Date of Award
Winter 2007
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway regulates adipogenesis. To determine specific effects the Notch ligand Jagged-1 has on the regulation of adipogenesis, we transfected 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with either a constitutively expressed full-length human Jagged-1 construct or an empty vector control. These cells were grown in conditions promoting differentiation and then evaluated for lipid accumulation and gene expression. To test the role of Jagged-1 in adipose tissue development in vivo, transfected cells were examined for their ability to form fat pads after injection into nude mice. In vitro, cells constitutively expressing Jagged-1 accumulated less lipid and exhibited a delay in adipocyte protein expression. In vivo, mice injected with Jagged-1 transfected cells developed smaller fat pads than mice injected with L1 control cells. Thus, increased expression of Jagged-1 in L1 preadipocytes impaired adipogenesis as determined by changes in lipid uptake, expression of adipocyte-specific genes, and formation of fat pads in nude mice.
Department or Program
Animal Science
Degree Name
Master of Science
Recommended Citation
Allen, Jennifer, "Constitutive expression of Jagged-1 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes suppresses adipogenesis and adipose tissue development" (2007). Master's Theses and Capstones. 318.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/318