A model cell line to study regulation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene 1 expression by insulin and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Insulin and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) regulate the expression of SCD1 gene in mouse liver. Accordingly, we examined the insulin and PUFA regulation of SCD1 gene expression in H2.35 cells. The levels of SCD1 mRNA in H2.35 cells increased at the restrictive temperature of 39 degrees C, when the glucose-containing medium was supplemented with insulin. The insulin-stimulated expression of SCD1 mRNA was significantly blunted when the induction medium was supplemented with linolenic acid (18:2n-3) and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6). Stearic acid (18:0n-9) and oleic acid (18:1n-9) were without dramatic effects. The effect of insulin and PUFAs on a transfected SCD1 fusion gene (SCD1.CAT4.3) was also examined in H2.35 cells. Whereas insulin stimulated SCD1.CAT4.3 expression, arachidonic acid significantly decreased SCD1.CAT4.3 activity. These studies suggest that insulin and PUFAs regulate SCD1 gene transcription via regulatory DNA sequences flanking the 5' end of the gene.