The roles of transforming growth factor-ß and Smad3 signaling in adipocyte differentiation and obesity.

We aimed at elucidating the roles of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß and Smad3 signaling in adipocyte differentiation (adipogenesis) and in the pathogenesis of obesity. TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling in white adipose tissue (WAT) was determined in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. The effect of TGF-ß on adipogenesis was evaluated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) isolated both from WT controls and Smad3 KO mice by Oil red-O staining and gene expression analysis. Phenotypic analyses of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in Smad3 KO mice compared to WT controls were performed. TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling was elevated in WAT from ob/ob mice compared to the controls. TGF-ß significantly inhibited adipogenesis in MEF, but the inhibitory effects of TGF-ß on adipogenesis were partially abolished in MEF from Smad3 KO mice. TGF-ß inhibited adipogenesis independent from the Wnt and ß-catenin pathway. Smad3 KO mice were protected against HFD-induced insulin resistance. The size of adipocytes from Smad3 KO mice on the HFD was significantly smaller compared to the controls. In conclusion, the TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling pathway plays key roles not only in adipogenesis but also in development of insulin resistance.