Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-5-2004
Abstract
The 3T3-L1 cells differentiate into fat cells that have many properties of native adipocytes including: substantial lipid accumulation, insulin sensitivity, and the ability to secrete endocrine hormones. A substantial expense in using these cells is fetal bovine serum (FBS), a critical component of efficient adipogenesis. Our recent studies on STAT 5 proteins have revealed that these transcription factors are phosphorylated and translocate to the nucleus immediately after the initiation of differentiation. Studies by several other laboratories also suggest that STAT 5 proteins can have pro-adipogenic properties. Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) are both potent activators of STAT 5A and STAT 5B proteins. Since, FBS has high concentrations of GH; we examined the ability of GH to replace FBS as a component of the differentiation cocktail for 3T3-L1 cells. Our studies revealed that FBS was not required for the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells if GH or PRL was added to the differentiation cocktail. Adipogenesis was judged by Oil Red O staining and expression of adipocyte marker genes. Hence, we have developed a substantially less expensive method for differentiating 3T3-L1 cells without FBS, thiazolidinediones, or expensive cytokines. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
First Page
355
Last Page
359
Recommended Citation
Stewart, W., Baugh, J., Floyd, Z., & Stephens, J. (2004). STAT 5 activators can replace the requirement of FBS in the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 324 (1), 355-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.09.053