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Comprehensive Proteomic Profiling of Converted Adipocyte-like Cells from Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts Using
Sunkyu Choi1, Rajaa S D Dalloul1, Praveen Babu Vemulapalli1
1Proteomics Core, Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, P.O. 24144 Doha, Qatar.
ACS Omega
|September 30, 2024
Summary
Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) can be directly converted into adipocyte-like cells using an adipogenic cocktail. This provides a practical, cost-effective model for studying human adipocyte metabolism and related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Metabolic Research
- Proteomics
Background:
- Adipocytes are crucial for energy homeostasis and linked to metabolic disorders like type-2 diabetes.
- Existing human adipocyte models (primary cultures, stem cells) are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly.
- There is a significant need for accessible human adipocyte models for metabolic disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a practical method for generating human adipocyte-like cells from fibroblasts.
- To characterize the proteome of these converted adipocyte-like cells.
- To evaluate their utility as a model for studying human adipocyte function and metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Direct conversion of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) into adipocyte-like cells using a specific adipogenic cocktail (IBMX, dexamethasone, insulin, rosiglitazone).
- Confirmation of adipogenesis via observation of lipid droplet accumulation.
- Comprehensive quantitative proteome analysis (intracellular and extracellular fractions) using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Successful conversion of NHDFs into adipocyte-like cells exhibiting significant lipid droplet accumulation.
- Proteomic analysis revealed increased expression of specific adipocyte-associated proteins in the converted cells.
- The proteome profile of converted cells reflects key adipocyte characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Normal human dermal fibroblasts can be efficiently converted into adipocyte-like cells using a defined adipogenic cocktail.
- These converted cells represent a valuable and practical model for investigating human adipocyte biology and metabolic diseases.
- This method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional human adipocyte models.
