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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Visualization and Quantification of Mesenchymal Cell Adipogenic Differentiation Potential with a Lineage Specific Marker
Published on: March 31, 2018
ALK7 is a novel marker for adipocyte differentiation
Masahiro Kogame1, Shinji Matsuo, Masashi Nakatani
1Institute for Enzyme Research, The University of Tokushima.
Abstract:
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family members regulate a variety of cellular functions and play important roles in cell differentiation. Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7), a receptor for TGF-beta family members, was initially cloned from rats as an orphan receptor and has been recently shown to be a type I receptor for nodal, activin B and activin AB. ALK7 is expressed not only in neurons, but also in insulin-producing islet beta cells and white and brown adipose tissues; however, the specific functions of ALK7 in these tissues are not known. In order to test whether ALK7 is involved in adipocyte differentiation, we analyzed its expression during adipocyte differentiation. ALK7 expression was detected in the late phase of adipocyte differentiation by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining in 3T3-L1 cells. We also detected the expression of ALK7 by RT-PCR in stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells. These results indicated that ALK7 is a novel marker specifically expressed during the late phase of adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, our results suggest the possible involvement of nodal or activin B in adipocyte differentiation.
Insights
Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) is newly identified as a marker during late-stage adipocyte differentiation. This finding suggests a potential role for nodal or activin B in the fat cell development process.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family members are crucial regulators of cellular functions, including cell differentiation.
- Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) is a type I receptor for nodal, activin B, and activin AB, and is expressed in various tissues, including adipose tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential involvement of ALK7 in adipocyte differentiation.
- To identify ALK7 as a novel marker for adipocyte differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ALK7 expression during adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining.
- Detection of ALK7 expression in stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells via RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- ALK7 expression was detected specifically during the late phase of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells.
- ALK7 expression was also confirmed in SVF cells, indicating its presence in primary adipocyte precursors.
- These findings establish ALK7 as a novel marker for the late stage of adipocyte differentiation.
Conclusions:
- ALK7 is a novel marker for the late phase of adipocyte differentiation.
- The study suggests a potential role for nodal or activin B in the process of adipocyte differentiation.
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