Lipid accumulation in adipose tissue-resident iNKT cells contributes to an inflammatory phenotype.

Reciprocal communication between adipocytes and immune cells is essential to maintain optimal adipose tissue (AT) functionality. Amongst others, adipocytes directly interact with invariant NKT cells (iNKT cells), which in turn secrete various cytokines. A lipid-rich microenvironment, as observed in obesity, skews this adipocyte-driven cytokine output towards a more inflammatory output. Whether a lipid-rich microenvironment also affects iNKT cells directly, however, is unknown. Here, we show that primary mouse iNKT cells isolated from AT can accumulate lipids in lipid droplets (LDs), more so than liver- and spleen-resident iNKT cells. Furthermore, a lipid-rich microenvironment increased the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IFNγ. Next, to an indirect, adipocyte-mediated cue, iNKT cells can directly respond to environmental lipid changes, supporting a potential role as nutrient sensors.

Exosomal miR-199a-3p Secreted From Cancer-Associated Adipocytes Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer. Recent studies indicated that cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs) play crucial roles in tumor progression; however, the precise mechanism remains unknown. Here, we analyzed specific exosomal microRNAs (miRNA) signatures derived from pancreatic CAAs to investigate their role in cancer progression. METHODS: CAAs were generated by co-culturing human adipocytes with human pancreatic cancer cells, and exosomes were isolated from the CAA-conditioned medium (CAA-CM). Small RNA-seq analysis was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in these exosomes. The effects of miRNAs on cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and drug sensitivity were examined. Luciferase reporter assays, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the miRNAs. The clinical relevance of the miRNAs was investigated using publicly available data and our cohort of patients with PDAC. RESULTS: miR-199a-3p expression was significantly increased in CAA-CM-derived exosomes. CAA-derived exosomes transferred miR-199a-3p to pancreatic cancer cells. Transfection with miR-199a-3p increased the proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance of pancreatic cancer cells by downregulating SOCS7, increasing STAT3 phosphorylation, and upregulating SAA1 expression. High tissue miR-199a-3p expression is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. Liquid biopsies revealed that exosomal miR-199a-3p could accurately differentiate patients with PDAC from healthy controls. Multivariate survival analysis indicated that miR-199a is an independent prognostic factor for PDAC. CONCLUSION: miR-199a-3p in CAA-derived exosomes contributes to the malignant transformation of pancreatic cancer via the SOCS7/STAT3/SAA1 pathway, suggesting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.

Composition of gut microbiota in obese and normal-weight Uygur adults and its association with adipocyte-related factors.

Obesity is a serious global health issue. Emerging evidence indicates that the gut microbiota may contribute to the development of obesity, possibly by instigating inflammatory processes. The objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the gut microbiota composition in obese and normal-weight Uygur adults, while examining the associations with adipocyte-related factors and dietary variables. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-seven Uygur adults with obesity and twenty Uygur adults with normal-weight were recruited from a local community. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Adipocyte-related factors were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the gut microbiota composition between the two groups and to identify correlations between gut microbiota and adipocyte-related factors. Compared with the normal-weight group, the obese group exhibited a marked reduction in both diversity and richness of the gut microbiota, alongside a decrease in Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, Coprococcus_2, and Parabacteroides, and an increase in Megamonas and Lachnoclostridium, implying a potential link to the development of obesity. Individuals with obesity were found to have higher Leptin (LEP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) than normal-weight individuals. Obese Uygur adults exhibited a gut microbiota characterized by diminished diversity and richness relative to normal-weight individuals. Parabacteroides, Megamonas, and Lachnoclostridium may play an important role in the development of obesity in Uygur population. Underlying mechanisms need further investigation.

