Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
06:08
Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator
Published on: May 19, 2023
Reprogramming in delipidated adipocytes: metabolism, regulation and progress
Zhanshuo Chang1, Yunjun Liao2, Wenqing Jiang3
1Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Cell Death Discovery
|June 28, 2026
Summary
Mature fat cells can transform into stem cells, offering new avenues for regenerative medicine. This process involves metabolic and epigenetic changes, challenging traditional views of cell identity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Stem Cell Research
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Mature adipocytes, traditionally viewed as terminally differentiated cells, can undergo dedifferentiation.
- This dedifferentiation challenges established concepts of cell fate determination and mature cell identity.
- Dedifferentiated adipocytes represent a promising endogenous source for stem cells in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms and metabolic remodeling involved in adipocyte dedifferentiation.
- To explore the potential of dedifferentiated adipocytes in regenerative medicine.
- To highlight advanced research techniques for studying adipocyte dedifferentiation.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on adipocyte dedifferentiation protocols.
- Analysis of metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism and energy metabolite remodeling.
- Examination of organelle remodeling, protein alterations, and epigenetic modifications.
- Discussion of advanced techniques like lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- Adipocyte dedifferentiation involves significant lipid droplet depletion and metabolic reprogramming.
- Key intracellular substances, energy metabolites, proteins, and organelles undergo remodeling.
- Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in regulating the transition between differentiation stages.
- Advanced techniques enable precise tracking and dynamic analysis of dedifferentiation processes.
Conclusions:
- Mature adipocytes possess plasticity, enabling their conversion into mesenchymal stem cells.
- Understanding adipocyte dedifferentiation provides insights into cell fate and regenerative potential.
- Further research using advanced methods will refine our understanding and applications of dedifferentiated adipocytes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming
Reprogramming alters the gene expression in somatic cells, transforming them into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells over several generations. Scientists can reprogram cells by introducing genes for four transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) by viral or non-viral methods. These factors are also known as Yamanaka factors after Shinya Yamanaka, who first generated iPS cells using mouse skin cells. Yamanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for this...
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
01:32Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...