Adipogenesis Markers
Overview of Adipogenesis Markers
Adipogenesis is an important metabolic process in the body that involves the production of adipocytes and the accumulation of fat. Adipogenesis markers are biomarkers used in the study of adipogenesis that can help us better understand and monitor this process. Past studies have identified some important adipogenesis markers, such as PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ), C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α), SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c), and FAS (fatty acid synthase). They play a key role in adipogenesis and are usually expressed in large quantities during adipocyte differentiation and maturation. In recent years, scientists have also discovered new adipogenesis markers such as FABP4 (fatty acid binding protein 4) and ADPN (adiponectin). Moreover, the application of new technologies (e.g., gene editing, and single-cell sequencing) has provided new perspectives for understanding cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms during adipogenesis. Adipogenesis markers will not only help us to understand the process of adipogenesis more deeply, but also provide important clues for the study and treatment of diseases associated with excessive fat accumulation (e.g., obesity and type 2 diabetes).
The Function of Adipogenesis Markers
Adipogenesis markers have multiple functions in the study of adipocyte differentiation and fat metabolism. The following are some of the common functions:
- Adipocyte differentiation
The transcription factor PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ) is involved in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation and fat synthesis. Studies have shown that activation of PPARγ promotes adipocyte differentiation and fatty acid synthesis (Rosen ED, et al., 2000). The C/EBP family (CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins, e.g., C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ) plays a facilitating role in the early stages of adipocyte differentiation by activating PPARγ expression to promote adipocyte differentiation (Hu E, et al., 1995).
- Fatty acid metabolism
FABP4 (Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4) is a fatty acid-binding protein that is highly expressed in adipocytes. It has been found that FABP4 is involved in fatty acid transport and storage and affects adipocyte differentiation and metabolism (Maeda K, et al., 2005). FAS (Fatty Acid Synthase), a key enzyme in fatty acid synthesis, is also highly expressed in adipocytes. Studies have shown that the activity and expression levels of FAS are closely related to adipocyte differentiation and fatty acid synthesis (Chirala SS, et al., 2003).
- Inflammatory response
Several inflammatory factors such as IL-6 (Interleukin-6) and TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor α) are produced in adipocytes, affecting adipocyte differentiation and metabolism, and have been associated with the development of obesity and metabolic diseases (Hotamisligil GS, et al., 1993).
- Metabolic regulatory functions
Adipogenesis markers may reflect the role of adipocytes in the regulation of energy metabolism. for example, lipocalin and leptin are hormones secreted by adipocytes that are involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and appetite, among other processes.
Monitoring the expression level of adipogenesis markers can detect the adipocyte differentiation process and assess the maturity, which can help to understand the development and function of adipocytes, as well as study the adipocyte differentiation, fatty acid metabolism, inflammatory response, and metabolic regulation function, and provide important clues for the study of obesity, metabolic diseases, and other related diseases.
Reference:
- Rosen ED, Spiegelman BM. Molecular regulation of adipogenesis. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2000; 16:145-71.
- Hu E, Tontonoz P, Spiegelman BM. Transdifferentiation of myoblasts by the adipogenic transcription factors PPAR gamma and C/EBP alpha. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1995 Oct 10;92(21):9856-60.
- Maeda K, Cao H, Kono K, et al. Adipocyte/macrophage fatty acid binding proteins control integrated metabolic responses in obesity and diabetes. Cell Metab. 2005;1(2):107-119.
- Chirala SS, Chang H, Matzuk M, et al. Fatty acid synthesis is essential in embryonic development: fatty acid synthase null mutants and most of the heterozygotes die in utero. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100(11):6358-6363.
- Hotamisligil GS, Shargill NS, Spiegelman BM. Adipose expression of tumor necrosis factor-α: direct role in obesity-linked insulin resistance. Science. 1993 Jan 1;259(5091):87-91.
