Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Mechanical Stretching and Signaling
Pathways in Adipogenesis
Yoshiyuki Tanabe, Maki Tanji Saito and Koichi Nakayama
Abstract Adipogenesis is a fundamental process to develop adipose tissues via
commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to direction of preadipocytes and
production of terminally differentiated lipid-laden adipocytes. While adipose tis-
sues play important roles for energy and metabolic homeostasis in our body,
dysregulated adiposities become considerable risk factors for various metabolic
and cardiovascular diseases. In view of both preventive and therapeutic aspects,
clinical interventions have been mostly directed at control of adiposity such as
weight control by improved balance of calorie intake and energy expenditure.
Physical exercise has been considered to be an effective approach to improve the
systemic energy balance; however, the effects of locally generated mechanical
stress on adipose tissues that are directly or indirectly accessible by the exercise
and/or massage had remained obscure. It has now become apparent that stretching
and other mechanical stimuli activate various cellular signals, including matrix
elasticity/stiffness and cytoskeletal control, extracellular matrix-integrin interac-
tion, the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase/mitogen activated protein
kinase (ERK/MAPK), Rho-Rho-kinase pathway, tension-induced/inhibited pro-
teins (TIPs), the cyclooxygenase pathway, and Wnt signaling; all of them are
involved in the mechanotransduction pathways and have a significant influence on
adipogenesis. The stretching shows bidirectional effects of either inhibition or
stimulation on adipogenesis that is presumably depending on the strength, dura-
tion, and timing of mechanical inputs, as well as cellular statuses of differentiation.
The ERK/MAPK plays a crucial role in the bidirectional outcomes, and other
coexisting signals adjust and determine the commitment and adipogenic statuses of
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