Human Preadipocytes

Adipocytes play an important role in energy storage and metabolism. Adipocyte differentiation is a developmental process that is critical for metabolic homeostasis and nutrient signalling. It is controlled by complex actions involving gene expression and signal transduction.

Preadipocytes are present throughout adult life in adipose tissues and can proliferate and differentiate into mature adipocytes. The proliferation and differentiation of these preadipocytes contribute to increases in adipose tissue mass.

In vitro studies indicate that different tissue-derived preadipocytes exhibit differences in lipid accumulation, adipogenic transcription factor expression, and TNFα-induced apoptosis. It has also been demonstrated that there is a close relationship between adipocyte differentiation and many physiological and pathological processes including fat metabolism, energy balance, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and breast cancer.