Study finds cell that may be key to treating obesity

In a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, researchers identified a population of cells in human omental adipose tissue that hinders the formation of new fat cells, a process known as adipogenesis.

Understanding how fat tissue forms and functions is crucial for addressing obesity and related metabolic diseases. However, adipose tissue, or body fat, behaves differently based on its location in the body.

Adipose cells, commonly known as fat cells, exhibit distinct behaviors depending on their location in the body. Subcutaneous fat, found just beneath the skin, serves as an energy reserve and provides insulation against temperature changes. This type of fat tends to be more metabolically active and can readily release fatty acids for energy when needed.

In contrast, visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines, is more hormonally active and secretes inflammatory substances that can contribute to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Visceral fat is less responsive to signals that regulate fat breakdown and tends to accumulate more easily in individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders.

In the study, the researchers used advanced single-cell RNA sequencing to analyse cells from various human fat depots, isolating different cellular subpopulations and testing their ability to turn into new fat cells. The study, supported by several medical institutions, involved over thirty human donors to make a detailed comparison across different fat locations.

The study revealed a subset of mesothelial cells within adipose tissue that transitioned towards mesenchymal properties, potentially influencing the tissue's adipogenic potential. This dynamic shift between cellular states allows these cells to regulate the microenvironment, limiting adipose tissue expansion and mitigating metabolic complications associated with fat accumulation.

“Importantly, we also uncovered at least part of the molecular mechanism by which this new cell population affects adipogenesis. Specifically, the cells express high levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2, a protein known to inhibit adipogenesis, and secrete this protein in the cells’ microenvironment. This in turn affects specific receptors on nearby adipose stem and progenitor cells, effectively preventing them from developing into mature fat cells,” said Radiana Ferrero, one of the study’s lead authors.

Reference: Radiana Ferrero, Pernille Yde Rainer, Marie Rumpler, et al.; A human omentum-specific mesothelial-like stromal population inhibits adipogenesis through IGFBP2 secretion, Cell Metabolism, 2024; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.04.017.