We demonstrate that expression of the myocardial lipid droplet protein (MLDP) and ERalpha observed in adipose tissues is undetectable in 3T3-L1 cells but detectable in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and stromal-vascular cells (SVCs) during adipocyte differentiation. MLDP gene expression in MEFs or SVCs is induced by treatment with a PPARgamma agonist or forced expression of PPARgamma, indicating that PPARgamma enhances MLDP expression during adipogenesis. PCR analyses reveal the dual expression of SREBP-1a and SREBP-1c in MEFs and SVCs as well as white adipose tissues unlike the predominant expression of SREBP-1a in 3T3-L1 cells. These results suggest that MEFs and SVCs are useful model cells for examining function of MLDP in lipid droplet formation and adipocyte differentiation.
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