A new study reveals the cellular mechanism behind age-related abdominal fat accumulation, offering potential targets for therapies to promote healthy longevity.
Researchers at City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment organization, have identified a specific type of adult stem cell responsible for increased abdominal fat in middle age.
The study, published in 'Science', found that aging triggers the emergence of a new type of adult stem cell, increasing the production of new fat cells, particularly in the abdomen.
Scientists focused on white adipose tissue (WAT), the fat tissue responsible for age-related weight gain.
They discovered that aging transforms adipose stem cells (ASCs) into committed preadipocytes, which actively produce new fat cells.
A signaling pathway called the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) was found to be crucial in promoting the multiplication of these cells.
The findings suggest that controlling the formation of new fat cells could be key to addressing age-related obesity. Further research will focus on targeting these cells to prevent age-related fat gain and improve health and longevity.