Slc25a5 regulates adipogenesis by modulating ERK signaling in OP9 cells

Background: A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of adipogenesis is a critically important strategy for identifying new targets for obesity intervention.

Methods: Transcriptomic and lipidomic approaches were used to explore the functional genes regulating adipogenic differentiation and their potential mechanism of action in OP9 cells and adipose-derived stem cells. Oil Red O staining was used to detect oil droplets in adipocytes.

Results: RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) showed that Slc25a5 expression was significantly upregulated in adipogenic differentiation. Depletion of Slc25a5 led to the suppressed expression of adipogenesis-related genes, reduced the accumulation of triglycerides, and inhibited PPARγ protein expression. Moreover, the knockdown of Slc25a5 resulted in significant reduction of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein expression (ATP5A1, CQCRC2, and MTCO1) and ATP production. The RNA-seq and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results suggested that adipogenic differentiation is possibly mediated by ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and this hypothesis was confirmed by intervention with PD98059 (an ERK 1/2 inhibitor).

Conclusions: This study indicates that Slc25a5 inhibits adipogenesis and might be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity.