Human adipogenesis is associated with genome-wide DNA methylation and gene-expression changes.

Aim: To define the genomic distribution and function of DNA methylation changes during human adipogenesis.

Methods: We isolated adipocyte-derived stem cells from 13 individuals and analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression in cultured adipocyte-derived stem cells and mature adipocytes.

Results: We observed altered DNA methylation of 11,947 CpG sites and altered expression of 11,830 transcripts after differentiation. De novo methylation was observed across all genomic elements. Co-existence of genes with both altered expression and DNA methylation was found in genes important for cell cycle and adipokine signaling.

Conclusion: Human adipogenesis is associated with significant DNA methylation changes across the entire genome and may impact regulation of cell cycle and adipokine signaling.