Bmp4 expressed in preadipocytes is required for the onset of adipocyte differentiation

We previously revealed that endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) activity is required for lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The present study characterized the role of endogenous Bmp activity in preadipocytes. Endogenous Bmp activity was monitored by analyzing the level of phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, downstream molecules in the Bmp pathway. Higher levels of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 were detected in adipogenic cells but not in non-adipogenic cells prior to differentiation induction. The inhibition of the Bmp pathway during this period decreased the expression of Pparγ2 and C/ebpα, which are transcription factors responsible for adipocyte differentiation. The expression of these transcription factors were also down-regulated by Bmp4 knockdown. In addition, endogenous Bmp4 was required for the repression of Intrleukin-11 expression. Endogenous Bmp4 in preadipocytes is indispensable for the onset of the adipogenic program, and may help to maintain the preadipocytic state during adipocyte differentiation.