preadipocyte
Preadipocytes are adipocyte progenitor cells located in adipose tissue. They are derived from mesenchymal stem cells and reside within the stromal-vascular fraction of white and brown fat depots. Preadipocytes serve as a reservoir that can proliferate and, upon appropriate signals, differentiate into mature adipocytes.
During adipogenesis, preadipocytes undergo clonal expansion followed by activation of a transcriptional cascade. Early regulators such
Markers and identification: Pref-1 (Dlk1) is a common marker of immature preadipocytes, with its expression typically
Location, function, and relevance: Preadipocytes contribute to adipose tissue plasticity and mass expansion through hyperplasia. In