[초청강연] Aging-dependent regulatory cells in fat to block adipogenesis

While both visceral and subcutaneous white fat store energy as triglycerides, brown fat and beige adipocytes
that can emerge in subcutaneous fat dissipate energy by thermogenesis. In general, visceral fat contributes to
insulin resistance, but subcutaneous fat and brown fat are beneficial in maintaining glucose/insulin
homeostasis. During aging, while visceral fat increases, subcutaneous fat and brown fat decrease. We recently
detected a new cell population that emerges from subcutaneous fat during aging. These cells express Pu.1 and
increase chemokine secretion to inhibit adipocyte differentiation, preventing maintenance of subcutaneous
fat in aging. We also found that brown fat preferentially uses glucose via glycolysis in the fed condition to fuel
thermogenesis, improving insulin sensitivity. We found that Aifm2, an NADH oxidoreductase specifically
expressed in brown fat and induced by cold exposure and feeding, is critical for robust glycolysis to promote
thermogenesis. Overall, maintaining adipose tissue health is complex, involving both developmental and
metabolic aspects.