Identification of genes expressed differentially in subcutaneous and visceral fat of cattle, pig, and mouse.

The factors that control fat deposition in adipose tissues are poorly understood. It is known that visceral adipose tissues display a range of biochemical properties that distinguish them from adipose tissues of subcutaneous origin. However, we have little information on gene expression, either in relation to fat deposition or on interspecies variation in fat deposition.

Differential expression of the nonmuscle-type cofilin gene between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue.

Visceral adipocytes differ in various biochemical properties from adipocytes of subcutaneous origin. However, information on differences in gene expression between visceral and subcutaneous fat depots is limited. Expression of the genes for the nonmuscle and muscle isoforms of the actin-binding protein cofilin was examined in subcutaneous and visceral fat depots of mice, pigs, and cattle by semiquantative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction analysis.