The gene TMEM120B (Transmembrane protein 120B) encodes a nuclear envelope transmembrane protein th at is found to be expressed along with TMEM120A protein in fat. When tested in the 3T3-L1 in vitro adipogenesis system, both TMEM120A and B were found to be induced very early in 3T3-L1 adipogenesis. Knockdown of TMEM120B affected genes involved in adipogenesis more adversely than reduction of TMEM120A. Knockdown of both the genes resulted in an additive effect. Overexpression of TMEM120B was found to have a lesser effect on the rescue of adipogenesis than the increased expression of TMEM120A under conditions of double knockdown. Both the genes play significant roles in adipocyte differentiation and may be involved in disorders of obesity.
