Investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms of white adipose tissue through comparative transcriptome analysis of multiple tissues

Adipose tissue has a primary role in lipid and glucose metabolism as a storage site for fatty acids, and also functions as an endocrine organ, producing large numbers of hormones and cytokines. Adipose dysfunction triggers a number of obesity-associated health problems. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to investigate the molecular mechanisms of white adipose tissue (WAT). The GSE9954 microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Adipose-specific genes were identified through limma package analysis, based on samples of WAT and 17 other types of non-adipose tissue obtained from mice. Process and pathway enrichment analyses were performed for these genes. Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) and co-expression networks were constructed and analyzed. In total, 202 adipose-specific genes were identified, which were involved in key biological processes (including fat cell differentiation and lipid metabolic process) and one key pathway [namely, the adenine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway]. Construction of the PPI network and further molecular complex detection revealed the presence of 17 key genes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ and leptin, that were involved in the AMPK, PPAR and insulin signaling pathways. In addition, amine oxidase copper containing 3 and adrenoceptor beta 3 were communication hubs in the co-expression network of adipose-specific genes. In conclusion, the present study promotes our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of WAT, and may offer an insight into the prevention and treatment of obesity-associated diseases caused by adipose dysfunction.