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Signals from skin cells control fat cell specialization

Research at Kobe University reveals that protein secretions by skin cells, keratinocytes, regulate the differentiation of subsurface skin fat cells into white or brown adipose tissue. The study found that suppressing growth factor proteins BMP2 and FGF21 can decrease white fat cell numbers and increase brown fat cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 25, 2019

What made humans 'the fat primate'?

Research suggests that humans have lost the ability to shunt fat cells toward beige or brown fat, leading to an increased reliance on calorie-storing white fat. This shift may have provided an energy advantage for human brain growth, but also contributes to modern obesity.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJun 26, 2019

Study: Phenols in cocoa bean shells may reverse obesity-related problems in mouse cells

Scientists at the University of Illinois found that three phenolic compounds in cocoa bean shells can repair damaged mitochondria, block inflammation, and restore insulin sensitivity in white fat cells. The study suggests that consuming these compounds could prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJun 20, 2019

Fat cells work different 'shifts' throughout the day

Researchers identified 727 genes in fat tissue that express their own circadian rhythm, many carrying out key metabolic functions. Morning-peaking transcripts regulate gene expression and nucleic acid biology, while evening-peaking transcripts are associated with redox activity and organic acid metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2019

Blocking hormone uptake burns more fat

A new study reveals that blocking the uptake of a hormone called norepinephrine in fat cells increases metabolism and burns stored fat. The discovery highlights the importance of beige fat tissue, which plays a key role in thermogenesis and regulating body temperature.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 17, 2019

Patients' own cells and materials used to create personalized tissue implants of any kind

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a personalized tissue implant technology that uses patients' own cells and materials, allowing for the creation of any type of tissue implant with minimal immune response risk. This breakthrough has the potential to regenerate damaged or diseased organs with high efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 12, 2018

Fat cells control fat cell growth

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered a new type of regulatory fat cell called Aregs that inhibits the formation of new fat cells. This discovery opens up promising avenues for future therapies to protect obese people from diabetes and other secondary illnesses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2018

Fat cell filling, ketogenic diet, and the history of biochemistry

Researchers investigated brown fat cells after whitening, finding they are more likely to die than white adipocytes. Whitened fat tissue also shows increased inflammation and macrophages. The ketogenic diet regulates metabolites but not brain levels, suggesting changes in plasma metabolism may not always cross the blood-brain barrier.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 13, 2018

Study finds how fat tissue shunts energy to tumors

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute reveal that the loss of p62 in fat cells fuels aggressive prostate cancer by inhibiting energy-consuming processes. This discovery opens new avenues for therapeutic targeting and highlights the importance of considering whole-body metabolism in cancer treatment.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 9, 2018

Watch fat cells help heal a wound in a fly

Researchers found that fat body cells in Drosophila propel themselves forward towards wounds using a wave-like motion, effectively sealing them and preventing infection. The cells work together with immune cells to aid healing and increase antimicrobial peptide production.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 26, 2018