Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing of Single Adipocytes and Whole Blood DNA

Because human white adipocytes display a high turnover throughout adulthood, a continuous supply of precursor cells is required to maintain adipogenesis. Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells may contribute to mammalian adipogenesis, however results in animal models have been conflicting. We performed exome and whole genome sequencing of whole genome amplified single adipocytes from 3 subjects who previously underwent allogeneic bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. These individuals received donor cells that can be distiguished from recipient cells by specific polymorphic markers in the DNA. Exome- and whole genome sequencing of single adipocytes suggests that bone marrow- or peripheral stem cell derived progenitor cells contribute to adipose tissue via either differentiation or cell fusion.