Delineating the Role of TRP Channels in Metabolic Disease (P10-083-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of the present study is to elucidate the role of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels in the process of adipogenesis and diabetes mellitus, in hopes of getting more understanding of the role of TRP channels in the process as well as in hopes of discovering a novel therapeutic target against metabolic diseases. MethodsThe role of TRP channels in adipogenesis and diabetes mellitus was investigated by using in vivo (C57/BL6J mice) and in vitro (3T3-L1 cells). The expressions of TRP isoforms were studied by using RT-PCR and western blotting assay. TRP channels agonist and antagonist were used to study the role of TRP channels while fat accumulation in cells was visualized by Oil Red O staining. Intracellular calcium inflow was estimated by confocal microscopy. ResultsAmong the TRP channels screened, the authors identified the differential expressions of TRPC isoforms by using in vivo model. The results were further confirmed by using western blotting analysis. The changes in expression suggested the importance of the specific isoforms in the adipogenesis process. The agonist-antagonist study illustrated that the treatment of TRPC antagonists induced the maturation process while TRPC agonist attenuated adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. ConclusionsThe present study serves to illustrate the role of TRP channels in adipocyte biology. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that the TRPC isoforms have differential expression during the maturation process of fat. Further, the modulation of TRPC could affect the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. The understanding of TRPC channels in adipocyte biology serves as a novel therapeutic target against metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes mellitus. Funding SourcesThe research is funded by The Chinese University of Hong Kong Direct Grant. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