Pref-1, a protein containing EGF-like repeats, inhibits adipocyte differentiation

CM Smas, HS Sul - Cell, 1993 - cell.com
CM Smas, HS Sul
Cell, 1993cell.com
With the aim of identifying novel regulators of adipocyte differentiation, we have cloned and
characterized preadfpocyte factor 1 (pref-1), a novel member of the epidermal growth factor
(EGF)-like family of proteins. Pref-1 is synthesized as a transmembrane protein with six
tandem EGF-like repeats. In preadipocytes, multiple discrete forms of pref-1 protein of 45-60
kd are present, owing in part to N-linked glycosylation. While pref-1 mRNA is abundant in
preadipocytes, its expression is completely abolished during differentiation of 3T3-Ll …
Summary
With the aim of identifying novel regulators of adipocyte differentiation, we have cloned and characterized preadfpocyte factor 1 (pref-1), a novel member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like family of proteins. Pref-1 is synthesized as a transmembrane protein with six tandem EGF-like repeats. In preadipocytes, multiple discrete forms of pref-1 protein of 45-60 kd are present, owing in part to N-linked glycosylation. While pref-1 mRNA is abundant in preadipocytes, its expression is completely abolished during differentiation of 3T3-Ll preadipocytes to adipocytes. Moreover, constitutive expression of pref-1 in preadipocytes, which in effect blocks its down-regulation, drastically inhibits adipose differentiation. This indicates that pref-1 functions as a negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation, possibly in a manner analogous to EGF-like proteins that govern cell fate decisions in invertebrates.
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