Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Repair of a Critical-sized Calvarial Defect Model Using Adipose-derived Stromal Cells Harvested from Lipoaspirate
Published on: October 31, 2012
hTERT-immortalized adipose-derived stem cell line ASC52Telo demonstrates limited potential for adipose biology
D Masnikov1, I Stafeev2, S Michurina3
1Department of Angiogenesis, National Medical Research Centre for Cardiology, Moscow, Russia; Center of Master's Programs, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
In the modern world obesity and insulin resistance contribute to a high impact on the structure of mortality. Basic research and pharmacological screenings for the search of new targets and insulin sensitizers require relevant cell models of adipocytes. Today the 3T3-L1 preadipocytes cell line is a widely used mouse-based model for investigation of adipocyte biology. Nonetheless, animal studies cannot be transferred directly in human research and nowadays the search for relevant and renewable cell models of human adipocyte is of undeniable importance. In the present study, we have compared pooled culture of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) with immortalized ADSC cell line ASC52Telo. Both cell types had mesenchymal stem cell phenotype verified by flow cytometry. However, the efficacy of adipogenic differentiation, stimulation of FABP4 and PPARg protein expressions, and glucose uptake stimulation by insulin were reduced for ASC52Telo-derived adipocytes in comparison with ADSC-derived adipocytes. In addition, the analysis of insulin signaling has shown impaired phosphorylation of IRS1 and AS160 in ASC52Telo-derived cells. In summary, we have shown that immortalized cell line of human ADSC ASC52Telo have mesenchymal stem cell phenotype. Nevertheless, ASC52Telo-derived adipocytes demonstrate impaired adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity that are the main properties of healthy adipocytes.
Insights
Human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and their immortalized counterpart ASC52Telo were compared. ASC52Telo cells show impaired adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity, making them less suitable for studying obesity and insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cell Biology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Obesity and insulin resistance significantly impact mortality, necessitating effective cell models for research.
- Current models like 3T3-L1 are mouse-derived, limiting direct translation to human studies.
- There is a critical need for relevant and renewable human adipocyte models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the adipogenic differentiation and insulin sensitivity of primary human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) with an immortalized ADSC cell line (ASC52Telo).
- To evaluate the suitability of ASC52Telo as a model for studying adipocyte biology, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to verify the mesenchymal stem cell phenotype of both ADSC and ASC52Telo.
- Adipogenic differentiation was induced in both cell types.
- Key adipogenic markers (FABP4, PPARg) and insulin signaling pathways (IRS1, AS160 phosphorylation) were analyzed.
- Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was measured.
Main Results:
- Both ADSC and ASC52Telo exhibited a mesenchymal stem cell phenotype.
- ASC52Telo-derived adipocytes showed reduced adipogenic differentiation efficiency compared to ADSC-derived adipocytes.
- Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and key protein expressions (FABP4, PPARg) were lower in ASC52Telo-derived adipocytes.
- Impaired insulin signaling, evidenced by reduced IRS1 and AS160 phosphorylation, was observed in ASC52Telo-derived cells.
Conclusions:
- The immortalized human ADSC line ASC52Telo retains a mesenchymal stem cell phenotype but demonstrates compromised adipogenesis.
- ASC52Telo-derived adipocytes exhibit significantly reduced insulin sensitivity compared to primary ADSC-derived adipocytes.
- The ASC52Telo cell line may not be an optimal model for accurately studying human adipocyte function and insulin sensitivity in metabolic research.