Hypomethylation at PANDAR promoter progressively induces senescence in adipocyte precursor cells in subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) is heterogeneous among individuals with obesity. Functional decline of adipocyte precursor cells (APCs) and accumulation of senescent cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissue contributes to the progression toward T2D. LncRNAs regulate cell senescence and may be implicated in determining this abnormality in APCs. Here, we report that APCs from individuals with obesity show a gradual increase in multiple senescence markers, which worsens in parallel with the progression from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or T2D. Transcriptomic analysis identified PANDAR as the top-ranked lncRNA differentially expressed in APCs from individuals with obesity and T2D and non-obese subjects. Q-PCR confirmed PANDAR up-regulation in APCs from individuals with obesity, at progressively increased levels in those who developed, respectively, IGT and T2D. Bisulfite sequencing and luciferase assays revealed that, in parallel with glucose tolerance deterioration, the -1317 CpG at the PANDAR promoter became hypo-methylated in obesity, resulting in enhanced PANDAR induction by p53. PANDAR silencing in senescent APCs from individuals with obesity and T2D caused repression of senescence programs and cell cycle re-entry. PANDAR transcription in white blood cells (WBCs) mirrored that in APCs. Also, individuals with obesity exhibited rescue of PANDAR transcription in WBCs following bariatric surgery, accompanied by enhanced methylation at the regulatory PANDAR -1317 CpG. In conclusion, PANDAR dysregulation is a newly identified mechanism determining the early senescence of APCs from individuals with obesity, which worsens along the progression toward T2D. In the future, PANDAR targeting may represent a valuable strategy to delay this progression.

MicroRNA dynamics in irisin-mediated signaling pathways within adipose tissue.

The regulation of adipose tissue metabolism by irisin involves modulating gene expressions related to energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity via miRNA-mediated signaling pathways within adipose tissue. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the role of irisin is vital for addressing obesity and related metabolic complications. In this study, we undertook an extensive miRNA transcriptomic approach to identify differentially expressed miRNAs following irisin exposure in adipocytes and murine white adipose tissue. Our findings spotlighted two miRNAs, miRNA-758 and miRNA-668, as being influenced by irisin. To understand the impact of the modulations of these miRNAs by irisin, we performed a signaling pathway and network analysis. After irisin exposure, both, miRNA-758 and miRNA-668, emerged as key regulators in leptin and CDK5 signaling pathways. Leptin, a hormone originating from adipose tissue, is primarily produced by adipocytes, and its effects are known to be mediated by CDK5. In essence, this study identifies pivotal genes and miRNAs in irisin-driven mechanisms in adipose tissue, offering valuable insights for crafting novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic and associated disorders.

Older spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) have delayed and spatially heterogenous ear wound regeneration.

The African spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) is a unique mammalian model of tissue regeneration, regenerating 4 mm ear-hole punches with cartilage, adipocytes, hair follicles, and muscle. However, the time to regenerate ear tissue varies from 20 to 90 days and muscle regeneration is inconsistent. Some report that older spiny mice have delayed regeneration without investigation on the regenerative capacity of muscle. We thought that delayed regeneration and inconsistent muscle regeneration could be linked via age-related nerve degeneration. While the current study found that spiny mice aged 6-9 months had delayed regeneration compared to 3-4 month-old spiny mice, the capacity of muscle regeneration was unrelated to age, and there was little evidence for age-related nerve degeneration. Instead, the regeneration of muscle, cartilage and adipocytes was spatially heterogeneous, declining in amount from the proximal to distal region of the regenerated tissue. Also, cartilage regeneration in the distal region was decreased in ≥22-month-old Acomys and adipocyte regeneration was decreased in those older than 6 months, compared to 3-4 month olds. While the underlying mechanisms for delayed and spatially heterogenous regeneration remain unclear, age and the spatial region of the regenerated tissue should be considered in experimental designs with spiny mice.

