STAT 5 activators can replace the requirement of FBS in the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells.
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.
Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, USA.
William C
WC
Stewart
James E
JE
Baugh
Z Elizabeth
ZE
Floyd
Jacqueline M
JM
Stephens
D016475:3T3 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D017667:Adipocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D002417:Cattle; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D050799:STAT5 Transcription Factor; D044967:Serum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D003470:Culture Media; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D008894:Milk Proteins; D047495:PPAR gamma; D050799:STAT5 Transcription Factor; D015534:Trans-Activators; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone