BMP7 overexpression in adipose tissue induces white adipogenesis and improves insulin sensitivity in ob/ob mice

Estefania Casana, Veronica Jimenez, Victor Sacristan, Sergio Muñoz, Claudia Jambrina, Jordi Rodó, Miquel Garcia, Cristina Mallol, Xavier León, Sylvie Franckhauser, Fatima Bosch*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background/objectives: During obesity, hypertrophic enlargement of white adipose tissue (WAT) promotes ectopic lipid deposition and development of insulin resistance. In contrast, WAT hyperplasia is associated with preservation of insulin sensitivity. The complex network of factors that regulates white adipogenesis is not fully understood. Bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) can induce brown adipogenesis, but its role on white adipogenesis remains to be elucidated. Here, we assessed BMP7-mediated effects on white adipogenesis in ob/ob mice. Methods: BMP7 was overexpressed in either WAT or liver of ob/ob mice using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. Analysis of gene expression, histological and morphometric alterations, and metabolites and hormones concentrations were carried out. Results: Overexpression of BMP7 in adipocytes of subcutaneous and visceral WAT increased fat mass, the proportion of small-size adipocytes and the expression of adipogenic and mature adipocyte genes, suggesting induction of adipogenesis irrespective of fat depot. These changes were associated with reduced hepatic steatosis and improved insulin sensitivity. In contrast, liver-specific overproduction of BMP7 did not promote WAT hyperplasia despite BMP7 circulating levels were similar to those achieved after genetic engineering of WAT. Conclusions: This study unravels a new autocrine/paracrine role of BMP7 on white adipogenesis and highlights that BMP7 may modulate WAT plasticity and increase insulin sensitivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)449-460
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Obesity
Volume45
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Oct 2020

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