10-Gingerol reduces cytoplasmic lipid droplets and induces lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Obesity is a globally prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by an increased number of adipose cells and excessive fat in adipocytes. Herbal medicines, such as ginger, have shown potential in treating obesity by inhibiting adipogenesis and reducing adipocyte hypertrophy. Ginger contains bioactive compounds, particularly gingerols, which have demonstrated anti-adipogenic and/or lipolytic effects. However, research on the effects of 10-gingerol on adipose tissue remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 10-gingerol on lipid content, lipolysis markers, and the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Three groups were analyzed: a negative control (preadipocytes), a positive control (mature adipocytes), and a group treated with 10-gingerol (10-G). Results showed that 10-G reduced lipid accumulation by 42.16% in mature adipocytes compared to the control, without affecting cell viability. Additionally, 10-G increased glycerol release and downregulated lipogenic genes such as Pparγ, Acaca, Fabp4, and Mtor, while upregulating genes related to fatty acid oxidation, including Cebpα, Cpt1a, Lipe, and Prkaa1. In conclusion, 10-gingerol reduces lipid content in mature adipocytes by downregulating lipogenesis, increasing lipolysis, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation.

Adipose Tissue Macrophages.

In obesity, adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are abundant immune cells in the adipose tissue and are known as inducers of metabolic inflammation that may lead to insulin resistance and immune disorders associated with obesity. However, much less is known about the ontogeny and physiological functions of ATMs in lean adipose tissue. ATMs are present at birth and actively participate in the synthesis of mediators that induce lipolysis, mitobiogenesis, and thermogenesis in adipocytes. Later in life ATMs limit the thermogenic competence of the adipocytes and favor lipid storage. ATMs respond to lipid overload of adipocytes in obesity with a sequence of pro-inflammatory events, including inflammasome activation and pyroptosis, as well as stimulation of nuclear factor kappa B and interferon regulatory factors that evoke an uncontrolled inflammation. ATMs are life-long constituents of the adipose tissue and hence signals that control ATM development and ATM-adipocyte interactions determine adipose tissue health.

An improved in vitro 3T3-L1 adipocyte model of inflammation and insulin resistance.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/hypoxia-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes have been used to model inflamed and insulin-resistant adipose tissue: this study examines gaps in the model. We tested whether modulating TNF-α/hypoxia treatment time could reduce cell death while still inducing inflammation and insulin resistance. Adipocytes were treated with TNF-α (12 h or 24 h) and incubated in a hypoxic chamber for 24 h. To examine maintenance of the phenotype over time, glucose and FBS were added at 24 h post initiation of treatment, and the cells were maintained for an additional 48 h. Untreated adipocytes were used as a control. Viability, insulin resistance, and inflammation were assessed using Live/Dead staining, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and glucose uptake assays. Treatment for 12 h with TNF-α in the presence of hypoxia resulted in an increase in the percentage of live cells compared to 24 h treated cells. Importantly, insulin resistance and inflammation were still induced in the 12 h treated adipocytes: the expression of the insulin sensitive and inflammatory genes was decreased and increased, respectively. In 72 h treated adipocytes, no significant differences were found in the viability, glucose uptake or insulin-sensitive and inflammatory gene expression. This study provides a modified approach to in vitro odeling adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance. .

Microplastic exposure linked to accelerated aging and impaired adipogenesis in fat cells.

Our research explores the detrimental effects of microplastic (MP) exposure on adipose tissue aging and function, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with environmental pollutants. Utilizing both in vivo and in vitro models, we discovered that MPs accumulate in adipose tissues, leading to cellular senescence, inflammation, and hindered adipogenic differentiation. Notably, our findings demonstrate that MPs prompt an aging response in both epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue, increase senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity, and upregulate key senescence and inflammatory markers. Furthermore, we show that MPs disrupt normal adipogenic differentiation by reducing lipid droplet formation and downregulating critical adipogenic markers. These insights highlight the urgent need for further investigation into the long-term consequences of MP pollution on biological aging and underscore the importance of developing public health strategies to mitigate these effects.

