Adipogenesis : Signaling Pathways, Molecular Regulation & Impact on Human Disease

Adipogenesis is the process of cell differentiation by which preadipocytes become adipocytes. Adipogenesis has been one of the most intensively studied models of cellular differentiation. The exact mechanisms of adipogenesis remain unclear, since it involves abundant gene, growth factors, cytokines and environmental factors. This book provides an in-depth overview of current knowledge about the subject of adipogenesis in the human body, including what is known about molecular mechanisms (eg: cytokine- and growth-factor-related). Transcriptional regulators control the expression of target genes by the interaction with cofactors, coactivators, chromatin remodelling complexes and also with general transcriptional machinery. Current data suggests that adipogenesis is regulated by complex signalling pathway interactions involving multiple transcription factors. Many signaling pathways follow an inverse relationship between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. To provide better insight into the basic mechanisms of MSC fate determination, it is crucial to understand the various signalling pathways and cytokine interactions that co-ordinate this process. Further elucidation of this dichotomy may both improve understanding of human disease and speed the realisation of MSC mediated tissue engineering. There are a number of gaps in current knowledge of how adipogenesis actually occurs, and the authors are hopeful that the publication of this book will help researchers in this field to decide where to focus their future efforts. Contributions are therefore sought from anyone who is undertaking research in this area. The book will also provide an overview for surgeons and clinicians who wish to be kept abreast of developments in this fascinating subject.