adipogénesis

Adipogenesis is the biological process by which adipocytes, the fat-storing cells of adipose tissue, are formed from precursor cells. In mammals, this process occurs during embryonic development and continues after birth as organisms grow and store energy. Adipogenesis is commonly divided into two stages: determination, in which mesenchymal stem cells commit to the adipocyte lineage and form preadipocytes, and terminal differentiation, in which preadipocytes acquire the characteristics of mature adipocytes capable of lipid storage and adipokine secretion.

The lineage and its regulation are governed by a transcriptional cascade. Key drivers include PPAR gamma (PPARγ) and members of the C/EBP family, particularly C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ initiating the program and C/EBPα collaborating with PPARγ to maintain the adipocyte phenotype. Differentiation is promoted by signals such as insulin, glucocorticoids, and agents that raise cyclic AMP, while inhibitory cues include Wnt signaling, TGF-β pathways, and Notch signaling. Epigenetic mechanisms also shape the timing and extent of adipogenesis by modifying chromatin accessibility.

In adipose tissue, expansion can occur through hyperplasia (increase in adipocyte number) or hypertrophy (increase in cell size). Adipogenesis contributes to obesity by enabling the formation of more adipocytes to store lipids, and mature adipocytes secrete adipokines that influence systemic metabolism. Brown and beige adipocytes arise from related progenitors and contribute to non-shivering thermogenesis.

Clinical relevance includes the use of PPARγ agonists to improve insulin sensitivity in some metabolic disorders, reflecting the link between adipogenesis and metabolic health.