Gene expression of mesoderm-specific transcript is upregulated as preadipocytes differentiate to adipocytes in vitro

Mesoderm-specific transcript (Mest) is a distinct gene associated with adipocyte differentiation and proliferation. The mechanisms regulating expression of the Mestgene are not established. Therefore, we investigated Mestgene expression during adipogenic differentiation in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipose-derived stromal cells (ADCs) from C57BL/6J mouse adipose tissue. Expression of MestmRNA increased significantly in 3T3-L1 cells during differentiation. Additionally, MestmRNA expression levels were additively enhanced by the inhibition of DNA methylation. Expression levels of the Mestgene were also markedly elevated in differentiating ADCs in vitro. Additionally, we showed that MestmRNA can be upregulated by increasing intracellular cAMP, and that Mestexpression is suppressed by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA). Mestexpression was regulated through cAMP-dependent PKA pathways during differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes in vitro, supporting the critical role of Mestin proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes.