Thy1 (CD90) expression is regulated by DNA methylation during adipogenesis

What is it about?

Worldwide obesity rates are at epidemic levels and the healthcare cost associated with obesity is enormous, thus new insight is required. Our work focuses on regulation of the cell surface protein, Thy1 (also called CD90). Thy1, one of the first identified members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, was discovered almost 40 years ago, but its physiological function remains unclear. We recently showed Thy1's involvement in cell fate and adipogenesis. In our current work, we found that the THY1 gene is preferentially methylated during adipogenesis, inhibiting Thy1 expression. We also show that the methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-dC, attenuates methylation of the THY1 gene, thus restoring Thy1 expression and inhibiting adipogenesis. These novel findings give insight on the regulation of THY1 during adipogenesis. Additionally, this work will add a new understanding of how epigenetic factors like DNA methylation play a role in adipogenesis and obesity.

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