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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Isolation and Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells from Porcine Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues
Published on: March 31, 2016
Inhibition of fatty acid synthase prevents preadipocyte differentiation
Bernhard Schmid1, Jörg F Rippmann, Moh Tadayyon
1Department of Metabolic Diseases, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH and Co KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany. Bernhard.Schmid@bc.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Abstract:
Inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FAS) reduces food intake in rodents. As adipose tissue expresses FAS, we sought to investigate the effect of reduced FAS activity on adipocyte differentiation. FAS activity was suppressed either pharmacologically or by siRNA during differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Cerulenin (10 microM), triclosan (50 microM), and C75 (50 microM) reduced dramatically visible lipid droplet accumulation, while incorporation of [1-(14C)]acetate into lipids was reduced by 75%, 70%, and 90%, respectively. Additionally, the substances reduced FAS, CEBPalpha, and PPARgamma mRNA by up to 85% compared to that of control differentiated cells. Transient transfection with FAS siRNA suppressed FAS mRNA and FAS activity, and this was accompanied by reduction of CEBPalpha and PPARgamma mRNA levels, and complete prevention of lipid accumulation. CD36, a late marker of differentiation, was also reduced. Together, these results suggest that FAS generated signals may be essential to support preadipocyte differentiation.
Insights
Inhibiting fatty acid synthase (FAS) prevents lipid accumulation in differentiating fat cells. This suggests FAS is crucial for supporting preadipocyte differentiation and lipid droplet formation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Fatty acid synthase (FAS) plays a role in fatty acid synthesis.
- Adipose tissue expresses FAS, indicating a potential role in adipocyte function.
- Previous studies show FAS inhibition reduces food intake in rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of reduced FAS activity on adipocyte differentiation.
- To determine if FAS is essential for preadipocyte differentiation.
Main Methods:
- 3T3-L1 cells were used to model adipocyte differentiation.
- FAS activity was suppressed using pharmacological inhibitors (cerulenin, triclosan, C75) and siRNA.
- Lipid droplet accumulation was measured via visual inspection and [1-(14C)]acetate incorporation.
- Gene expression of FAS, CEBPalpha, PPARgamma, and CD36 was analyzed using RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological inhibition and siRNA suppression of FAS dramatically reduced lipid droplet accumulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells.
- FAS inhibition significantly decreased the mRNA levels of key adipogenic transcription factors (CEBPalpha, PPARgamma) and CD36.
- FAS activity was essential for lipid synthesis, with acetate incorporation reduced by up to 90%.
Conclusions:
- FAS activity is essential for supporting preadipocyte differentiation.
- FAS-generated signals appear to be critical for the accumulation of lipids and the expression of differentiation markers in adipocytes.
