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A stem cell target for expanding waistlines?

Scientists have discovered a protein marker on the surface of adipose stromal cells (ASCs), which drive fat expansion in the body. The finding may lead to developing a method to inactivate these cells, potentially treating obesity and improving regenerative therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 16, 2011

Study identifies cells that give rise to brown fat

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified progenitor cells in mouse white fat tissue and skeletal muscle that can be transformed into brown fat cells. The study found that exposure to the protein BMP-7 and the diabetes drug rosiglitazone increased conversion rates, suggesting a potential for cell-based brown fat therapies.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2010

Mayo Clinic finds upper, lower body gain weight differently

Researchers found that increased abdominal fat increases the risk of metabolic disease, while fat gain in the thighs lowers the risk. The study challenges the concept that the number of fat cells remains stable in adults and suggests a potential protective effect of lower-body fat cells.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2010

Scientists 'reprogram' mouse fat cells into clinically useful stem cells

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed adult mouse fat cells and neural cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) that can differentiate into various cell types. The study demonstrates that adipose tissue-derived cells are the most amenable to reprogramming, making them a promising source for clinical applications.

A 'fat forward' research tool

Researchers have developed a microscope-based cell scanner to measure physical parameters in Petri dishes, allowing scientists to investigate fat cells at the cellular level. This tool enables rapid assessment of individual cell changes under experimental conditions, providing clues about treatment toxicity or effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMay 6, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2009

High urea levels in chronic kidney failure have been found to be toxic, leading researchers to suggest a potential new treatment strategy. Antioxidant therapy was shown to restore insulin sensitivity in mice with end-stage kidney disease. Similarly, targeting the molecular link Mdm2 may help prevent progression of late-stage metastatic...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2009

Brown fat cells make 'spare tires' shrink

Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a way to turn on the 'natural heating system' in brown fat cells, which can lead to increased energy expenditure and reduced body weight. By activating this mechanism, it may be possible to fight obesity with fat.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 1, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 12, 2009

Researchers have identified a counterbalancing role for the phosphorylation of alpha-synuclein amino acid 125 in nerve cell protection against alpha-synuclein-mediated toxicity. Higher levels of this phosphorylated form were found to decrease toxic soluble oligomers and protect against Parkinson's disease symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2009

Inhibiting the cellular process autophagy makes mice leaner

A new study reveals that inhibiting autophagy in mice leads to an increase in brown fat cells and a reduction in body mass. The researchers conclude that autophagy has a crucial role in regulating the formation of distinct fat cell types, providing a potential avenue for treating obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2009

White tea -- the solution to the obesity epidemic?

Researchers have found that white tea extract effectively reduces the generation of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells. White tea, a less processed version of green tea, contains ingredients such as methylxanthines and epigallocatechin-3-gallate that may be responsible for its anti-adipogenic effects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateApr 30, 2009

Expanding cell girth indicates seriousness of breast cancer

Researchers have created a rapid cell inspection technique that can identify metastatic breast cancer cells, which have compromised the cell's structure and compromise deformation. The technique uses an electrical field within a microscopic fluid-filled channel and has been shown to expand cells by 75% in metastatic cases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2008

Not all fat is created equal

A recent study published in the journal Diabetes found that fat tissue in obese patients has impaired cellular function, leading to increased risk of insulin resistance and related conditions. The researchers discovered significant differences in the cellular structure and function of fat cells between lean and obese individuals.

SourceTemple University·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 27, 2008