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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Isolating Brown Adipocytes from Murine Interscapular Brown Adipose Tissue for Gene and Protein Expression Analysis
Published on: March 12, 2021
Gene expression profile of isolated rat adipocytes treated with anthocyanins
Takanori Tsuda1, Yuki Ueno, Hitoshi Kojo
1Research Center for Biomarkers of Preventive Medicine, Doshisha University, Imadegawa-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. ttsuda@mail.doshisha.ac.jp
Abstract:
Adipocyte dysfunction is strongly associated with the development of obesity and insulin resistance. It is accepted that the regulation of adipocytokine secretion or the adipocyte specific gene expression is one of the most important targets for the prevention of obesity and amelioration of insulin sensitivity. Recently, we demonstrated that anthocyanins, which are pigments widespread in the plant kingdom, have the potency of anti-obesity in mice and the enhancement adipocytokine secretion and adipocyte gene expression in adipocytes. In this study, we have shown for the first time the gene expression profile in isolated rat adipocytes treated with anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-glucoside; C3G or cyanidin; Cy). The rat adipocytes were treated with 100 muM C3G, Cy or vehicle for 24 h. The total RNA from the adipocytes was isolated and carried out GeneChip microarray analysis. A total of 633 or 427 genes was up-regulated (>1.5-fold) by the treatment of adipocytes with C3G or Cy, respectively. The up-regulated genes include lipid metabolism and signal transduction-related genes, however, the altered genes were partly different between the C3G- and Cy-treated groups. Based on the gene expression profile, we demonstrated the up-regulation of hormone sensitive lipase and enhancement of the lipolytic activity by the treatment of adipocytes with C3G or Cy. These data have provided an overview of the gene expression profiles in adipocytes treated with anthocyanins and identified new responsive genes with potentially important functions in adipocytes related with obesity and diabetes that merit further investigation.
Insights
Anthocyanins, plant pigments, alter gene expression in rat adipocytes, impacting lipid metabolism and potentially aiding in obesity and insulin resistance management. This study reveals new responsive genes for further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Adipocyte dysfunction is linked to obesity and insulin resistance.
- Regulating adipocytokine secretion and adipocyte gene expression are key targets for metabolic health.
- Anthocyanins show anti-obesity potential and can enhance adipocyte function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene expression profile in isolated rat adipocytes treated with anthocyanins.
- To identify specific genes and pathways affected by anthocyanin treatment.
- To explore the role of anthocyanins in adipocyte function related to obesity and diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat adipocytes were treated with cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) or cyanidin (Cy) at 100 μM for 24 hours.
- GeneChip microarray analysis was performed on total RNA extracted from treated adipocytes.
- Gene expression changes were analyzed, with a focus on genes upregulated by >1.5-fold.
Main Results:
- Treatment with C3G or Cy significantly upregulated 633 and 427 genes, respectively.
- Upregulated genes were associated with lipid metabolism and signal transduction pathways.
- Anthocyanin treatment led to the upregulation of hormone-sensitive lipase and enhanced lipolytic activity.
Conclusions:
- Anthocyanins significantly alter the gene expression profile in rat adipocytes.
- These findings highlight anthocyanins' potential role in modulating adipocyte function.
- New responsive genes identified may offer therapeutic targets for obesity and diabetes.
