Molecular regulation of adipocyte differentiation

Significant advances have been made recently toward understanding the molec ular events that regulate adipocyte differentiation. In vitro models of adi pogenesis, such as the 3T3-L1 and F-442A preadipocyte cell lines have prove n to be an invaluable resource in elucidating mechanisms of adipocyte diffe rentiation. Subject to modulation by hormonal, dietary, and genetic influen ces, the differentiation program now appears to be distinct ly con trebled through the coordinate regulation of transcription factors that predominant ly include members of the C/EBP and PPAR families. Increased understanding of these critical factors and how they are regulated will provide insights into adipose tissue development as well as treatment of obesity.