"We found two new transcription factors - SRF and PLZF - involved in fat cell development," explains Rosen. "We have essentially demonstrated how an epigenomic 'road map' can be used to identify biology that could not have been predicted through any other means." Subsequent experiments confirmed the proteins' roles in fat cell development: When either the SRF or the PLZF protein was decreased, fat cells generated at a faster rate and, conversely, when the amount of either protein was increased, fat cell development ceased.

"Although these particular studies were focused on the development of fat cells, we have reason to think that SRF and PLZF may be involved in the workings of mature fat cells as well," notes Rosen, adding that these new findings, therefore, have the potential to impact metabolic diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

"The huge costs of obesity and metabolic disease, both in terms of health and from a financial standpoint, are making adipocyte biology increasingly important," he adds. "With these new findings we now have a better understanding of normal fat cell development, and going forward, we can compare normal fat cells to fat cells in disease states. If we can better understand why fat cells behave as they do, then we can work to develop therapies for obesity or diabetes."

Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center