Activating PIK3CA mutation promotes adipogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells in macrodactyly via up-regulation of E2F1

Macrodactyly is a congenital malformation characterized by enlargement of bone and soft tissues in limbs, typically with excessive accumulation of adipose tissues. Although gain-of-function mutation of PIK3CA has been identified in macrodactyly, the mechanism of PIK3CA mutation in adipose accumulation is poorly understood. In this study, we found that adipocytes from macrodactyly were more hypertrophic than those observed in polydactyly. PIK3CA (H1047R) activating mutation and enhanced activity of PI3K/AKT pathway were detected in macrodactylous adipose-derived stem cells (Mac-ADSCs). Compared to polydactyly-derived ADSCs (Pol-ADSCs), Mac-ADSCs had higher potential in adipogenic differentiation. Knockdown of PIK3CA or inhibition by BYL-719, a potent inhibitor of PIK3CA, impaired adipogenesis of Mac-ADSCs in vitro. In vivo study, either transient treatment of ADSCs or intragastrical gavage with BYL-719 inhibited the adipose formation in patient-derived xenograft (PDX). Furthermore, RNA-seq revealed that E2F1 was up-regulated in Mac-ADSCs and its knockdown blocked the PIK3CA-promoted adipogenesis. Our findings demonstrated that PIK3CA activating mutation promoted adipogenesis of ADSCs in macrodactyly, and that this effect was exerted by the up-regulation of E2F1. This study revealed a possible mechanism for adipose accumulation in macrodactyly and suggested BYL-719 as a potential therapeutic agent for macrodactyly treatment.