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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Expansion and Adipogenesis Induction of Adipocyte Progenitors from Perivascular Adipose Tissue Isolated by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting
Published on: June 30, 2017
Concise review: adipocyte origins: weighing the possibilities
Susan M Majka1, Yaacov Barak, Dwight J Klemm
1Gates Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.
Stem Cells (Dayton, Ohio)
|May 6, 2011
Summary
Regional fat differences are crucial for understanding obesity. Distinct adipocyte populations, originating from various cell sources, explain these functional variations and their links to metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Metabolic Disease Research
Background:
- Adipose tissue functions as an energy reservoir and endocrine organ, regulating energy homeostasis, feeding, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.
- Previously assumed homogenous, adipose tissue exhibits regional functional and characteristic differences, notably linking visceral fat accumulation to metabolic disturbances.
- These regional disparities are attributed to distinct adipocyte populations within different fat depots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developmental origins of distinct adipocyte populations.
- To examine the processes generating regional adipose tissue diversity.
- To explore the relevance of these processes to normal adipose tissue formation and obesity-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and evidence.
- Analysis of studies on adipocyte origins and differentiation pathways.
- Examination of the link between regional fat differences and metabolic health.
Main Results:
- Adipocyte populations differ based on anatomical location and developmental origin.
- Distinct adipocyte populations arise from various sources, including different germ cell layers, mesenchymal progenitors, and hematopoietic stem cells.
- Regional fat distribution significantly impacts metabolic health, with visceral fat strongly associated with obesity-related conditions.
Conclusions:
- Regional differences in adipose tissue are driven by distinct adipocyte populations with varied origins.
- Understanding these diverse origins is key to comprehending adipose tissue function and its role in metabolic diseases.
- Targeting specific adipocyte populations may offer new strategies for managing obesity and related disorders.
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