Perivascular Adipose Tissue Becomes Pro-Contractile and Remodels in an IL10-/- Colitis Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are associated with aberrant immune function, widespread inflammation, and altered intestinal blood flow. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounding the mesenteric vasculature can modulate vascular function and control the local immune cell population, but its structure and function have never been investigated in IBD. We used an IL10-/- mouse model of colitis that shares features with human IBD to test the hypothesis that IBD is associated with (1) impaired ability of PVAT to dilate mesenteric arteries and (2) changes in PVAT resident adipocyte and immune cell populations. Pressure myography and electrical field stimulation of isolated mesenteric arteries show that PVAT not only loses its anti-contractile effect but becomes pro-contractile in IBD. Quantitative immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging studies found significant adipocyte hyperplasia and increased PVAT leukocytes, particularly macrophages, in IBD. PCR arrays suggest that these changes occur alongside the altered cytokine and chemokine gene expression associated with altered NF-κB signaling. Collectively, these results show that the accumulation of macrophages in PVAT during IBD pathogenesis may lead to local inflammation, which ultimately contributes to increased arterial constriction and decreased intestinal blood flow with IBD.

Rosehip Extract Decreases Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Lipid Accumulation in Hypertrophic 3T3-L1 Adipocytes with the Modulation of Inflammatory State.

BACKGROUND: Rosa canina L. (rosehip) is used worldwide in traditional medicine as a plant with medicinal properties. However, its anti-obesity effects are not fully explained on a transcriptional level. METHODS: In the present work, the 3T3-L preadipocytes were utilized to explore the impact of R. canina fruit extract (RCE) on the cellular and molecular pathways involved in adipocyte hypertrophy. RESULTS: Obtained results showed the ability of RCE to reduce lipid overloads in hypertrophic adipocytes associated with the down-regulation of mRNA expressions of adipogenic transcription factors such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1c as well as genes involved in lipid biosyntheses such as FAS, LPL, and aP2. Moreover, obesity-associated oxidative stress (antioxidant enzyme activities and ROS generation) and inflammation were ameliorated in RCE-treated hypertrophic adipocytes. The mRNA and protein levels of adipokines such as leptin, resistin, and adiponectin were restored to more favorable levels. CONCLUSIONS: Rosa canina fruit might be a valuable source of phytochemicals in preventing obesity and obesity-related metabolic complications.

Evaluation of the Effects of Diet-Induced Obesity in Zebrafish (Danio rerio): A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare diet-induced obesity (DIO) models in zebrafish and investigate the complications and differences between sexes in biochemical and inflammatory parameters. METHODS: Adult animals of both sexes were divided into four groups (n = 50) and fed for eight weeks: control group 1: Artemia sp. (15-30 mg/day/fish); control group 2: commercial fish food (3.5% of average weight); obesity group 1: pasteurized egg yolk powder + soybean oil (5% of average weight); obesity group 2: Artemia sp. (60-120 mg/day/fish). Dietary intake, caloric intake and efficiency, body mass index, biochemical, inflammatory, behavioral, histopathological, and stereological parameters, and inflammation-related gene expression were investigated. RESULTS: Obesity group 1 was the most indicated to investigate changes in the anxious behavioral profile (p < 0.05), triglyceride elevation [52.67 (1.2) mg/dL], adipocyte hypertrophy [67.8 (18.1) µm2; p = 0.0004], and intestinal inflammation. Obesity group 2 was interesting to investigate in terms of weight gain [167 mg; p < 0.0001), changes in fasting glucose [48.33 (4.14) mg/dL; p = 0.003), and inflammatory parameters [IL-6: 4.24 (0.18) pg/mL; p = 0.0015]. CONCLUSIONS: Furthermore, both DIO models evaluated in the present study were effective in investigating hepatic steatosis. The data also highlighted that sex influences inflammatory changes and fasting blood glucose levels, which were higher in males (p > 0.05). The results show new metabolic routes to be explored in relation to DIO in zebrafish.

Chemically Modified PPARγ mRNA Unleashes Adipogenic Potential in 3T3-L1-Predipocytes: An Approach for Accelerated Wound Healing.

