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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Isolation and Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells from Porcine Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues
Published on: March 31, 2016
Beyond adiponectin and leptin: adipose tissue-derived mediators of inter-organ communication
Jan-Bernd Funcke1, Philipp E Scherer2
1Touchstone Diabetes Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
Abstract:
The breakthrough discoveries of leptin and adiponectin more than two decades ago led to a widespread recognition of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ. Many more adipose tissue-secreted signaling mediators (adipokines) have been identified since then, and much has been learned about how adipose tissue communicates with other organs of the body to maintain systemic homeostasis. Beyond proteins, additional factors, such as lipids, metabolites, noncoding RNAs, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by adipose tissue participate in this process. Here, we review the diverse signaling mediators and mechanisms adipose tissue utilizes to relay information to other organs. We discuss recently identified adipokines (proteins, lipids, and metabolites) and briefly outline the contributions of noncoding RNAs and EVs to the ever-increasing complexities of adipose tissue inter-organ communication. We conclude by reflecting on central aspects of adipokine biology, namely, the contribution of distinct adipose tissue depots and cell types to adipokine secretion, the phenomenon of adipokine resistance, and the capacity of adipose tissue to act both as a source and sink of signaling mediators.
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