The Scd1 Knockout ST2 Cell Line is a CRISPR/Cas9-edited knockout cell line derived from the ST2 mouse bone marrow stromal cell line, featuring targeted gene disruption of Scd1. This loss-of-function model eliminates the enzymatic activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, a critical regulator of lipid metabolism. The knockout cell line provides a robust and genetically defined platform for investigating the role of monounsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in stromal cell function and differentiation.
The ST2 cell line is a well-characterized mouse bone marrow stromal model originally isolated from bone marrow. These cells support hematopoietic cell growth and differentiation and are capable of undergoing osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, making them a valuable tool for studying the bone marrow niche. Their multipotent differentiation potential allows for the examination of lineage-specific metabolic requirements and the regulatory mechanisms governing stromal cell fate.
Scd1 encodes a ??9-desaturase that catalyzes the conversion of saturated fatty acids, such as stearate, to monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleate, thereby regulating membrane fluidity, triglyceride synthesis, and lipid droplet formation. Transcription of Scd1 is controlled by upstream regulators including SREBP-1c, PPAR??, LXR??, and ChREBP, and is responsive to insulin and dietary fatty acids. The enzyme interacts with cytochrome b5 (CYB5A) and functions within a broader biosynthetic network involving FASN, ACC, ELOVL6, FADS2, and DGAT. Its activity promotes the production of phospholipids, triglycerides, and lipid droplets, while also modulating inflammatory cytokine expression.
In the context of ST2 bone marrow stromal cells, disruption of Scd1 leads to impaired adipogenic differentiation, reduced lipid droplet accumulation, and altered membrane phospholipid composition. These changes reflect the essential role of monounsaturated fatty acids in adipogenesis and lipid storage. Additionally, the knockout is associated with decreased inflammatory signaling, offering a physiologically relevant model to dissect the interplay between lipid metabolism, stromal cell function, and the bone marrow microenvironment.
This cell line is suited for a range of research applications, including lipid metabolism studies and investigation of adipogenesis. Researchers can employ techniques such as Oil Red O staining to visualize lipid droplets, RT-qPCR to quantify adipogenic marker expression (e.g., Pparg, Fabp4), western blotting to confirm Scd1 ablation, and gas chromatography?Cmass spectrometry (GC-MS) to profile fatty acid changes. The model supports metabolic disease research, particularly obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and type 2 diabetes, and can be used for drug screening targeting lipid disorders. For further details, please contact Ascent Research.