Background: Adipocytes play a crucial role in tissue regeneration, contributing to the restoration of damaged areas and modulating the inflammatory milieu. The modulation of gene expression through chemically modified PPARγ mRNA (PPARγ-modRNA) introduces a sophisticated approach to precisely control adipogenic processes. This study aims to explore the adipogenic potential of the PPARγ-modRNA in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and its role in wound healing. Materials and Methods: We transfected 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with PPARγ-modRNA to investigate adipogenic differentiation and cellular proliferation in vitro. In vivo, we employed a murine full-thickness skin defect model and compared the effects of modRNA-mediated PPARγ overexpression with control groups. Additionally, we conducted RNA sequencing on luciferase-modified mRNA (LUC) and PPARγ-modRNA-transfected cells (PPAR) for a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms. Results: PPARγ-modRNA significantly enhanced adipogenesis and proliferation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in vitro. The injection of PPARγ-modified mRNA led to accelerated wound healing compared to the control groups in vivo. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of adipogenesis-related genes in the PPAR group, notably associated with the TNF signaling pathway. Subsequently, the KEGG analysis indicated that modRNA-mediated PPARγ overexpression effectively promoted adipogenesis while inhibiting TNF-α-mediated inflammation and cellular apoptosis. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the innovative use of PPARγ-modRNA to induce adipogenesis and expedite wound healing. The nuclear expression of PPARγ through modRNA technology signifies a notable advancement, with implications for future therapeutic strategies targeting adipogenic processes and the inhibition of inflammation in the context of wound healing.

Dynamically cultured, differentiated bovine adipose-derived stem cell spheroids as building blocks for biofabricating cultured fat.

Cultured or cultivated meat, animal muscle, and fat tissue grown in vitro, could transform the global meat market, reducing animal suffering while using fewer resources than traditional meat production and no antimicrobials at all. To ensure the appeal of cultured meat to future customers, cultured fat is essential for achieving desired mouthfeel, taste, and texture, especially in beef. In this work we show the establishment of primary bovine adipose-derived stem cell spheroids in static and dynamic suspension culture. Spheroids are successfully differentiated using a single-step protocol. Differentiated spheroids from dynamic cultures maintain stability and viability during 3D bioprinting in edible gellan gum. Also, the fatty acid composition of differentiated spheroids is significantly different from control spheroids. The cells are cultured antibiotic-free to minimize the use of harmful substances. This work presents a stable and bioprintable building block for cultured fat with a high cell density in a 3D dynamic cell culture system.

Screening and analysis of GULP1 downstream target genes based on transcriptomic sequencing.

GULP1 is an engulfment adaptor protein containing a phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain, and existing studies have shown that it can promote glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. To further explore key metabolically related differential genes downstream of GULP1, this study conducted transcriptome analysis on adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells overexpressing GULP1. Subsequently, abnormally expressed genes were subjected to bioinformatic analysis, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used for mutual validation with transcriptome sequencing. The results indicated that, with a threshold of P < 0.05 and |Log2FoldChange| ≥ 1 for screening differentially expressed genes, compared with control cells, there were 278 upregulated and 263 downregulated genes in adipocytes overexpressing GULP1. Metabolism-related GO (Gene Ontology) terms included cholesterol biosynthetic process, cholesterol metabolic process, response to lipopolysaccharide, lipid metabolic process, etc. A total of 52 metabolically related differentially expressed genes were enriched in 10 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, with lipid metabolism being highly enriched. In skeletal muscle cells overexpressing GULP1, there were 280 upregulated and 302 downregulated genes, with metabolism-related GO terms including hormone metabolic process, response to lipopolysaccharide, one-carbon metabolic process, etc. A total of 86 metabolically related differentially expressed genes were enriched in 10 KEGG pathways, with amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism being highly enriched. GULP1's biological functions are extensive, including lipid metabolism and oncology. This study, through transcriptomics and bioinformatic analysis, identified key metabolically related differential genes downstream of GULP1, obtained metabolically related differential genes and signaling pathways after GULP1 overexpression, providing important theoretical basis for future research on GULP1 downstream target genes.

