Quantifying the Metabolic Increase of Genetically Engineered Adipocyte Cells
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Ellen Kasson |
Mark Schenkel |
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Background
General: Adipose tissue is the main storage site for fat deposits in the body. Adipose tissue in most adult humans consists of “white adipose tissue.” Some small mammals and infants have “brown adipose tissue” as well. The main difference between the two is that brown adipose tissue stores less fat and is less efficient at ATP synthesis. It uses fat for energy to fuel this process and dissipates the rest of the energy as heat.
Adipogenesis
At day zero the cells are transferred into flasks and adhere to the bottom. Then the cells reach confluence after about 8 days, depending on the seeding density. Two days post confluence the cells are given medium that induces differentiation, which contains methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin. Two days later the cells are given a medium that just contains the insulin. After another two days the cells are given a medium, similar to growth medium, that keeps them alive as they continue to differentiate.
| Adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells |
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Uncoupling Proteins
UCP1 is a type of uncoupling protein. These uncoupling proteins are thought to uncouple ATP synthesis and fuel oxidation in the mitochondria, making the process less efficient. Therefore, there is a reduced fat storage due to the lower efficiency and an increased metabolism. UCP1 is actually present in brown adipose tissue, which might give this tissue its characteristically high metabolism.
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