Binding partners for p107 in adipocyte differentiation

CHED 782

Tyler H Sanford, san39153@obu.edu, Department of Biology, Ouachita Baptist University, 410 Ouachita Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001 and Timothy E. Hayes, hayest@obu.edu, Department of Chemistry, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001.
3T3-L1 cells differentiate into adipocytes. The increase in p107 expression during day 1 of differentiation is thought to be critical for the differentiation process. p107 acts by binding other proteins and affecting their activities. We are taking 2 parallel approaches to the question of which proteins complex with p107 and carry out a vital function in differentiation. Firstly, we are examining the expression of a short list of candidate proteins in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. We see a variety of patterns but all are expressed on day 1 when p107 activity is required. Secondly, we are immunoprecipitating p107 to see which proteins complex with it. These are being analyzed by Western blotting and, on a larger scale, by mass spectrometry. Our goal is to find out which proteins bind to p107 during differentiation as a step toward discovering which of these proteins plays a critical role in the adipocyte differentiation process.