Our bodies contain a complex system of fat tissue that serves more functions than just storing extra energy. When functioning properly, fat tissue plays a crucial role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels and overall metabolic health. However, in cases of obesity, this system can malfunction as fat cells become enlarged, and researchers at UCLA have unraveled the reason behind it.
Published in Cell Reports | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
A team led by Dr. Claudio Villanueva at UCLA’s Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research has uncovered a vital molecular mechanism explaining why obesity leads to the enlargement of fat cells instead of their division to create smaller cells. This phenomenon is attributed to the inability of fat stem cells to produce necessary cellular building blocks known as ribosomal factors.
Dr. Villanueva explains, “Fat tissue is essential for maintaining normal glucose metabolism. In obesity, we have an excess of fat tissue that is not functioning optimally.”
When fat cells increase in size, they struggle to store energy efficiently, causing the excess energy to be redistributed to other parts of the body, potentially resulting in conditions like fatty liver disease and cardiovascular problems. The research team observed that in obese mice, fat cells were significantly larger compared to lean mice due to the deficiency of ribosomal factors in fat stem cells, hindering their ability to divide and generate new, healthy fat cells.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Administering a drug called rosiglitazone to obese mice stimulated the production of normal levels of ribosomal factors in fat stem cells, prompting the creation of new, smaller fat cells that can effectively store and process energy.
Interestingly, despite remaining obese post-treatment, the mice exhibited a disappearance of Type 2 diabetes symptoms. Dr. Villanueva likens the process to replacing one overflowing storage unit with multiple smaller ones, highlighting improved functionality.
This breakthrough discovery holds significance for communities that face a higher risk of obesity and diabetes, like the Latino community. Dr. Villanueva, originally from Nicaragua, is hopeful that this research will have a positive impact in these communities.
This research paves the way for developing treatments that enhance fat tissue function in individuals with obesity. By comprehending the growth and division mechanisms of fat cells, scientists can work towards therapies that promote the formation of healthy new fat cells, preventing the enlargement of existing ones.
Key Terms
- Ribosomal Factors
- Essential components aiding in protein synthesis, crucial for cell division and function.
- Fat Stem Cells
- Special cells in fat tissue capable of differentiating into new fat cells when required.
- Glucose Metabolism
- The process of utilizing glucose for energy production and maintaining blood sugar levels.
Test Your Knowledge
Why is having enlarged fat cells problematic?
Enlarged fat cells cannot store energy efficiently, leading to its redirection to other organs and potential health issues.
What role do ribosomal factors play in fat tissue health?
Ribosomal factors are essential for fat stem cells to divide and create new, healthy fat cells. Their deficiency results in the enlargement of existing fat cells.
How did the treatment affect the obese mice?
Though the mice remained obese, their Type 2 diabetes symptoms disappeared as their fat tissue functioned better with smaller, healthier fat cells.
Why is this research particularly significant for certain communities?
Certain communities, such as Latinos, are at higher risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, making this research crucial for developing targeted treatments.
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