Adipogenesis and lipogenesis pathways

Adipogenesis and lipogenesis pathways are the fundamental biological processes governing the development of adipose tissue and the synthesis of lipids. Adipogenesis involves the differentiation of precursor cells into mature adipocytes, a process orchestrated by a hierarchical network of transcription factors, most notably peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) family [4, 11]. Lipogenesis, particularly de novo lipogenesis, is the metabolic pathway that converts excess carbohydrates into fatty acids and triglycerides through enzymes such as ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) [6, 16]. These pathways are central to maintaining energy balance, but their dysregulation is a hallmark of metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [2, 19]. Therapeutic interventions often target these pathways to improve insulin sensitivity or reduce ectopic fat accumulation, using agents like thiazolidinediones or novel lipogenesis inhibitors [3, 6]. However, modulating these pathways presents challenges, such as managing the risk of weight gain, fluid retention, or potential lipotoxicity in non-adipose tissues [3, 14, 19].

Other names

Adipocyte differentiation and de novo lipogenesisFat cell formation and lipid synthesis pathwaysAdipogenic and lipogenic signaling

Modulation of adipocyte differentiation through PPAR-gamma activation and inhibition of de novo fatty acid synthesis via ACC, FAS, and ACLY inhibition [2, 3, 6].