Expression profiles of human adipocyte differentiation in the SGBS cell model

Current information on transcriptional control of adipocyte differentiation is mainly derived from mouse model systems. We differentiated human preadipocytes of the SGBS cell line into mature adipocytes and characterized the alterations in gene expression patterns with whole genome microarrays. 248 genes were significantly (fdr 0.05) altered more than 5-fold during the differentiation process. Amongst these genes we recovered well known markers of adipogenesis such as adiponectin, C/EBPα or PPARγ. Altogether 31% of the upregulated genes were associated with lipid metabolism. Principal component analysis correctly grouped, early differentiation stages and late differentiation stages. SGBS data were then compared to microarray data from differentiating mouse 3T3-L1 cells and human primary cells of different fat tissue depots. Overall, gene expression patterns were similar but differences related to species and fat tissue depot were detected. These data indicate that SGBS cells are a valid model of human adipogenesis. We applied this model system to identify 12 genes whose expression in vitro is applicable to classify preadipocytes vs. mature vs. late adipocytes. Prospectively, the SGBS model can be used to identify new regulators, transcription factors or therapeutical targets of human adipogenesis.