VEGF and VEGFB Play Balancing Roles in Adipose Differentiation, Gene Expression, and Function

Area of Science:

• Metabolic research
• Adipose tissue biology
• Molecular endocrinology

Background:

• Obesity arises from dysregulated adipose tissue development and energy metabolism.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B (VEGFB) is implicated in metabolic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the counteractive roles of VEGFB and VEGF in regulating adipose tissue development and energy metabolism.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying VEGFB and VEGF's influence on adipogenesis and energy balance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized vascular endothelial growth factor B-knockout mouse models.
• Employed inducible VEGF downregulation mouse models.
• Analyzed gene expression patterns related to white and brown adipose tissue.
• Crossed VEGFB-knockout and VEGF-repressed mice to assess counteractive gene regulation.

Main Results:

• VEGFB inactivation led to white adipose tissue expansion, browning of brown adipose tissue, increased fat accumulation, and reduced energy expenditure.
• VEGF repression induced brown adipose tissue expansion, enhanced brown adipocyte development in white adipose tissue, increased energy expenditure, and modulated gene expression.
• Combined VEGFB knockout and VEGF repression revealed counteractive regulation of numerous genes, including transcription factors, adhesion molecules, and metabolic enzymes, reversing each other's effects.

Conclusions:

• VEGF and VEGFB play opposing roles in regulating adipose tissue development and function.
• These factors act antagonistically to control key genes involved in adipogenesis and energy metabolism.
• Understanding this counteractive regulation offers potential therapeutic targets for obesity and metabolic disorders.