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Fat cells outlive skinny ones

A new study from Michigan State University finds that fat cells, not lean cells, have a longer lifespan. The researchers used yeast to demonstrate that increasing the cellular content of triacylglycerol, or fat, extends lifespan. This finding supports the obesity paradox theory and has implications for human aging and health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2016

Brain receptor regulates fat burning in cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered a novel regulator of body weight: the P75 neurotrophin receptor. Lowering levels of p75 NTR protected mice from developing obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease on a high-fat diet. The receptor plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes that control body weight.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 12, 2016

Activating beige fat in humans could combat obesity

Researchers found that increasing energy expenditure with brown or brite/beige fat cells could be an effective way to fight obesity. The study suggests harnessing the body's natural mechanism of converting white fat cells into beige fat cells by using heat production and increasing the sympathetic nervous system's supply of blood vessels.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity Supplements·DateDec 16, 2015

New fat cell metabolism research could lead to new ways to treat diabetes and obesity

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how fat cells metabolize nutrients to produce fatty acids. This discovery could lead to new insights into potential irregularities in fat cell metabolism and help identify better drug targets for treating diabetes and obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 16, 2015

From brain, to fat, to weight loss

A breakthrough study has identified a neural mechanism responsible for fat breakdown, allowing researchers to develop novel anti-obesity therapies. The study found that fat tissue is innervated and direct stimulation of neurons in fat can induce fat breakdown, providing new hopes for treating central leptin resistance.

Stem cells derived from amniotic membrane can benefit retinal diseases when transplanted

Researchers successfully transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human amniotic membranes into laboratory mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy, demonstrating the potential of MSCs to suppress causes of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. The study found that AMSCs secrete growth factors that inhibit angiog...

New clues to the genetic origins of obesity

A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and MIT reveals a genetic circuit controlling fat storage versus burning. The research identifies two key genes, IRX3 and IRX5, which are under the control of the FTO gene variant associated with obesity. Manipulating this pathway may offer a new treatment approach for obesity.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 19, 2015

The role of intra-abdominal fat in IBD uncovered

A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that intra-abdominal fat cells may promote inflammation in IBD patients. The research isolated and cultured pre-intra-abdominal fat cells from healthy subjects and those with IBD, revealing significant differences in signaling mediators produced by...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 5, 2015

Intracellular microlasers could allow precise labeling of a trillion individual cells

Researchers have induced structures within cells to produce laser light, emitting specific wavelengths that allow for precise labeling and measurement of individual cells. This technology has the potential to tag up to a trillion cells, matching the estimated number of human body cells, enabling applications in basic research and disea...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 29, 2015

Factors released following stem cell transplantation therapeutically impact serious burns

Stem cell transplantation has been shown to accelerate healing in laboratory rats with severe burns. The treatment uses bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which enhanced local blood supply, modulated the immune system, and secreted growth factors with anti-inflammatory properties.

Epigenomics analysis reveals surprising new clues to insulin resistance

Researchers have identified two transcription factors, GR and VDR, that play a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance. Epigenomic modifications, such as changes in DNA structure, can be passed from cell to cell and between generations, and this study provides insights into how these modifications contribute to the condit...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 5, 2015

Shed post-Christmas pounds just by breathing

Researchers calculate that lungs excrete 8.4kg of CO2 when 10kg of fat is fully oxidized, shedding unwanted pounds. By breathing, individuals can lose up to 200 grams of carbon daily, with exercise further increasing weight loss through increased metabolic rate.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

Fat cells reprogrammed to increase fat burning

A team of researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has successfully reprogrammed white adipose tissue cells to become 'brite' (brown-in-white) fat cells, increasing energy consumption and potentially treating obesity. The study identified KLF11 as a key gene required for this process, paving the way for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 13, 2014

A pill for obesity?

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a system using human stem cells to screen for compounds that can turn white, or 'bad', fat cells into brown, or 'good' fat cells. They have identified two compounds that can accomplish this in human cells, taking the first step towards a potential pill for obesity treatment.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 8, 2014

'Good fat' could help manage type 2 diabetes

Researchers have discovered that brown fat, which burns calories and absorbs excess sugar, could be used to control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that activating brown fat cells could lead to a new way of managing the disease without daily insulin injections.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 23, 2014

Adenosine can melt 'love handles'

Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a new signaling pathway that utilizes adenosine to stimulate brown fat cells. This 'browning' process may help convert white fat cells into energy-burning brown cells, potentially aiding in weight loss and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2014

Scripps Research Institute scientists find new calorie-burning switch in brown fat

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified a signaling pathway that activates the powerful calorie-burning process in brown fat cells. The study found that a protein called GADD45γ works alongside PGC-1α to boost thermogenesis, offering new possibilities for treating obesity and diabetes.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2014

New insight into stem cell development

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark have discovered that proteins called transcription factors work together in a new and complex way to reprogram the DNA strand when a stem cell develops into a specific cell type. This discovery could lead to new ways of making stem cells develop into exactly the type of cells that a physi...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 22, 2014

Gene behind unhealthy adipose tissue identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified the EBF1 gene driving unhealthy adipose tissue development, associated with increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The study found that individuals with large fat cells had lower EBF1 expression, altered lipid mobilization, and insulin resistance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 22, 2014