Differential gene expression in white and brown preadipocytes

White (WAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissue are tissues of energy storage and energy dissipation, respectively. Experimental evidence suggests that brown and white preadipocytes are differentially determined, but so far not much is known about the genetic control of this determination process. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes involved in brown and white preadipocyte development. Using representational difference analysis (cDNA RDA) and DNA microarray screening, we identified four genes with higher expression in white preadipocytes (three different complement factors and delta -6 fatty acid desaturase) and seven genes with higher expression levels in brown preadipocytes, of which three are structural genes implicated in cell adhesion and cytoskeleton organization (fibronectin, alpha -actinin-4, metargidin) and four that might function in gene transcription and protein synthesis (vigilin, necdin, snRNP polypeptide A, and a homolog to human hepatocellular carcinoma-associated protein). The expression profile of these genes was analyzed during preadipocyte differentiation, upon beta -adrenergic stimulation, and in WAT and BAT tissue in vivo compared with references genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), cytochrome c oxidase.