TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) inhibits human adipocyte differentiation via caspase-mediated downregulation of adipogenic transcription factors

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and other ligands of the TNF superfamily are potent regulators of adipose tissue metabolism and play a crucial role in the obesity-induced inflammation of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue expression levels of TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) and its receptor were shown to be upregulated by overfeeding and decreased by fasting in mice. In the present study we aimed to elucidate the impact of TRAIL on adipogenesis. To this end, human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) preadipocytes as well as stromal-vascular cells isolated from human white adipose tissue were used as model systems. Human recombinant TRAIL inhibited adipogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. It activated the cleavage of caspase-8 and -3, which in turn resulted in a downregulation of the key adipogenic transcription factors C/EBPα, C/EBPδ, and PPARγ. The effect was completely blocked by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of caspases. Taken together we discovered a so far unrecognized function of TRAIL in the regulation of adipogenesis. Targeting the TRAIL/TRAIL receptor system might provide a novel strategy to interfere with adipose tissue homeostasis.