Effect of phosphonolipids on the hormone-induced differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts into adipocytes

Previous research has demonstrated that 2-aminoethylphosphonate (AEP) inhibits the insulin-induced differentiation of 3T3-L1 mouse fibroblasts into adipocytes [Smith ct at, Biochem. Arch. 8, 339-344 (1992)]. We report here that AEP prevents not only the insulin-induced differentiation but also that which is induced by other effecters such as progesterone, dexamethasone, epidermal growth factor, and orthovanadate. This inhibition is due to the phosphonolipid, not to the free AEP itself. The time course of the differentiation in cells in which AEP is removed after the cells have reached confluence is consistent with that for phosphonolipid turnover rather than for wash-out of the free compound. The presence of the phosphonolipid, which is formed from AEP, has only a minor effect on the cell. growth rate and does not affect the viability or sub-culturing of the cells.