Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 knockdown alters adipose-phenotype and increases expression of genes involved in longevity in 3T3-L1 cells

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to assess in vitro the impacts of Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) knockdown on the transformation of adipose phenotype and the possible mechanisms of resistance to aging in 3T3-L1 cells. In the current study, the Nrf2-knockdown (NK) via siRNA transfection increased the expression of brown adipose tissue (BAT) marker genes including PGC-1α, Dio2 and PRDM16 and lowered the gene and protein expression of white adipose tissue (WAT) marker genes for instance BMP4, Resistin and Rb1 in adipocytes; NK also altered the protein expression of longevity-related genes, such as Sirt1 and AMPKα and increased UCP1 and Cycs, which are involved in mitochondrial generation. These results support the potential of Nrf2 as a possible therapeutic target for delaying aging through the transformation of adipose-phenotype and the effect of longevity factors.