Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells have the capability to differentiate into a number of cell types including adipocytes. The adipocytic phenotype is characterized by intracellular accumulation of lipid droplets as well as transcription of adipocyte-specific genes. This paper details a basic protocol for adipogenic induction of bone marrow and adipose tissue-derived stem cells, as well as protocols for staining lipid accumulation and the transcriptional analysis of PPAR-γ and aP2 by real-time RT-PCR.