Separation of human adipocytes by size: hypertrophic fat cells display distinct gene expression

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Abstract
Enlarged adipocytes are associated with insulin resistance and are an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes. To understand the molecular link between these diseases and adipocyte hypertrophy, we developed a technique to separate human adipocytes from an adipose tissue sample into populations of small cells (mean 57.6±3.54 μm) and large cells (mean 100.1±3.94 μm). Microarray analysis of the cell populations separated from adipose tissue from three subjects identified 14 genes, of which five immune-related, with more than fourfold higher expression in large cells than small cells. Two of these genes were serum amyloid A (SAA) and transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1). Real-time RT-PCR analysis of SAA and TM4SF1 expression in adipocytes from seven subjects revealed 19-fold and 22-fold higher expression in the large cells, respectively, and a correlation between adipocyte size and both SAA and TM4SF1 expression. The results were verified using immunohistochemistry. In comparison with 17 other huma...
Funding Information
  • Vetenskapsrådet (521-2002-6480, 529-2002-6671, 521-2002-6356, 521-2005-6736, 11285)
  • Diabetesförbundet
  • Socialstyrelsen
  • Stiftelserna Wilhelm och Martina Lundgrens
  • Adlerbertska Stiftelserna
  • Åke Wiberg Stiftelse
  • Magnus Bergvalls Stiftelse
  • Fredrik och Ingrid Thurings Stiftelse
  • Tore Nilsons Stiftelse för Medicinsk Forskning