Functional Human Beige Adipocytes From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

We report a straightforward and efficient protocol to generate functional human beige adipocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Without overexpression of exogenous adipogenic genes, our method recapitulates an adipogenic developmental pathway through successive mesodermal and adipogenic progenitor stages. hiPSC-derived adipocytes are insulin sensitive and display beige-specific markers and functional properties, including upregulation of thermogenic genes, increased mitochondrial content, and increased oxygen consumption upon activation with cAMP analogs. Engraftment of hiPSC-derived adipocytes in mice produces well-organized and vascularized adipose tissue, capable of β-adrenergic–responsive glucose uptake. Our model of human beige adipocyte development provides a new and scalable tool for disease modeling and therapeutic screening.

Source: Diabetes - May 22, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Guenantin, A.-C.; Briand, N.; Capel, E.; Dumont, F.; Morichon, R.; Provost, C.; Stillitano, F.; Jeziorowska, D.; Siffroi, J.-P.; Hajjar, R. J.; Feve, B.; Hulot, J.-S.; Collas, P.; Capeau, J.; Vigouroux, C. Tags: Technological Advances Source Type: research