Essential role of fibroblast growth factor signaling in preadipocyte differentiation

We have examined the expression and role of autocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in human preadipocytes through their differentiation in vitro. A high-molecular weight form of FGF-2 was initially strongly expressed, but 6-9 d after induction of differentiation, its expression decreased markedly. This coincided with the first appearance of visible lipid droplets within the cells. FGF-2 (18 kDa) was not found. FGF receptor (FGFR) 1 was detected as a single band of 125 kDa that also decreased with differentiation. Its decrease preceded that of FGF-2. Despite the decrease in cell-associated FGF-2 with differentiation, secreted FGF-2 was 2.5-fold higher in the differentiated preadipocytes. To determine whether FGF-2 had an autocrine role, FGFR signaling was inhibited using recombinant adenovirus expressing dominant negative FGFR1 (RAdDN-FGFR1) and a specific inhibitor of FGFR1 signaling, PD166866. Preadipocytes transduced with RAdDN-FGFR1 expressed a truncated, 79-kDa FGFR1. Differentiation, assessed by lipid droplet formation, was completely prevented by RAdDN-FGFR1 and by PD166866. The protein content in the cell layer and glucose uptake were significantly reduced by both agents. The insulin-sensitizing drug, rosiglitazone, did not prevent the actions of RAdDN-FGFR1 or PD166866. Controlling adipose tissue growth by limiting FGF actions may provide a means to combat obesity.