Abstract
NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) is a family of transcription factors implicated in the control of cytokine and early immune response gene expression. Recent studies have pointed to a role for NFAT proteins in gene regulation outside of the immune system. Herein we demonstrate that NFAT proteins are present in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and, upon fat cell differentiation, bind to and transactivate the promoter of the adipocyte-specific gene aP2. Further, fat cell differentiation is inhibited by cyclosporin A, a drug shown to prevent NFAT nuclear localization and hence function. Thus, these data suggest a role for NFAT transcription factors in the regulation of the aP2 gene and in the process of adipocyte differentiation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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3T3 Cells
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Adipocytes / cytology
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Adipocytes / drug effects
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Adipocytes / physiology*
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Animals
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Cell Differentiation* / drug effects
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Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase / biosynthesis
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Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase / genetics
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Cyclosporine / pharmacology
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Lymphocyte Activation*
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Mice
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NFATC Transcription Factors
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Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
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Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Transfection
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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NFATC Transcription Factors
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Nuclear Proteins
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Recombinant Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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Cyclosporine
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Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase