Mesoderm-specific transcript localization in the ER and ER-lipid droplet interface supports a role in adipocyte hypertrophy.

Mesoderm‐specific transcript ( Mest ) is an imprinted gene that shows a broad range of expression in adipose tissueamong genetically identical mice which is positively associated with dietary fat‐induced adipose tissueexpansion. Furthermore, inactivation of Mest in adipose tissueof mice results in reduced susceptibility for diet‐induced obesityand suggests that MEST could function to facilitate lipid storagein adipocytes. Co‐localization of endoplasmic reticulum containing MEST with the lipid dropletsurface marker perilipinprovides further support that MEST augments triacylglycerol storage in lipid dropletsof cells undergoing adipogenesis.