Hedgehog associated to microparticles inhibits adipocyte differentiation via a non-canonical pathway

Sci Rep. 2016 Mar 24:6:23479. doi: 10.1038/srep23479.

Abstract

Hedgehog (Hh) is a critical regulator of adipogenesis. Extracellular vesicles are natural Hh carriers, as illustrated by activated/apoptotic lymphocytes specifically shedding microparticles (MP) bearing the morphogen (MP(Hh+)). We show that MP(Hh+) inhibit adipocyte differentiation and orientate mesenchymal stem cells towards a pro-osteogenic program. Despite a Smoothened (Smo)-dependency, MP(Hh+) anti-adipogenic effects do not activate a canonical Hh signalling pathway in contrast to those elicited either by the Smo agonist SAG or recombinant Sonic Hedgehog. The Smo agonist GSA-10 recapitulates many of the hallmarks of MP(Hh+) anti-adipogenic effects. The adipogenesis blockade induced by MP(Hh+) and GSA-10 was abolished by the Smo antagonist LDE225. We further elucidate a Smo/Lkb1/Ampk axis as the non-canonical Hh pathway used by MP(Hh+) and GSA-10 to inhibit adipocyte differentiation. Our results highlight for the first time the ability of Hh-enriched MP to signal via a non-canonical pathway opening new perspectives to modulate fat development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Adipocytes / cytology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism
  • Hedgehog Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mice
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Transcription Factors