Conversion of C2C12 Myoblast into Adipoblast with Thiazolidinediones - A Possible Basis for Intramuscular Fat Generation in Meat Animals

Abstract

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) act as potent activators of the adipose differentiation program in established preadipose cell lines. TZD's have also been investigated in diabetic patients and reported to act as PPAR-y ligands. In this report, the effects of TZDs on the differentiation pathway of myoblasts have been investigated. C2C12 mouse myoblasts were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles medium for 4-5 days until they reached almost 100% confluency. Post-confluent cells (day 0) were further exposed to adipogenic induction medium along with TZDs for 48 hours. Thereafter, cells were exposed only to TZDs every 48 h until day 10. The control was provided with differentiation medium without any treatment. Alterations in the cells during the differentiation programme were analyzed on the basis of fusion index, oil-red-o staining, adipocyte index, adipocyte stain uptake measurement, immuno-histochemistry and western blotting. Exposure of C2C12 mouse myoblasts to TZDs prevented the expression of myosin heavy chain with parallel increase in the expression of C/EBP-a and PPAR-y and acquisition of adipocyte morphology, thus abolishing the formation of multinucleated myotubes. TZDs exert their adipogenic effects only in non-terminally differentiated myoblasts; myotubes were insensitive to the compound. Continuous exposure (at least 4-5 doses) to inducers after the growth arrest was essential to provide a sustained environment to the cells converting to fully matured adipoctyes. The results indicate that TZDs specifically converted the differentiation pathway of myoblasts into that of adipoblasts.