hTERT-immortalized adipose-derived stem cell line ASC52Telo demonstrates limited potential for adipose biology research

In the modern world obesity and insulin resistance contribute to a high impact on the structure of mortality. Basic research and pharmacological screenings for the search of new targets and insulin sensitizers require relevant cell models of adipocytes. Today the 3T3-L1 preadipocytes cell line is a widely used mouse-based model for investigation of adipocyte biology. Nonetheless, animal studies cannot be transferred directly in human research and nowadays the search for relevant and renewable cell models of human adipocyte is of undeniable importance. In the present study, we have compared pooled culture of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) with immortalized ADSC cell line ASC52Telo. Both cell types had mesenchymal stem cell phenotype verified by flow cytometry. However, the efficacy of adipogenic differentiation, stimulation of FABP4 and PPARg protein expressions, and glucose uptake stimulation by insulin were reduced for ASC52Telo-derived adipocytes in comparison with ADSC-derived adipocytes. In addition, the analysis of insulin signaling has shown impaired phosphorylation of IRS1 and AS160 in ASC52Telo-derived cells. In summary, we have shown that immortalized cell line of human ADSC ASC52Telo have mesenchymal stem cell phenotype. Nevertheless, ASC52Telo-derived adipocytes demonstrate impaired adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity that are the main properties of healthy adipocytes.

Automated summary

The study revealed that the immortalized cell line ASC52Telo derived from human ADSC has a mesenchymal stem cell phenotype. However, the adipocytes derived from ASC52Telo exhibit impaired adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity compared to those derived from ADSC, which are important properties of healthy adipocytes.