Pref-1 (preadipocyte factor-1) is a novel plasma membrane protein containing six EGF-like repeats in the extracellular domain. Pref-1 is highly expressed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, but is not detectable in mature fat cells. Constitutive expression of pref-1 by transfection inhibits and antisense oliogonuceotide treatment enhances adipocyte differentiation, demonstrating inhibitory role of pref-1 in adipogenesis. We also found that pref-1 ectodomain is cleaved to generate a biologically active 50 kD soluble form. Unlike classic growth factors that generally inhibit differentiation by preventing cell cycle withdrawal that must precede the differentiation process, pref-1 does not have mitogenic effects. pref-1, made and secreted by preadipocytes, may be a molecular checkpoint early in adipogenesis that keeps cells in an undifferentiated state. The goal of this research is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the antiadipogenic action of pref-1 and the mechanisms for pref-1 downregulation during adipoconversion.
Aim 1 is to further characterize pref-1 in vitro for its function and structural requirements in inhibiton of adipocyte differentiation. We will address whether membrane-anchored pref-1 is biologically active as is the soluble form. The potential additional function of cytoplasmic domain, and the structure and processing sites for the soluble form will be examined. We will also identify the minimal pref-1 ectodomain necessary for its antiadipogenic action.
Aim 2 is to clone the pref-1 receptor that mediates pref-1 action and signaling. We are employing mammalian expression cloning using pref-1-alkaline phosphatase fusion protein as ligand. Identification of the pref-1 receptor will give us key insights to pref-1 action.
Aim 3 is to further examine the role of pref-1 by creating transgenic mice ectopically expressing pref-1 in a tetracylcine regulated manner and in the pref-1 knockout mice we have generated.
Aim 4 is to clone the transcription factor that binds to the negative element we recently defined to be responsible for differentiation-dependent downregulation of the pref-1 gene in adipocytes. This research is directed toward understanding adipocyte differentiation, a critical process that contributes to the development of excess adipose mass and, therefore, obesity. In the long run, elucidating the mechanisms of pref-1 function and regulation will allow us to begin to develop strategies to control adipogenesis by modifying pref-1 action and by altering expression of preadipocyte genes including pref-1, that control adipogenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01DK050828-04A1
Application #
2843554
Study Section
Physiological Chemistry Study Section (PC)
Program Officer
Yanovski, Susan Z
Project Start
1995-05-01
Project End
2004-04-30
Budget Start
1999-05-15
Budget End
2000-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Nutrition
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
094878337
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704
Wang, Yuhui; Lee, Kichoon; Moon, Yang Soo et al. (2015) Overexpression of Pref-1 in pancreatic islet ?-cells in mice causes hyperinsulinemia with increased islet mass and insulin secretion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 461:630-5
Hudak, Carolyn S; Gulyaeva, Olga; Wang, Yuhui et al. (2014) Pref-1 marks very early mesenchymal precursors required for adipose tissue development and expansion. Cell Rep 8:678-87
Hudak, Carolyn S; Sul, Hei Sook (2013) Pref-1, a gatekeeper of adipogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 4:79
Wang, Yuhui; Hudak, Carolyn; Sul, Hei Sook (2010) Role of preadipocyte factor 1 in adipocyte differentiation. Clin Lipidol 5:109-115
Wang, Yuhui; Zhao, Ling; Smas, Cynthia et al. (2010) Pref-1 interacts with fibronectin to inhibit adipocyte differentiation. Mol Cell Biol 30:3480-92
Ahmadian, Maryam; Duncan, Robin E; Sul, Hei Sook (2009) The skinny on fat: lipolysis and fatty acid utilization in adipocytes. Trends Endocrinol Metab 20:424-8
Sul, Hei Sook (2009) Minireview: Pref-1: role in adipogenesis and mesenchymal cell fate. Mol Endocrinol 23:1717-25
Wang, Yuhui; Sul, Hei Sook (2009) Pref-1 regulates mesenchymal cell commitment and differentiation through Sox9. Cell Metab 9:287-302
Jacobs, Frank M J; van der Linden, Annemarie J A; Wang, Yuhui et al. (2009) Identification of Dlk1, Ptpru and Klhl1 as novel Nurr1 target genes in meso-diencephalic dopamine neurons. Development 136:2363-73
Villena, Josep A; Choi, Cheol Soo; Wang, Yuhui et al. (2008) Resistance to high-fat diet-induced obesity but exacerbated insulin resistance in mice overexpressing preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1): a new model of partial lipodystrophy. Diabetes 57:3258-66

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