Use of <i>UCHL1</i> Gene Expression to Estimate Adipocyte Size

Adipocyte size is linked to insulin resistance and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A surrogate method was generated to estimate adipocyte size by measuring adipose tissue gene expression using quantitative real-time PCR. UCHL1 expression was found to correlate across a wide range of adipocyte cell volumes (38-1,420 pL) and to strongly and independently correlate with measured adipocyte volume when examined alongside measures for insulin resistance. Clinicians can use this method to estimate adipocyte size from an adipose tissue needle biopsy and routine quantitative real-time PCR measurement using the provided equation and methodological framework.