The accumulation of excessive fat is a serious concern in both
the livestock production and human health fields. Obesity is a
condition of excessive energy storage in the form of body fat
( triacylglycerols ). The cellular basis for obesity is not yet
understood but numerous factors have been suggested. Genetic
factors and altered metabolism may be two cellular parameters
that contribute to the excessive accumulation of fat. Adipocytes
are responsive to extracellular signals, which have a dramatic
effect on their metabolism implying that these metabolic
responses may be the result of differences in the composition or
responsiveness of adipocyte receptors.
The purpose of this research was to identify adipocyte specific
marker proteins and to determine if there are any
differences in the expression of these proteins that may be
associated with the conditions of genetic obesity or leanness.
Identification of adipocyte-specific markers should allow for a
better understanding of adipocyte growth and development and
determination of the adipocytes role in energy metabolism. A
hybridoma line was produced which secreted a monoclonal
antibody (LA-1) directed against a novel 64-kD protein unique to
porcine adipocyte plasma membranes, having an undetermined
function in the unique physiology of the adipocyte. This protein
was found to be expressed in genetically lean adipocytes but not
adipocytes derived from genetically obese sources. In order to
elucidate the role of this unique adipocyte-specific plasma
membrane protein, a porcine adipocyte eDNA library was
produced. This library was screened with LA-1 and a eDNA clone
isolated. This eDNA clone was used to study the expression of the
gene responsible for this unique protein at the nucleic acid level.
Northern blot analysis revealed a 5000- and a 7000-base pair
species of poly (A+) RNA present in total RNA isolated from
contemporary porcine adipose tissue. Determination of the nucleic
acid sequence of the eDNA clone should allow for the
determination of the actual identity and possible function of this
adipocyte-specific protein and the possible role it may serve in
regulating adipocyte growth and development. / Graduation date: 1991
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/37515 |
| Date | 21 November 1990 |
| Creators | Killefer, John |
| Contributors | Hu, Ching Yuan |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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