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Adipose cell apoptosis: death in the energy depot
A Sorisky1, R Magun, A M Gagnon
1Department of Medicine and Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Loeb Health Research Institute at the Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Canada. asorisky@Lri.ca
Abstract:
Apoptosis is critical for mammalian tissue homeostasis, and its disruption has been linked to a wide variety of disorders, including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease and diabetes. This review will focus on recent investigations that have begun to address the potential role of apoptosis in adipose tissue growth. Evidence for apoptosis occurring in mature adipocytes has been obtained through the use of in vitro cell culture models as well as in vivo studies in rodents and humans. Preadipocytes, fibroblast-like adipocyte precursor cells, can also undergo apoptotic cell death. As they differentiate, preadipocytes acquire a relative resistance to apoptosis. The levels of the cell survival proteins Bcl-2 and neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) have been observed to increase during adipogenesis. Further research on the effect of apoptosis on adipose tissue cellularity should clarify its influence on adipose tissue mass and distribution.
Insights
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a role in adipose tissue growth. Research shows both mature fat cells and preadipocytes undergo apoptosis, influencing body fat.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Apoptosis is crucial for maintaining mammalian tissue homeostasis.
- Disruptions in apoptosis are implicated in diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- The role of apoptosis in adipose tissue growth is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent investigations on the role of apoptosis in adipose tissue growth.
- To explore evidence of apoptosis in mature adipocytes and preadipocytes.
- To understand how apoptosis influences adipose tissue cellularity, mass, and distribution.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing in vitro cell culture models.
- Conducting in vivo studies in rodents and humans.
- Analyzing changes in cell survival proteins like Bcl-2 and neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) during adipogenesis.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports apoptosis occurring in both mature adipocytes and preadipocytes.
- Preadipocytes exhibit increased resistance to apoptosis as they differentiate.
- Levels of cell survival proteins, Bcl-2 and NAIP, rise during adipogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis contributes to the regulation of adipose tissue cellularity.
- Understanding apoptosis in fat cells is key to clarifying its influence on adipose tissue mass and distribution.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the impact of apoptosis on metabolic health.