Role of Wnt10b and C/EBPalpha in spontaneous adipogenesis of 243 cells

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 302; no. 1; pp. 12 - 16
• Main Authors: Bennett, Christina N, Hodge, Christina L, MacDougald, Ormond A, Schwartz, Jessica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 28.02.2003
• Subjects: 3T3 Cells; Adipocytes - cytology; Animals; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha - physiology; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line, Transformed; Clone Cells; Mice; Proto-Oncogene Proteins - physiology; Wnt Proteins
• ISSN: 0006-291X

This report examines the balance of positive and negative adipogenic factors in a line of immortalized 243 embryonic fibroblasts that undergo spontaneous preadipocyte differentiation. Control of adipogenesis reflects the interplay of factors that promote or inhibit expression of C/EBPalpha and PPARgamma. The 243 cells express C/EBPalpha early and at elevated levels compared to 3T3-F442A preadipocytes or adipocytes. Cell clones were derived from the heterogeneous 243 population for ability or inability to differentiate into adipocytes. Wnt10b, a secreted protein that inhibits adipogenesis, is expressed at high levels in cells with low adipogenic potential and is undetectable in preadipocytes that spontaneously differentiate. In contrast, C/EBPalpha is expressed at reduced levels in cells with low adipogenic potential, and is expressed at high levels in preadipocytes that spontaneously differentiate. These data are consistent with a model in which decreased Wnt10b, coupled with increased C/EBPalpha, results in induction of PPARgamma and spontaneous adipogenesis of 243 cells.