Rubus fruticosus Fruit Extract Enhances the Pro-Adipogenic Program During Adipocyte Differentiation

Although blackberries are associated with health benefits, their impact on adipocyte biology remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of a blackberry extract (Rubus fruticosus fruit extract, RFE) on adipogenesis and lipolysis in the 3T3-L1 cell model and characterized its transcriptomic response. Adipogenesis and lipolysis were assessed by Oil Red O and AdipoRed™ staining and glycerol release, respectively. RNA-Seq analysis was processed with the PIGx pipeline, and differential gene expression was evaluated with edgeR. RFE strongly promoted adipogenesis, increasing Oil Red O staining by 29% (n = 3, p < 0.01), and showed anti-lipolytic activity, reducing glycerol release by 51% (n = 3, p < 0.05). Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed that RFE significantly regulated 4904 genes, enhancing the adipogenic program. Functional profiling identified metabolic pathways influenced by RFE, including those related to lipid biosynthesis. Notably, RFE also modulated extracellular matrix (ECM) pathways, suggesting a shift toward a less fibrotic microenvironment. These findings indicate that RFE promotes subcutaneous adipose tissue expansion while supporting ECM remodeling, favoring healthy adipose growth and reduced fibrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that RFE simultaneously stimulates adipocyte differentiation and ECM remodeling. Overall, RFE emerges as a promising active ingredient for lipofilling cosmetic applications aimed at improving adipose tissue volume and quality.