Wnt4 and Wnt5a promote adipocyte differentiation

FEBS Lett. 2008 Sep 22;582(21-22):3201-5. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.08.011. Epub 2008 Aug 15.

Abstract

The roles of the non-canonical Wnt pathway during adipogenesis are not well known, though Wnt10b is known to function as a negative regulator for adipogenesis by activating the canonical Wnt pathway. We focused on the roles of Wnt4, Wnt5a and Wnt6, which are thought to be part of the non-canonical Wnt pathway. The expression of these genes changed dramatically at the initial stage of adipogenesis. Furthermore, the inhibition of Wnt4 or Wnt5a expression prevented the accumulation of triacylglycerol and decreased the expression of adipogenesis-related genes. Wnt4 and Wnt5a have crucial roles in adipogenesis as positive regulators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Adipocytes / cytology*
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Adipogenesis / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Mice
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Triglycerides / metabolism
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / physiology*
  • Wnt-5a Protein
  • Wnt4 Protein

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Triglycerides
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Wnt-5a Protein
  • Wnt4 Protein
  • Wnt4 protein, mouse
  • Wnt5a protein, mouse
  • Wnt6 protein, mouse