To assess the transcript variability in a wide panel of samples we put together a set of 180 samples selected to encompass a broad range of adipose tissue origins and experimental conditions (Table 1). Human fat depots were represented by omental, abdominal subcutaneous, and gluteal tissue. The effect of obesity was considered: lean (BMI <25 kg/m2) vs. obese (BMI >30 kg/m2), with equal gender representation. Growth pattern and stimulation of adipogenesis was represented by including surgically removed lipomas vs. normal adjacent adipose tissue and samples taken before and after 14 days of systemic rosiglitazone treatment (4 mg BD) (11 (link)). Methodological issues like biopsy retrieval method (needle vs. surgical) and RNA extraction method (Tri-reagent vs. column) were also included. Finally we prepared differentiated adipocytes from preadipocytes isolated from the stromovascular fraction of subcutaneous biopsies (Table 1). Needle biopsy samples were taken under local anesthesia using a 12-gauge needle and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Surgical biopsies were taken during elective surgery and immediately frozen. Preadipocytes were differentiated and exposed to either 0 μm, 50 μm, or 200 μm palmitate (13 (link)). All biopsies and cells were homogenized in Tri-reagent (cat. no. AM9738, Ambion, Austin, TX) and RNA was extracted with either a standard Tri-reagent protocol or using Ambion MirVana columns (cat. no. AM1561, Ambion).