Adipose Tissue Remodeling and Adipose Precursors

Abstract

As an endocrine organ, adipose (fat) tissue plays a major role in maintaining whole-body energy homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissues are highly plastic, constantly adapting their mass and function in response to different types of physiological and pathological stimuli. Recent studies revealed that adipocytes from anatomically distinct adipose tissues have unique functions and contribute differently to whole-body metabolism. In this article, we will introduce the three principal types of adipose tissues: white, brown, and beige. White adipose tissue is specialized for storing and releasing lipid, highly responsive to the systemic energy balance. Different from white adipose tissue, brown and beige adipose tissue dissipate energy for heat generation, playing a critical role in adaptive thermogenesis. We will review how white and brown adipose tissue develop during the early stage, and how white adipose tissue expands, regenerate, and redistribute in the adult stage, with new and emerging evidence indicating that visceral and subcutaneous white adipose tissue are fundamentally separate organs. We will also introduce the recent knowledge about white, brown, and beige adipocyte precursor pools within the adipose tissue stromal, and how these precursors are regulated by various adipogenic conditions and contribute to the development, renewal, and expansion of adipocyte pools. Overall, this article is intended to serve as an introduction to the recent advance in adipocyte cell biology and to familiarize the reader with adipose tissue development and plasticity.