Downstream effect of low oxygen tension on lipid accumulation

In continuation of our previously published work on hypoxia-responsive elements of the promotor directing expression of the gene PAI-inhibitor, we have pursued a chance observation. It appears that certain mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells may respond to low oxygen tension by accumulation of lipid. It furthermore seems that the expected gene expression pattern of cells producing lipid is not manifest. A first publication is scheduled for 2004. Funded by the Danish Medical Research Council. (Vladimir Zachar, Trine Fink, Peter Ebbesen, Anna Bay Nielsen; Moustapha Kassem, Odense University Hospital)