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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
08:34

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Published on: June 3, 2016

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 regulates adipose tissue expansion and is dysregulated in severe obesity

C Lagathu1, C Christodoulides, C Y Tan

  • 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|June 2, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) promotes adipogenesis and adipose tissue expansion by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Reduced SFRP1 in morbid obesity may worsen metabolic complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and metabolic homeostasis.
  • Obesity is linked to metabolic complications, necessitating novel therapeutic targets.
  • Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) is a Wnt antagonist with a poorly understood role in adipose tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of SFRP1 in adipogenesis and adipose tissue expansion.
  • To determine SFRP1's involvement in obesity-related metabolic syndrome.
  • To elucidate SFRP1's function as a potential therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized in vitro and in vivo models of adipogenesis using human and murine cells.
  • Analyzed adipose tissue expansion and obesity-related metabolic syndrome.
  • Investigated SFRP1 expression and function in mature adipocytes and adipose tissue.

Main Results:

  • SFRP1 is expressed in mature adipocytes and induced during adipogenesis.
  • Ectopic SFRP1 expression promoted adipogenesis and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
  • Adipose SFRP1 levels showed dynamic, biphasic regulation in diet-induced obesity models.
  • Human SFRP1 expression peaked in mild obesity and decreased in morbid obesity.

Conclusions:

  • SFRP1 acts as an endogenous modulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in adipogenesis.
  • SFRP1 participates in the paracrine regulation of human adipogenesis.
  • Reduced SFRP1 in morbid obesity may impair adipose tissue expansion, contributing to metabolic complications.

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