Figure 1.

Mitochondrial pyruvate transport maintains triglyceride storage in 3T3L1 adipocytes. (A–C) Analysis of selected genes from GSE20696 showing mRNA expression during the differentiation of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes (day 0) to adipocytes (days 2 and day 7), including MPC components (A), the most significantly induced genes (B), and genes involved in mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism (C). Data are expressed as Log base 2 of the fold change from day 0. (D–F) Incorporation of [2–¹⁴C] pyruvate into total lipids (D), or the fatty acyl or glycerol-glyceride fraction of lipids (E – F) following treatment of differentiated 3T3L1 adipocytes with 5 μM UK5099 (D–E) or siRNA against MPC1 or scramble control (F). (G–H) Total triglyceride accumulation in adipocytes treated with 5 μM UK5099 either throughout (G), or at various time points during (H), differentiation. (I) Incorporation of [U–¹⁴C] acetate into total lipids in differentiated 3T3L1 adipocytes treated with or without 5 μM UK5099. (J) mRNA expression of selected genes in 3T3L1 adipocytes treated with DMSO vehicle (VEH) or 5 μM UK5099 throughout differentiation, normalized to 18S control and presented relative to VEH day 0. Data are mean ± SE for at least three experimental replicates (different cell passages). ∗P < 0.05 vs control, ^P < 0.05 vs 10% FBS condition in (D) by paired t-test (E - F and I), one-way ANOVA (H) or 2-way ANOVA (D).