Current information on transcriptional control of adipocyte differentiation is mainly
derived from mouse model systems. We differentiated human preadipocytes of the SGBS
cell line into mature adipocytes and characterized the alterations in gene expression
patterns with whole genome microarrays. 248 genes were significantly (fdr 0.05) altered
more than 5-fold during the differentiation process. Amongst these genes we recovered
well known markers of adipogenesis such as adiponectin, C/EBPα or PPARγ. Altogether
31% of the upregulated genes were associated with lipid metabolism. Principal component
analysis correctly grouped, early differentiation stages and late differentiation
stages. SGBS data were then compared to microarray data from differentiating mouse
3T3-L1 cells and human primary cells of different fat tissue depots. Overall, gene
expression patterns were similar but differences related to species and fat tissue
depot were detected. These data indicate that SGBS cells are a valid model of human
adipogenesis. We applied this model system to identify 12 genes whose expression in
vitro is applicable to classify preadipocytes vs. mature vs. late adipocytes. Prospectively,
the SGBS model can be used to identify new regulators, transcription factors or therapeutical
targets of human adipogenesis.
