Estrogen Receptor α and β in Mouse: Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Brown Adipogenesis In Vitro

Abstract

Background/Aims: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) belong to mesenchymal stem cells and may play a potential role as seeding cells in stem cell transplantation. To be able to exploit stem cells as therapeutic tool, their defects in some important cellular functions, such as low survival rate and cellular activity, should be considered. This is especially the case for stem cells that are intended for transplantation. Of note, stem cell responses to hormones should be considered since estrogen is known to play a critical role in stem cell behavior. However, different impacts of the estrogen receptor (ER) types α and β have not been fully determined in ASC function. In this study, we investigated effects of ERα and ERβ on ASC proliferation, migration, as well as in adipogenesis. Methods: ASCs obtained from mice were cultured with 100nM ERα or ERβ agonist PPT and DPN, respectively. The ERα and ERβ antagonist ICI 182,780 (100nM) was used as control. Results: Compared to ERβ, ERα appears more potent in improving ASC proliferation and migration. Investigation of adipogenesis revealed that ERβ played a significant role in suppressing ASC-mediated brown tissue adipogenesis which is in contrast to ERα. These results correlated with reduced mRNA expression of UCP-1, PGC-1α and PPAR-γ. Conclusions: ERα plays a more critical role in promoting ASC proliferation and migration while ERβ is more potent in suppressing ASC brown adipose tissue differentiation mediated by decreased UCP-1, PGC-1α and PPAR-γ expression.