The establishment of models of obesity, or more specifically the formation of fat cells (adipocytes), could potentially lead to the discovery of molecules responsible for different stages of the process, which could then be targeted as part of a novel therapeutic strategy.
In order to address this problem, Professor Michael Pepper, Director of the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and fellow researchers have for several years been isolating stem cells from the fat (adipose tissue) of human donors. These cells have been used to study fat cell formation in great detail in the laboratory, both from a functional and genetic perspective. The group has found new ways of identifying subtle differences between the different stages of the process, and has also identified several molecules, previously undescribed in the context of obesity, that may play a critical role in fat cell formation. These are the most comprehensive studies conducted to date on material of human origin. This is important since most of the work previously described had been done in mice, and since a mouse is not a man (or woman) there is always uncertainty regarding the applicability of these findings in humans.
What are the implications of these findings? First, it will almost certainly lead to an increased understanding of fat cell formation, which will impact on our understanding of the development, physiology and pathology of fat cells and adipose tissue. Second, it provides a means through which to identify new inhibitors of the process which may lead to the development of novel therapeutics. Third, it may contribute to our understanding of the genetics of obesity. And finally, a better understanding of how fat is formed in the human body may also contribute to the development of more effective weight management programmes.
Many diseases are associated with obesity, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Genetic susceptibility to obesity is a well-accepted phenomenon. But so is the contribution of an inappropriate diet and lack of exercise. While the studies from the Pepper group are unlikely to be able to change diets or activity levels, they may lead to the identification of pharmacotherapeutics that inhibit fat cell formation, irrespective of the environmental contribution.
Professor Michael Pepper and researchers at the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine
