Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
Reciprocal regulation of adipogenesis by Myc and C/EBP alpha
1Molecular Biology Research Program, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202.
Abstract:
3T3-L1 adipoblasts that express large amounts of c-Myc cannot terminally differentiate, raising the possibility that Myc inhibits the expression of genes that promote adipogenesis. The CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP alpha) is induced during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis when cells commit to the differentiation pathway. Transfection of 3T3-L1 adipoblasts with the gene that encodes C/EBP alpha caused overt expression of the adipocyte morphology. Expression of Myc prohibited the normal induction of C/EBP alpha and prevented adipogenesis. Enforced expression of C/EBP alpha overcame the Myc-induced block to differentiation. These results provide a molecular basis for the regulation of adipogenesis and implicate Myc and C/EBP alpha as pivotal controlling elements.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Co-activators and Co-repressors
Master Transcription Regulators
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Lipid Catabolism

