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RGS2 promotes adipocyte differentiation in the presence of ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
M Nishizuka1, K Honda, T Tsuchiya
1Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
Abstract:
The events at the earliest stage of adipocyte differentiation are yet to be fully elucidated. Previously, we cloned the genes that are induced at the beginning of the differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. We found that the gene expression of regulators of G protein signaling-2 (RGS2) rapidly increased after the addition of inducers and decreased at 3-12 h. The expression pattern of RGS2 mRNAs differed among growth-arrested and proliferating 3T3-L1 cells and NIH-3T3 cells, indicating a specificity for adipogenesis. Here we report that the ectopic expression of RGS2 using a retroviral system in mouse NIH-3T3 cells promotes adipogenesis only in the presence of BRL49653, which is a ligand for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). These results strongly suggest that RGS2 play a crucial role in the program of adipocyte differentiation and may contribute to the function of PPARgamma.
Insights
Regulators of G protein signaling-2 (RGS2) gene expression is crucial for adipocyte differentiation. Ectopic RGS2 expression promotes fat cell development, particularly with PPARgamma activation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Adipocyte differentiation mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Early gene induction during differentiation is key.
- Regulators of G protein signaling-2 (RGS2) was identified as an early-induced gene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of RGS2 in adipocyte differentiation.
- To determine if RGS2 is sufficient to promote adipogenesis.
- To explore the relationship between RGS2 and PPARgamma.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of early-induced genes in 3T3-L1 cells.
- Analysis of RGS2 mRNA expression patterns.
- Ectopic RGS2 expression in NIH-3T3 cells via retroviral system.
- Assessment of adipogenesis in the presence of BRL49653 (PPARgamma ligand).
Main Results:
- RGS2 gene expression rapidly increased and then decreased during 3T3-L1 cell differentiation.
- RGS2 expression patterns varied between differentiating, growth-arrested, and proliferating cells, suggesting adipogenesis specificity.
- Ectopic RGS2 expression in NIH-3T3 cells promoted adipogenesis, but only when peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) was activated by its ligand BRL49653.
Conclusions:
- RGS2 plays a significant role in the adipocyte differentiation program.
- RGS2 may be essential for the function of PPARgamma in adipogenesis.
- RGS2 is a key regulator in the early stages of fat cell development.