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Sea lampreys turning up the heat

Researchers discovered a fat cell near male sea lampreys' dorsal fin produces heat when approached by females, a previously unknown mechanism in spawning. This finding sheds new light on the invasive species' biology and may help reduce its numbers or eliminate it from the Great Lakes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 27, 2013

UCLA scientists isolate new population of pluripotent stem cells in fat removed during liposuction

Researchers at UCLA have isolated a new population of pluripotent stem cells, called Multi-lineage Stress-Enduring (Muse-AT) cells, from fat tissue that can differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body. These cells are stress-resistant and may even be activated by severe stress, making them potentially superior source...

Conversion from bad fat to good fat

Scientists at ETH Zurich demonstrated that white and brown fat cells can convert into each other, challenging current beliefs. This interconversion process is likely to occur in humans as well, offering a novel strategy for treating obesity by promoting brown fat formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 28, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 6, 2012

Researchers found that CCR9 is abundant in early stage colon cancer but lacks in invasive and metastatic cancer, suggesting its role in reducing cancer spread. Activation of NOTCH promotes degradation of CCR9, inhibiting the chemokine-induced signaling pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 6, 2012

In adult humans, brown fat is actually beige

Researchers identified a third type of fat cell, beige adipocytes, that can be activated to burn energy and generate heat in both mice and humans. Beige fat cells are genetically intermediate between white and brown fat, and respond to hormone irisin, which is released during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2012

JCI early table of contents for June 25, 2012

Scientists identify WNT signaling pathway as potential therapeutic target for obesity. Antibiotic treatment after Lyme disease shows fluorescent bacterial debris remains without causing infection. Oxidative stress contributes to parasite persistence in host tissues, opening new avenue for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drugs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2012

The skinny on what makes us fat

Research found that SFRP5-deficient mice showed increased metabolic activity and were resistant to diet-induced obesity, revealing the mechanism of SFRP5-mediated fat cell generation. The study suggests targeting the WNT signaling pathway could be a therapeutic approach to treat obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2012

The fat stopper

Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called endoglin that regulates the creation of fat cells. By decreasing the amount of this protein on the surface of cells, it may be possible to force fat cells to transform into other cell types, potentially leading to new treatments for osteoporosis and obesity.

The heart can make 'bad' fat burn calories

Researchers discovered that cardiac natriuretic peptides can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells in mice and humans, increasing energy usage and potentially aiding in weight loss. The study suggests a new approach to combating the obesity epidemic.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2012

Heart hormone helps shape fat metabolism

A new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute suggests that the heart hormone natriuretic peptides play a role in breaking down fat. The peptides turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2012

Yale researchers reveal 1 reason why fat cells fail

A Yale research team discovered a mechanism that enables fat cells to expand when excess metabolic energy is present, helping them store and use fatty acids efficiently. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular balance and preventing the breakdown of fat storage capacity in obese individuals.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2011