Dynamic changes in the gene expression during adipogenesis in hMSCs

Obesity results due to accumulation of adipose tissue mass, arising either from an increase in the size (hypertrophy) and/or number (hyperplasia) of adipocytes. The knowledge of detailed molecular mechanisms that govern the adipogenesis is necessary to understand the development of obesity. In this study we have generated RNA seq data from differentiating hMSCs on day 0, 4, 8 and 16 and analysed it to understand differential gene expression during adipogenesis. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that lipid metabolism and 'oxidation-reduction' reactions were important to the entire process of adipogenesis. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) signalling, adipogenesis, adipocytokine signalling, fatty acid metabolism pathways and downregulated DEGs were from myogenesis, calcium signalling, ERBB signalling, TGFI3 signalling pathways considered as antiadipogenic. Further, our analysis of molecular network of two important transcription factors of adipogenesis, namely, PPAR gamma and CEBP alpha revealed that total number of interactions with their activators increased while that with inhibitors decreased throughout adipogenesis. These data clearly demonstrate changes in gene expression driving adipogenesis and could be used in the development of therapeutics to control obesity.

Automated summary

This study used RNA sequencing data to analyze differential gene expression during adipogenesis. The results showed that lipid metabolism and oxidation-reduction reactions play important roles in the process. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that upregulated genes were related to PPAR signaling, adipogenesis, adipocytokine signaling, and fatty acid metabolism, while downregulated genes were associated with myogenesis, calcium signaling, ERBB signaling, and TGFI3 signaling pathways, which are considered anti-adipogenic. The analysis of two important transcription factors, PPAR gamma and CEBP alpha, showed changes in their interactions throughout adipogenesis.