Fibroblast Growth Factor 6 Promotes Adipocyte Progenitor Cell Proliferation for Adipose Tissue Homeostasis.

Area of Science:

• Metabolic research
• Cell biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Adipocyte progenitor cell (APC) proliferation is vital for adipose tissue expansion and function.
• Regulators of APC proliferation are not well understood, particularly in conditions like obesity and aging.
• Adipose tissue fibrosis, inflammation, and insulin resistance are key features of metabolic dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key regulators of adipocyte progenitor cell (APC) proliferation.
• To investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF6) in adipose tissue homeostasis.
• To determine the impact of FGF6 on insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.

Main Methods:

• Investigated fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF6) signaling in adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs).
• Utilized FGF6 overexpression and blockade models in mouse inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT).
• Assessed effects on APC proliferation, adipose tissue expansion, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF6) promotes APC proliferation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling.
• FGF6 overexpression in iWAT ameliorated diet- or aging-induced adipose hypertrophy and insulin resistance.
• FGF6 blockade impaired adipose tissue expansion and glucose tolerance.

Conclusions:

• Fibroblast growth factor 6 (FGF6) is a critical proliferative factor for adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs).
• FGF6 plays a significant role in maintaining adipose tissue homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.
• Targeting FGF6 may offer therapeutic potential for metabolic disorders associated with obesity and aging.