Adipokine signaling pathway

Adipokine signaling pathway (also called adipocytokine signaling pathway) refers to a complex network of signaling events initiated by adipokines—hormonal and cytokine-like molecules secreted by adipose tissue[1][3][6][9]. These pathways centrally regulate energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and immune function[3][4][6]. Key adipokines include adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and others. The pathway involves multiple signal mediators, such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), Janus kinases/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), PI3K/Akt, and others[1][2][6][7]. Disruption or dysregulation of adipokine signaling is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune conditions[6][7][8]. However, the adipokine signaling pathway is not a single molecular target, receptor, or protein; it encompasses many different cellular components, ligands, receptors (such as AdipoR1, AdipoR2 for adiponectin; leptin receptor for leptin), and downstream molecules[2][3][6]. As such, it is not referred to as a therapeutic target in the sense of a single molecule (receptor, enzyme, transporter) suitable for direct drug targeting; instead, individual pathway components (e.g., adiponectin receptor 1, leptin receptor) may be considered targets[2][5]. It would be necessary to specify a particular component within this pathway (such as “adiponectin receptor 1” or “leptin receptor”) to meet the criteria for a canonical therapeutic target. There are no official abbreviations, molecular classifications, drug lists, or biomarker details that can be assigned to the “adipokine signaling pathway” as a whole. For structured data, focus on individual pathway members (e.g., AdipoR1, AdipoR2, leptin receptor) rather than the pathway aggregate. Correction: - "Adipokine signaling pathway" is not a specific target molecule, protein, or receptor but a pathway comprising many such individual entities. - For curation or database purposes, this entry should be flagged as non-compliant with requirements for a target entry. A more appropriate target would be, for example, “Adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1)” or “Leptin receptor.”

Other names

Adipocytokine signaling pathwayAdipokine signaling