cellular differentiation, and to isolate novel regulatory proteins and signaling cascades that initiate these processes . However, it is now clear that adipocytes represent critical regulators of nearly all aspects of energy balance. Adipose tissues exhibit high plasticity with a tremendous capacity for expansion and contraction in response to the energy demands of an organism. The alarming rise in obesity and obesity-l...

The expanding problem of adipose depot remodeling and postnatal adipocyte progenitor recruitment

“…The recent development of new genetic lineage tracing systems have now led to a better understanding of how the individual adipose depots expand in mice during obesity (Wang et al, 2014a). Scherer and colleagues developed an elegant “pulse-chase” lineage-tracing model, termed the “AdipoChaser” mouse (Wang et al, 2013).…”

Parabens inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase: A potential role in paraben-enhanced 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation

“…Adipocytes are formed early in life and the number of adipocytes does not generally increase in lean adults. However, it is possible for precursor cells to differentiate into adipocytes in adults when the demand for energy storage increases (Wang et al, 2014). Paraben-enhanced differentiation would supplement this process and increase the prevalence of obesity within exposed populations.…”

Nucleoredoxin promotes adipogenic differentiation through regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling

“…3H ). Obesity is associated with an overall increase in expression of several collagens that results in fi brotic state ( 28,29 ). Then, we tested mRNA levels of several fi brosis-related genes, and found that Col1a1 , Col3a1 , Col6a1 , and Elastin were upregulated ( Fig.…”