Wnt/Lrp/beta-catenin signaling suppresses adipogenesis by inhibiting mutual activation of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Nov 16;363(2):276-82. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.08.088. Epub 2007 Aug 27.

Abstract

Wnt/beta-catenin signaling has been implicated in repressing adipogenesis. Several lines of evidence show that the possible mechanism is blockade of PPARgamma induction. However, the precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that Wnt3a conditioned medium suppresses C/EBPbeta/delta-induced adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells by inhibiting PPARgamma induction. In addition, the mutual activation of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha was also repressed in the presence of Wnt3a. To further investigate the role of the canonical Wnt pathway in adipogenesis, we used mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from Lrp6-deficient embryos. Contrary to wild-type MEFs, Lrp6-deficient MEFs showed spontaneous adipogenesis and escaped the suppressive effect of exogenous Wnt3a. These findings suggest a critical role of Wnt/Lrp6/beta-catenin signaling in adipogenesis and cell fate decision of mesenchymal stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Adipocytes / metabolism*
  • Adipogenesis / physiology*
  • Animals
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta / metabolism*
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins / metabolism*
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6
  • Mice
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta
  • CTNNB1 protein, mouse
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6
  • Lrp6 protein, mouse
  • PPAR gamma
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin