Abstract
Although the transcription factor Sox8 is broadly expressed during embryogenesis in developing ectodermal and mesodermal tissues, mice develop surprisingly normally in the absence of Sox8. Phenotypes in adult Sox8-deficient mice include mild osteopenia, late-onset male infertility, and reduced weight. We show here that progressive degeneration of adipose tissue in adult Sox8-deficient mice significantly contributes to weight reduction. Although serum levels of leptin, IGF-1, and noradrenaline were altered in Sox8-deficient mice, these changes could not explain the observed phenotype. Other serum parameters, including indicators of glucose metabolism, were largely normal. However, expression of the preadipocyte marker Pref-1 was elevated in adipose tissues of Sox8-deficient mice. This increase correlated with an impaired differentiation of Sox8-deficient fibroblasts to adipocytes in culture, a defect that could be rescued by reintroducing Sox8 into the cells. Furthermore, Sox8 levels were higher in mesodermal precursors than in mature adipocytes. We postulate a precursor-intrinsic role of Sox8 during replenishment of the adipocyte pool in adult mice and assume that disturbance of this function significantly contributes to adipose tissue degeneration in Sox8-deficient mice.