Fat-specific protein 27, a novel lipid droplet protein that enhances triglyceride storage

J Biol Chem. 2007 Nov 23;282(47):34213-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M707404200. Epub 2007 Sep 19.

Abstract

Fat-specific protein (FSP)27/Cidec is most highly expressed in white and brown adipose tissues and increases in abundance by over 50-fold during adipogenesis. However, its function in adipocytes has remained elusive since its discovery over 15 years ago. Here we demonstrate that FSP27/Cidec localizes to lipid droplets in cultured adipocytes and functions to promote lipid accumulation. Ectopically expressed FSP27-GFP surrounds lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and colocalizes with the known lipid droplet protein perilipin. Immunostaining of endogenous FSP27 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes also confirmed its presence on lipid droplets. FSP27-GFP expression also markedly increases lipid droplet size and enhances accumulation of total neutral lipids in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes as well as other cell types such as COS cells. Conversely, RNA interference-based FSP27/Cidec depletion in mature adipocytes significantly stimulates lipolysis and reduces the size of lipid droplets. These data reveal FSP27/Cidec as a novel adipocyte lipid droplet protein that negatively regulates lipolysis and promotes triglyceride accumulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Adipocytes / cytology
  • Adipocytes / metabolism*
  • Adipogenesis / physiology*
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / cytology
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism
  • Adipose Tissue, White / cytology
  • Adipose Tissue, White / metabolism
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Lipolysis / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Perilipin-1
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • Triglycerides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Perilipin-1
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Proteins
  • Triglycerides
  • fat-specific protein 27, mouse