Exploring lipodystrophy gene expression in adipocytes: unveiling insights into the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and clustering diseases (metabolic syndrome) in Asian Indians.

Background: Studying the molecular mechanisms of lipodystrophy can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and other clustering diseases [metabolic syndrome (MetS)] and its underlying adipocentric disease (MetS disease). Methods: A high-confidence lipodystrophy gene panel comprising 50 genes was created, and their expressions were measured in the visceral and subcutaneous (both peripheral and abdominal) adipose depots of MetS and non-MetS individuals at a tertiary care medical facility. Results: Most lipodystrophy genes showed significant downregulation in MetS individuals compared to non-MetS individuals in both subcutaneous and visceral depots. In the abdominal compartment, all the genes showed relatively higher expression in visceral depot as compared to their subcutaneous counterpart, and this difference narrowed with increasing severity of MetS. Their expression level shows an inverse correlation with T2D, MetS, and HOMA-IR and with other T2D-related intermediate traits. Results also demonstrated that individualization of MetS patients could be done based on adipose tissue expression of just 12 genes. Conclusion: Adipose tissue expression of lipodystrophy genes shows an association with MetS and its intermediate phenotypic traits. Mutations of these genes are known to cause congenital lipodystrophy syndromes, whereas their altered expression in adipose tissue contributes to the pathogenesis of IR, T2D, and MetS.

Neddylation and Its Target Cullin 3 Are Essential for Adipocyte Differentiation.

The ongoing obesity epidemic has raised awareness of the complex physiology of adipose tissue. Abnormal adipocyte differentiation results in the development of systemic metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes. The conjugation of NEDD8 (neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 8) to target protein, termed neddylation, has been shown to mediate adipogenesis. However, much remains unknown about its role in adipogenesis. Here, we demonstrated that neddylation and its targets, the cullin (CUL) family members, are differentially regulated during mouse and human adipogenesis. Inhibition of neddylation by MLN4924 significantly reduced adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 and human stromal vascular cells. Deletion of NAE1, a subunit of the only NEDD8 E1 enzyme, suppressed neddylation and impaired adipogenesis. Neddylation deficiency did not affect mitotic cell expansion. Instead, it disrupted CREB/CEBPß/PPARγ signaling, essential for adipogenesis. Interestingly, among the neddylation-targeted CUL family members, deletion of CUL3, but not CUL1, CUL2, or CUL4A, largely replicated the adipogenic defects observed with neddylation deficiency. A PPARγ agonist minimally rescued the adipogenic defects caused by the deletion of NAE1 and CUL3. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that neddylation and its targeted CUL3 are crucial for adipogenesis. These findings provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention in obesity and metabolic disorders.

[SARIFA-a new multi-entity biomarker]. / SARIFA ­ ein neuer entitätenübergreifender Biomarker.

A stroma a­reactive invasion front area (SARIFA) is a new prognostic biomarker in carcinomas. Essentially, SARIFA describes the occurrence of direct contact between at least five tumor cells and adipocytes. This phenomenon is extremely easy and quick to identify, shows an extremely low interobserver variability, and does not require any additional staining as it can be identified on standard HE sections. The prognostic efficiency has now been demonstrated in gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate carcinoma.

Lipid Droplets Big and Small: Basic Mechanisms That Make Them All.

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic storage organelles with central roles in lipid and energy metabolism. They consist of a core of neutral lipids, such as triacylglycerol, which is surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids and specialized surface proteins. The surface composition determines many of the LD properties, such as size, subcellular distribution, and interaction with partner organelles. Considering the diverse energetic and metabolic demands of various cell types, it is not surprising that LDs are highly heterogeneous within and between cell types. Despite their diversity, all LDs share a common biogenesis mechanism. However, adipocytes have evolved specific adaptations of these basic mechanisms, enabling the regulation of lipid and energy metabolism at both the cellular and organismal levels. Here, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of both the general mechanisms of LD biogenesis and the adipocyte-specific adaptations controlling these fascinating organelles.