ROCK inhibitors enhance the production of large lipid-enriched 3D organoids of 3T3-L1 cells

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 9;11(1):5479. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-84955-7.

Abstract

Since the recent discovery of prostaglandin-associated peri-orbitopathy, a great deal of interest has developed concerning the side effects of anti-glaucoma medications toward periocular fatty tissue, especially their adipogenesis. Two- or three-dimension (2D or 3D) cultures of the 3T3-L1 cells were employed to elucidate the effects of the Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase inhibitor (ROCK-i) the anti-glaucoma drug, Ripasudil, and other ROCK-i, such as Y27632 on adipogenesis. Ultrastructure by electron microscopy and physical stiffness measurements by a micro-squeezer demonstrated the 3D organoids had essentially matured during the 7-day culture. The effects of ROCK-i on 3D organoid sizes, lipid staining, the mRNA expression of adipogenesis related genes, Pparγ, Cebpa and Leptin, and extracellular matrix (ECM) including collagen (COL) 1, 4 and 6, and fibronectin, and physical stiffness were then conducted. Upon adipogenesis, the sizes, lipid staining and mRNA expressions of adipogenesis related genes, Col 4 and Col 6 were dramatically increased, and were further enhanced by ROCK-i. Micro-squeezer analysis demonstrated that adipogenesis resulted in a marked less stiffed 3D organoid and this was further enhanced by ROCK-i. Our present study indicates that ROCK-i significantly enhanced the production of large lipid-enriched 3T3-L1 3D organoids.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Adipogenesis / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Organoids / drug effects*
  • Organoids / metabolism
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • rho-Associated Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • rho-Associated Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • rho-Associated Kinases