Newly Discovered Subtypes of Fat Cells in Humans

Key Takeaways

Identification of unique fat cell subtypes.
Potential for personalized obesity treatments.
Research conducted by Ben Gurion University.
Study part of the Human Cell Atlas project.
Link between fat cell types and insulin resistance.

Jerusalem, Feb 18 (NationPress) A groundbreaking international study has identified distinct subpopulations of fat cells for the very first time. Researchers from Israel's Ben Gurion University (BGU) noted that this research could lead to advancements in personalized medicine for obesity, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

This study, which is part of the international Human Cell Atlas initiative, mapped fat cell populations across various human fat tissues, with an emphasis on subcutaneous and visceral fat.

By utilizing RNA mapping technologies, the team was able to assign unique “barcodes” to RNA from individual cells, enabling them to pinpoint different cell types within fat tissue.

Published in the journal Nature Genetics, the findings showcased previously uncharacterized subtypes, including fat cells that play roles in regulating inflammation, blood vessel formation, extracellular protein deposition, and fibrosis. Notably, one unique type of fat cell was identified for the first time in this study, which was found exclusively in the intra-abdominal tissue.

Over the past three decades, our understanding of fat tissue has transformed from viewing it solely as an energy storage site to appreciating its role in producing proteins that manage appetite, eating behaviors, and energy expenditure, such as leptin, which influences centers in the brain.

While most fat cells in subcutaneous and visceral fat were largely similar, subtle differences in their intercellular communication were observed. Visceral fat cells were more involved in pro-inflammatory processes, interacting with immune cells, while subcutaneous fat cells concentrated on anti-inflammatory activities.

The team also found that the presence of these unique fat cells correlated with metabolic complications linked to obesity, showing that their proportion in the tissue increased with the severity of insulin resistance.

The researchers believe that if these unique fat cells can predict individual risks for obesity complications or responses to treatment, their findings could greatly enhance personalized approaches to obesity treatment.