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Reprogramming alters the gene expression in somatic cells, transforming them into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells over several generations. Scientists can reprogram cells by introducing genes for four transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) by viral or non-viral methods. These factors are also known as Yamanaka factors after Shinya Yamanaka, who first generated iPS cells using mouse skin cells. Yamanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for this...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Isolation and Differentiation of Stromal Vascular Cells to Beige/Brite Cells

Isolation and Differentiation of Stromal Vascular Cells to Beige/Brite Cells

Published on: March 28, 2013

Programming human pluripotent stem cells into white and brown adipocytes.

Tim Ahfeldt¹, Robert T Schinzel, Youn-Kyoung Lee

¹Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

Nature Cell Biology

|January 17, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Human pluripotent stem cells can be efficiently differentiated into white or brown adipocytes using specific gene expression. These engineered cells exhibit mature fat cell properties and can model human diseases.

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Isolation and Differentiation of Primary White and Brown Preadipocytes from Newborn Mice

Isolation and Differentiation of Primary White and Brown Preadipocytes from Newborn Mice

Published on: January 25, 2021

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Isolation and Differentiation of Stromal Vascular Cells to Beige/Brite Cells

Isolation and Differentiation of Stromal Vascular Cells to Beige/Brite Cells

Published on: March 28, 2013

Isolation and Differentiation of Primary White and Brown Preadipocytes from Newborn Mice

Isolation and Differentiation of Primary White and Brown Preadipocytes from Newborn Mice

Published on: January 25, 2021

Area of Science:

Stem cell biology
Adipocyte differentiation
Metabolic research

Background:

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) require efficient differentiation protocols for therapeutic applications.
Developing methods to generate specific adult cell types from hPSCs is crucial for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

To establish a robust and efficient protocol for differentiating hPSCs into white or brown adipocytes.
To characterize the identity and functionality of the differentiated adipocytes.
To assess the in vivo potential of these engineered cells.

Main Methods:

Inducible expression of key adipogenic transcription factors (PPARG2, CEBPB, PRDM16) in hPSC-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells.
In vitro culture and characterization of differentiated adipocytes, assessing marker expression and functional properties.
In vivo transplantation studies in mice to evaluate the formation of ectopic adipose tissue.

Main Results:

Achieved 85%-90% differentiation efficiency into white or brown adipocytes.
Differentiated adipocytes maintained identity, expressed mature markers, and exhibited functional properties like lipid catabolism and insulin-responsiveness.
Transplanted cells formed functional ectopic fat pads in mice, mirroring white or brown adipose tissue characteristics.

Conclusions:

Inducible gene expression provides a powerful method for directed differentiation of hPSCs into functional adipocytes.
These hPSC-derived adipocytes serve as a valuable model for studying human metabolic diseases and adipose tissue biology.
The protocol offers a scalable approach for generating specific cell types for research and potential therapeutic strategies.