Transdifferentiation of Muscle Satellite Cells to Adipose Cells Using CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Targeting of MyoD

Methods Mol Biol. 2019:1889:25-41. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8897-6_3.

Abstract

Brown adipocytes dissipate energy through non-shivering thermogenesis mediated by UCP1 protein, hence representing a powerful target to overcome obesity due to energy surplus. However, brown adipocytes are scarce in adult humans, especially in obese subjects, urging the development of novel strategies to boost the number of these thermogenic adipocytes from a therapeutical perspective. In this regard, transdifferentiation of myoblasts into brown adipocytes represents a promising approach. Here, we describe a method that we have recently developed to transdifferentiate myoblasts into brown adipocytes through CRISPR/Cas9-medidated targeting of MyoD, the master myogenic regulatory factor.

Keywords: Adipocyte; Adipogenesis; CRISPR/Cas9; Myoblast; Satellite cell; Transdifferentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / cytology
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Adipogenesis / genetics
  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Transdifferentiation / genetics*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Editing*
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Targeting*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice, Knockout
  • MyoD Protein / genetics*
  • MyoD Protein / metabolism
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / cytology*
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / metabolism*

Substances

  • MyoD Protein
  • RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems