PPARγ Mediates Transdifferentiation of CX3CR1+-Derived Cells into Adipocytes

Transdifferentiation of one cell type into another occurs under normal physiological conditions. Adipose tissue is an important metabolic and endocrine organ involved in the onset and progression of various diseases. Previous studies have shown that fibroblasts can transdifferentiate into adipocytes. Here, we demonstrate that CX3CR1-derived cells can also transdifferentiate into adipocytes. Additionally, RFP⁺ SVF cells and mature adipocytes were identified in different adipose tissues of CX3CR1^cre: Rosa26^Td mice. Cold exposure enhances the adipogenic transdifferentiation of RFP⁺ cells, whereas a high-fat diet (HFD) inhibits this process. Mechanistically, we found that PPARγ regulates transdifferentiation, suggesting its role in the differentiation of CX3CR1-derived cells into adipocytes, thus offering new insights into the origin of adipocytes in the body.

CX3CR1; PPARγ; adipocyte; transdifferentiation.