Scientists discovered how fat cells grow 22:22

Scientists at the National Cardiovascular Research Center (CNIC) have discovered an important mechanism in fat cells that allows them to safely expand to store energy and not accumulate in inappropriate places. Research results It was published In the journal Nature Communications.

In modern lifestyles dominated by sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie diets, adipose tissue plays an important role in maintaining metabolic health. Adipocytes (fat cells) store fat, preventing excessive accumulation in organs such as the liver, heart and brain. But this process is not without risks: Cells overloaded with fat can break down, releasing toxic contents.

Scientists set out to find out how adipocytes adapt to mechanical stress caused by fat accumulation. They focused on studying caveolae, tiny indentations (“retracted” areas) in the cell membrane that help adipocytes cope with tensile stresses that occur as their volume increases.

The researchers found that when the adipocyte expands, the caveolae flatten, exposing a membrane “reservoir.” This helps the cell expand without rupturing. When fat reserves in the body decrease, these structures come together again and restore cell stability.

Caveolae not only physically protect adipocytes but also regulate cellular metabolism. As adipocytes expand, the molecules that make up their membrane structure move to other parts of the cell, transmitting signals that regulate metabolic activity based on energy reserves.

Absence or damage to caveolae causes increased stiffness of adipocytes, making them more vulnerable to rupture and reducing their ability to store energy efficiently. This can cause inflammation and increase the risk of developing conditions such as lipodystrophy. This pathology deprives the body of the ability to effectively store fat, leading to serious metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

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