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Updated: May 10, 2026
13:09
Segmentation and Measurement of Fat Volumes in Murine Obesity Models Using X-ray Computed Tomography
Published on: April 4, 2012
Developmental origin of fat: tracking obesity to its source
Stephane Gesta1, Yu-Hua Tseng, C Ronald Kahn
1Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Cell
|October 25, 2007
Summary
Obesity development hinges on the balance between energy storage (white adipose tissue) and expenditure (brown adipose tissue). Understanding fat
Area of Science:
- Adipose tissue biology
- Metabolic disease research
- Developmental origins of health and disease
Background:
- Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder influenced by energy balance.
- White adipose tissue (WAT) stores energy, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) expends it.
- Specific WAT depots are linked to metabolic complications like diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developmental origins of adipose tissue heterogeneity.
- To explore how fat's diverse characteristics contribute to obesity.
- To understand the role of fat heterogeneity in the obesity epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of developmental biology and metabolic research.
- Analysis of physiological, cellular, and molecular fat heterogeneity.
- Synthesis of factors contributing to obesity development.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue exhibits significant heterogeneity based on developmental origins.
- This heterogeneity influences energy storage and expenditure dynamics.
- Specific fat depots have differential impacts on metabolic health.
Conclusions:
- Developmental origins are crucial for understanding adipose tissue function.
- Adipose tissue heterogeneity is a key factor in obesity.
- Targeting developmental pathways may offer strategies against obesity.
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