The activity of transient receptor potential channel C-6 modulates the differentiation of fat cells

Yan Qin Tan1, Hiu Yee Kwan2, Xiaoqiang Yao3

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Insights

Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC)-6 inhibits fat cell differentiation. The flavonoid quercetin activates TRPC-6, preventing adipogenesis in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Previous studies linked TRP V1-3 isoforms to adipocyte differentiation.
  • The role of TRP C isoforms in adipogenesis remained largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of TRP C isoforms in adipocyte differentiation.
  • To determine if TRPC-6 activation inhibits adipogenesis and if quercetin modulates this process.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of 6 TRPC isoforms for adipogenesis inhibition in 3T3-L1 cells.
  • Utilized channel activators, antagonists, silencing, and overexpression techniques.
  • Assessed fat accumulation via Oil Red O staining and intracellular calcium via confocal microscopy.
  • Conducted a high-fat diet study in C57BL/6J mice.

Main Results:

  • TRPC-6 was identified as the sole TRPC isoform inhibiting fat cell differentiation.
  • The phytochemical quercetin induced TRPC-6 expression and calcium influx.
  • Quercetin administration in high-fat diet-fed mice prevented TRPC-6 decline and attenuated p-PKB and PI3k signaling.
  • Quercetin also reduced visceral fat cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • TRPC-6 activation significantly perturbs adipocyte differentiation.
  • The dietary flavonoid quercetin acts as a TRPC-6 inducer and activator, inhibiting adipogenesis in vivo.

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