Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function
Published on: May 4, 2021
Atg7 Knockdown Reduces Chemerin Secretion in Murine Adipocytes
Sascha Heinitz1, Claudia Gebhardt2, Paolo Piaggi3
1Medical Department III, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
Context:
In individuals with obesity, adipocyte endocrine function is affected by altered autophagy. Genetic variants in autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) correlated with serum chemerin (RARRES2) concentrations.
Objectives:
To investigate a functional interplay between chemerin and ATG7, how it may relate to autophagy-mediated adipocyte dysfunction in obesity, and the relevance of genetic ATG7 variants in chemerin physiology.
Design:
Adipose ATG7 mRNA expression and adiposity measures were available in two human study cohorts. The effect of a high-calorie diet on adipose Rarres2 and Atg7 expression was investigated in mice. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the effect of Atg7 knockdown on chemerin expression and secretion was studied. The influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms on ATG7 transcription and chemerin physiology was investigated using a luciferase assay.
Setting:
Mouse model, clinical trials, in vitro studies.
Participants:
Native American (n = 83) and white (n = 100) cohorts.
Main Outcome Measure:
Adipocyte chemerin expression and secretion.
Results:
In mice fed a high-calorie diet, adipose Atg7 mRNA expression did not parallel an increase in Rarres2 mRNA expression. ATG7 mRNA expression in human subcutaneous adipose tissue correlated with body mass index, fat mass (r > 0.27; P < 0.01), and adipocyte cell size (r > 0.24; P < 0.02). Atg7 knockdown in 3T3-L1 adipocytes decreased chemerin secretion by 22% (P < 0.04). Rs2606729 in ATG7 was predicted to alter ATG7 transcription and induced higher luciferase activity in vitro (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
Human adipose ATG7 mRNA expression relates to measures of adiposity. Atg7 knockdown reduces chemerin secretion from adipocytes in vitro, supportive of a functional interplay between ATG7 and chemerin in autophagy-mediated adipocyte dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Reducing Line Loss
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
01:22Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
01:16Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
01:25Hormones Secreted by the Stomach
Each of these hormones secreted by different enteroendocrine cells plays a unique role in digestion. Here are a few examples:
01:26Pancreatic Juice and Secretion
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...
01:28Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
Tubular reabsorption is a selective process that starts when the filtrate enters the proximal tubules. It involves substances traveling through the transcellular route (through the tubule cell and peritubular...