The Transcription Elongation Factors Spt4 and Spt6 Promote Dermal Adipocyte Differentiation

This study reveals that transcription elongation, facilitated by the elongation factors Spt4 and Spt6, is crucial for adipocyte differentiation. The depletion of Spt4 and Spt6 impairs the induction of adipogenic genes and perilipin expression, highlighting their role in regulating core adipogenic transcription factors such as Cebpa, Pparg, Krox20, and Stat3. These factors promote RNA polymerase II progression through gene bodies, and their absence results in Pol II stalling at transcriptional start sites. The research underscores the importance of transcription elongation in determining adipogenic cell fate.