VEGF-A–Expressing Adipose Tissue Shows Rapid Beiging and Enhanced Survival After Transplantation and Confers IL-4–Independent Metabolic Improvements

Adipocyte-derived vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and contributes to adipocyte function and systemic metabolism, such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and beiging of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Using a doxycycline-inducible adipocyte-specific VEGF-A-overexpressing mouse model, we investigated the dynamics of local VEGF-A effects on tissue beiging of adipose tissue transplants. VEGF-A overexpression in adipocytes triggers angiogenesis. We also observed a rapid appearance of beige fat cells in subcutaneous white adipose tissue as early as 2 days postinduction of VEGF-A. In contrast to conventional cold-induced beiging, VEGF-A-induced beiging is independent of interleukin-4. We subjected metabolically healthy VEGF-A-overexpressing adipose tissue to autologous transplantation. Transfer of subcutaneous adipose tissues taken from VEGF-A-overexpressing mice into diet-induced obese mice resulted in systemic metabolic benefits, associated with improved survival of adipocytes and a concomitant reduced inflammatory response. These effects of VEGF-A are tissue autonomous, inducing white adipose tissue beiging and angiogenesis within the transplanted tissue. Our findings indicate that manipulation of adipocyte functions with a bona fide angiogenic factor, such as VEGF-A, significantly improves the survival and volume retention of fat grafts and can convey metabolically favorable properties on the recipient on the basis of beiging.