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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Three-Dimensional Culture of Vascularized Thermogenic Adipose Tissue from Microvascular Fragments
Published on: February 3, 2023
Aging and adipose tissue: potential interventions for diabetes and regenerative medicine
Allyson K Palmer1, James L Kirkland1
1Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Abstract:
Adipose tissue dysfunction occurs with aging and has systemic effects, including peripheral insulin resistance, ectopic lipid deposition, and inflammation. Fundamental aging mechanisms, including cellular senescence and progenitor cell dysfunction, occur in adipose tissue with aging and may serve as potential therapeutic targets in age-related disease. In this review, we examine the role of adipose tissue in healthy individuals and explore how aging leads to adipose tissue dysfunction, redistribution, and changes in gene regulation. Adipose tissue plays a central role in longevity, and interventions restricted to adipose tissue may impact lifespan. Conversely, obesity may represent a state of accelerated aging. We discuss the potential therapeutic potential of targeting basic aging mechanisms, including cellular senescence, in adipose tissue, using type II diabetes and regenerative medicine as examples. We make the case that aging should not be neglected in the study of adipose-derived stem cells for regenerative medicine strategies, as elderly patients make up a large portion of individuals in need of such therapies.
Insights
Aging impairs adipose tissue function, leading to systemic issues like insulin resistance and inflammation. Targeting aging mechanisms in fat tissue offers potential therapeutic strategies for age-related diseases and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Adipose tissue dysfunction is a hallmark of aging, contributing to insulin resistance, ectopic lipid deposition, and inflammation.
- Cellular senescence and progenitor cell dysfunction in adipose tissue are key aging mechanisms with therapeutic implications.
- Obesity may accelerate aging processes within adipose tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of adipose tissue in aging and its systemic effects.
- To explore how aging impacts adipose tissue function, distribution, and gene regulation.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting aging mechanisms in adipose tissue for age-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on adipose tissue aging.
- Analysis of fundamental aging mechanisms (e.g., cellular senescence) in adipose tissue.
- Exploration of therapeutic interventions targeting adipose tissue in aging.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue dysfunction with aging contributes to systemic metabolic and inflammatory changes.
- Cellular senescence and progenitor cell dysfunction are critical aging processes in adipose tissue.
- Adipose tissue interventions show potential for impacting lifespan and treating age-related conditions.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in longevity, and targeting its aging processes may extend lifespan.
- Therapeutic strategies focusing on cellular senescence in adipose tissue hold promise for type II diabetes and regenerative medicine.
- The aging process must be considered in adipose-derived stem cell research for effective regenerative therapies in elderly populations.
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