Transcriptional Regulation of Adipocyte Differentiation: A Central Role for CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein (C/EBP) β

A detailed understanding of the processes controlling adipogenesis is instrumental in the fight against the obesity epidemic. Adipogenesis is controlled by a transcriptional cascade composed of a large number of transcriptional factors, among which CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) beta plays an essential role. During 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, C/EBP beta is induced early to transactivate the expression of C/EBP alpha and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), two master transcription factors for terminal adipocyte differentiation. Studies in recent years have revealed many new target genes of C/EBP beta, implicating its participation inmanyother processes during adipogenesis, such as mitotic clonal expansion, epigenetic regulation, unfolded protein response, and autophagy. Moreover, the function of C/EBP beta is highly regulated by post-translational modifications, which are crucial for the proper activation of the adipogenic program. Advances toward elucidation of the function and roles of the post-translational modification of C/EBP beta during adipogenesis will greatly improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing adipogenesis.