DAT-delivered astaxanthin reprograms adipogenesis through RhoGDI1 dephosphorylation at Ser174 and RhoA/FAK/ERK1/2 cascade suppression.

Abstract

Adipose tissue serves as a primary approach for soft tissue defect repair, but clinical regeneration remains limited by inadequate adipogenic capacity. While astaxanthin (AST) can ameliorate adipose dysfunction, the underlying mechanisms governing its pro-adipogenic activity remain elusive. Here, we developed an AST-loaded decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) hydrogel with the aim of boosting adipogenic potential. Subcutaneous implantation of DAT-AST hydrogel into rabbit inguinal fat pad defects significantly enhanced adipogenesis and tissue restoration. In human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), astaxanthin significantly promoted the adipogenic differentiation by suppressing phosphorylation of RhoGDI1 at Ser174 - a newly identified AST-binding target. RhoGDI1 knockdown abolished AST-induced lipid accumulation and disrupted RhoGDI1 related signaling axis (RhoA/FAK/ERK1/2), demonstrating that RhoGDI1 dephosphorylation is essential for AST's pro-adipogenic action. Collectively, this work reveals a targetable pathway for adipose regeneration and establishes DAT as a promising delivery platform for AST therapeutics.