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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
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Isolation and Differentiation of Stromal Vascular Cells to Beige/Brite Cells
Published on: March 28, 2013
CARM1 promotes adipocyte differentiation by coactivating PPARgamma.
Neelu Yadav1, Donghang Cheng, Stephane Richard
1Department of Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas 78957, USA.
EMBO Reports
|January 12, 2008
Summary
Coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) is crucial for adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. CARM1 promotes brown fat development and energy balance by coactivating PPARgamma.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Metabolism
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) is recruited by transcription factors to gene promoters.
- Understanding CARM1's broader roles is essential for elucidating gene regulation pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel pathways regulated by CARM1.
- To investigate CARM1's role in adipose tissue biology and adipocyte differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive transcriptome analysis using complementary DNA microarrays and serial analysis of gene expression in CARM1-knockout embryos.
- Analysis of brown fat content and adipocyte differentiation potential in CARM1-deficient cells.
- Reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation to determine CARM1's mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- CARM1-knockout embryos showed underrepresentation of genes involved in lipid metabolism.
- Reduced brown fat amount was observed in CARM1-knockout embryos.
- CARM1 deficiency severely impaired adipocyte differentiation potential.
- CARM1 acts as a coactivator for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) in regulating adipogenesis.
Conclusions:
- CARM1 plays a significant role in adipose tissue biology and adipocyte differentiation.
- CARM1 promotes adipocyte differentiation by coactivating PPARgamma-mediated transcription.
- CARM1 may be important for maintaining energy balance.
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