Adipogenic and Lipogenic Gene Expression Pathways

Adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression pathways represent the integrated molecular circuits that govern the formation of fat cells (adipogenesis) and the synthesis of fatty acids (lipogenesis). Adipogenesis is a highly orchestrated process involving the sequential activation of transcription factors, most notably Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs), which drive the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into mature adipocytes (Farmer, 2006, PMID: 16772468). Lipogenesis is the metabolic pathway that converts excess carbohydrates into fatty acids via enzymes such as Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) and Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), primarily regulated by Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 1c (SREBP-1c) (Horton et al., 2002, PMID: 11448928). These pathways are critical for energy homeostasis, but their chronic overactivation leads to obesity, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (Samuel & Shulman, 2012, PMID: 22325970). Therapeutic strategies often focus on modulating specific components, such as using Thiazolidinediones to activate PPAR-gamma for insulin sensitization or ACC inhibitors to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation (Goel et al., 2021, PMID: 33820417).

Other names

Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis PathwaysFatty Acid Synthesis and Adipocyte Differentiation PathwaysLipid Metabolism Gene Expression Networks

Modulation of key transcriptional regulators such as PPAR-gamma and SREBP-1c, or inhibition of rate-limiting enzymes like Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) and Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), to regulate adipocyte maturation and de novo lipogenesis.