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Bone morphogenetic proteins inhibit adipocyte differentiation by bone marrow stromal cells
J M Gimble1, C Morgan, K Kelly
1Immunobiology and Cancer Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City 73104, USA.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Bone morphogenetic proteins inhibit the development of fat cells (adipogenesis) in bone marrow stromal cells. This suggests these proteins play a key role in balancing bone and fat formation in the bone marrow.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are key regulators of bone formation.
- BMPs are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily.
- Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of BMPs on adipogenesis in BMSCs.
- To determine if BMPs act as antagonists or agonists of adipogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Used a multipotent murine bone marrow stromal cell line (BMS2).
- Induced adipogenesis using specific agonists.
- Assessed adipocyte differentiation via morphology, enzyme activity, and mRNA markers.
- Quantified lipid accumulation using flow cytometry and Nile red staining.
Main Results:
- BMPs inhibited adipogenesis in BMS2 cells in a dose-dependent manner (50-500 ng/ml).
- Inhibition correlated with reduced levels of adipocyte-specific enzymes and mRNAs.
- BMP-2 exposure induced osteogenic markers (alkaline phosphatase).
- BMP-4 mRNA expression in BMS2 cells was suppressed by adipogenic agonists.
Conclusions:
- BMPs function as adipogenic antagonists.
- BMPs inhibit adipocyte differentiation in BMSCs.
- Osteogenesis and adipogenesis in the bone marrow microenvironment are reciprocally regulated, with BMPs playing a crucial role.