Zfp423 expression identifies committed preadipocytes and localizes to adipose endothelial and perivascular cells.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Progress has been made in elucidating the cell-surface phenotype of primary adipose progenitors; however, specific functional markers and distinct molecular signatures of fat depot-specific preadipocytes have remained elusive. In this study, we label committed murine adipose progenitors through expression of GFP from the genetic locus for Zfp423, a gene controlling preadipocyte determination. Selection of GFP-expressing fibroblasts from either subcutaneous or visceral adipose-derived stromal vascular cultures isolates stably committed preadipocytes that undergo robust adipogenesis. Immunohistochemistry for Zfp423-driven GFP expression in vivo confirms a perivascular origin of preadipocytes within both white and brown adipose tissues. Interestingly, a small subset of capillary endothelial cells within white and brown fat also express this marker, suggesting a contribution of specialized endothelial cells to the adipose lineage. Zfp423(GFP) mice represent a simple tool for the specific localization and isolation of molecularly defined preadipocytes from distinct adipose tissue depots.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Gupta, RK; Mepani, RJ; Kleiner, S; Lo, JC; Khandekar, MJ; Cohen, P; Frontini, A; Bhowmick, DC; Ye, L; Cinti, S; Spiegelman, BM

Published Date

  • February 8, 2012

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 15 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 230 - 239

PubMed ID

  • 22326224

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC3366493

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1932-7420

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.01.010

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States