Expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and ccaat/enhancer binding protein alpha during the differentiation process of mouse 3t3-l1 preadipocytes

BACKGROUND: Few studies were concerned about the molecular mechanisms in the process of adipocyte differentiation at present. The transcription factors of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family can induce and promote the differentiation, but the mechanisms were rarely reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate PPAR γ and C/EBP α expression during the process of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiating into mature adipocytes, and explore the mechanisms in the differentiation process of adipocytes. METHODS: Murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was cultured in vitro and induced by using the classic hormone-cocktail method (1-methyl-3-butyl-anthine + dexamethasone + insulin). At 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days following induction, oil red O staining method and spectrophotography were applied to analyze the differentiation of adipocytes. Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot methods were applied to detect the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα at different time points. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the process of cell differentiation, the difference of relative fat content, expression levels of PPARγ and C/EBPα were significantly increased (P < 0.01). These indicated that PPARγ and C/EBPα play a promoting effect in adipocyte differentiation from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.