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Marshall study identifies potential new target for treating atherosclerosis

Researchers at Marshall University have identified a cellular signaling pathway in fat cells that may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, offering a potential new target for treatment. Blocking this pathway in fat cells reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and decreased inflammation in blood vessels.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

Fat surrounding the colon interacts with the immune system

Research reveals that fat located near the colon contains an unusually high number of inflammatory fat cells and immune cells, suggesting a unique function in communicating with the immune system in the gut region. This tissue may be an adaptation to the gut microbiome and could contribute to amplifying or sustaining inflammation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Finding microproteins to treat obesity and metabolic disorders

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified dozens of microproteins that play a crucial role in regulating fat cell proliferation and lipid accumulation. This breakthrough discovery offers new potential drug targets for treating obesity and metabolic disorders, building on recent advances in CRISPR gene editing technologies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2025

Your cells can hear

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that cells can hear and respond to sound waves, leading to potential applications in medicine and healthcare. The study used acoustic pressure to induce cellular responses, revealing the suppression of fat cell formation and activation of mechanosensitive genes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

Adipocyte-hepatocyte signaling mechanism uncovered in endoplasmic reticulum stress response

A team of Chinese researchers identified a novel intercellular signaling mechanism between adipocytes and hepatocytes in endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The study reveals that ceramide, a fat molecule, plays a key role in activating the unfolded protein response pathway in hepatocytes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2025

Missing protein keeps mice slim, even on a high-fat diet

Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

CNIC scientists discover a key mechanism in fat cells that protects the body against energetic excess

Researchers identify caveolae's role in protecting adipocytes from rupture and inflammation; this discovery opens new avenues for treating metabolic diseases like obesity. The study highlights the importance of the caveolin-1 protein in maintaining cellular integrity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2024

Obesity-induced inflammation increases the secretion of extracellular vesicles from adipose tissue

Research from the University of Eastern Finland found that obesity-induced inflammation increases the secretion of extracellular vesicles from human adipocytes, which may contribute to the detrimental health effects of obesity. Visceral adipose tissue secretes more extracellular vesicles than subcutaneous adipose tissue.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateAug 19, 2024

Beige fat cells with a “Sisyphus mechanism”

Researchers have discovered a new type of beige fat cells that consume energy and produce heat through a futile-cycle mechanism, known as the 'Sisyphus mechanism'. These cells are found in adults and help break down excess fat, leading to improved metabolic health and reduced risk of obesity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2024

New model for in vitro production of human brown fat cells lays groundwork for obesity, diabetes cell therapy

A new model for producing human brown fat cells in vitro has been developed, providing a potential solution for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. The researchers identified key cellular signaling cues that lead to brown adipocyte formation and successfully reproduced this process in human pluripotent stem cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

A secret sibling of fat cells could hold new clues to understanding fat’s role in cardiometabolic diseases

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered a new type of fat cell called SWAT cells that provide structural integrity to adipose tissue. These flexible cells can differentiate into various types, including fat cells and progenitor cells, suggesting a crucial role in adapting to metabolic conditions.

Cells refine palm fat into olive oil

Scientists have found that cells break down and reassemble fatty acids to create more beneficial variants, such as oleic acid. This process, called triglyceride cycling, refines poorly usable fatty acids into higher-quality forms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2023

OHIO diabetes researchers discover the potential of CIDEC protein to mitigate obesity-related cardiometabolic disease

A team of researchers from Ohio University discovered that CIDEC protein improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction, reducing insulin resistance and lipid levels in high-fat diet-induced mice. The study contributes to understanding the role of the vascular endothelium in regulating systemic metabolism.

SourceOhio University·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal editorial probes into the role of blood vessels in treating obesity-related disorders

Researchers explore the interactions between adipose tissues and surrounding blood vessels in connection with lipid metabolism and associated diseases. Targeting angiogenesis may provide a gateway for treating obesity, while its inhibition or promotion depends on the specific disease context.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 22, 2022

Study published in Endocrinology by Heritage College researchers finds disruption of the growth hormone receptor gene in adipose tissue results in increased lifespan in mice

Researchers discovered that stopping GH activity in fat cells improves health and increases lifespan in mice. The study found approximately 23% lifespan extension due to GHR disruption, with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced frailty scores.

SourceOhio University·JournalEndocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Drug discovery method identifies naturally occurring metabolite that converts ‘bad’ fat to ‘good’ fat

A team of scientists at Scripps Research and Calibr discovered a naturally occurring metabolite called myristoylglycine that can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells, potentially treating obesity and related diseases. The breakthrough uses a novel drug discovery method to identify endogenous metabolites with therapeutic potential.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMetabolites·DateOct 13, 2022

High-fat diets trigger inflammatory immune cell generation in bone

A study found that high-fat diets fuel the creation of inflammatory immune cells in mouse bone marrow. These cells can later invade fat tissue, leading to insulin resistance and other complications associated with obesity. The bone marrow's sensitivity to environmental changes plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateSep 20, 2022

Molecule boosts fat burning

A new molecule, inosine, has been identified as a key booster of fat burning through activation of brown fat cells. Studies have shown that inosine can increase energy consumption and protect against diabetes in mice fed high-energy diets.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2022

Artificial intelligence model can predict whether Crohn disease will recur after surgery

An artificial intelligence model trained on histological images of surgical specimens accurately classified patients with and without Crohn disease recurrence. The model revealed previously unrecognized differences in adipose cells and mast cell infiltration, enabling stratification by prognosis for postoperative Crohn disease patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Furthering fat loss in the fasting response

A study by Osaka University investigated the relationship between autophagy and metabolism during fasting. Autophagy was found to play a key role in promoting fat loss during fasting, particularly through the upregulation of adipogenic genes. The findings may have important implications for understanding metabolism during aging.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAutophagy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022