Endothelin-1 inhibits adipogenesis: Role of phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2

In adipogenesis, growth factors play a crucial role. Using serum depleted condition, we studied the causal role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), separately or together, in adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. ET-I stimulation caused an anti-adipogenic response and this effect was potentiated upon treatment with EGF. Co-treatment with EGF and ET-1 blocked the expression of CIEBP alpha and PPAR gamma, the adipogenic markers. The inhibition of adipogenesis was preceded by a biphasic (early and late) attenuation of Akt phosphorylation. We suggest that treatment with ET-1 and EGF together induce a more potent anti-adipogenic response, involving increased Erk-1/2 phosphorylation and biphasic attenuation of Akt phosphorylation. (c) 2006 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.