A new function of Nell-1 protein in repressing adipogenic differentiation

► Nell-1 is a potent pro-osteogenic molecule, but has not yet been studied systematically in adipogenic differentiation. ► Using 3T3-L1 cells and primary human ASCs, we found that Nell-1 signaling negatively regulates adipogenic differentiation. ► Nell-1 mediated reductions in adipogenesis are associated with increased Hedgehog signaling, which may be a causative factor.