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P2. ADIPOBIOLOGY
The initially programmed objectives and milestones have been met satisfactorily because all the integrating groups have worked well and with high scientific performance . The assessment of the work plan carried out is very positive because all the objectives proposed in the 3 subprogrammes have been undertaken, responsibly completing the ambitious plan updated for this period . This is reflected in the extremely high number of publications in the first quartile and decile of the specialization, such as Cell Metabolism, Diabe- tes, Diabetes Care, Circulation, and Nature group, among others .
In the field of Adipobiology, transcriptomic studies have assessed the biological processes and metabolic pathways mainly affected by obesity, as well as by the development of different comorbidities and the specific location of the fatty deposit (omental versus subcutaneous) . This work has also allowed identifying new genes, that are initially not linked to obesity, the value of which as therapeutic target candidates is
being further studied .
Characterization of the role of integral membrane proteins has been a huge step forward because it gives, in an innovative manner, a relevant function in peripheral energy homeostasis to elements and organelles of the adipocyte (versus the classic notion of unique central control) . In this context, the central nervous system is vitally important, but adipose tissue is also a determinant as an extraordinarily dynamic, multice- llular (adipocyte and stromal vascular fraction, where macrophage infiltration and the extensive resulting autocrine-paracrine cross-talk stand out) and even “multi-compartmental” endocrine organ of the adipo- cyte itself (membrane, lipid droplets and cytoskeleton, among others) .
In relation to adipo-proteomics, the groups have worked on figuring out the differences in the proteome and secretome in different experimental models, nutritional states and physiopathological conditions in animal and human models . It should be pointed out that this has involved some groups (UCO and Casa- neuva) starting up and/or developing highly specialised methodology, turning them into a reference for the remaining members as they have a key study tool that can be applied as a complement in new scientific approaches . It should be mentioned how some of the proteins identified in the different circumstances object of study appear invariably modified, which from the teleological viewpoint is a relevant piece of data as regards its possible use for therapeutic purposes . Likewise, the identification of emerging adipokines and their link to obesity according to low-grade inflammation and the glycaemic status of the individual allow discerning its application in the health care practice in the future as more specific diagnostic biomarkers and follow-up biomarkers of cardio-metabolic risk associated with obesity .
Finally, the analysis of the factors involved in the proliferation and differentiation of adipose tissue in obesity by studying the relationship between hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the context of adipose tissue expan- sion, as well as the differences existing between the different deposits that can contribute to or impair the development of obesity and its associated complications has also been highly productive . Further study has also been done on distinguishing the characteristics that condition the white versus brown adipocyte phenotype and participation in the energy homeostasis control by further studying the biology of precursor cells and the biology of the mature adipocyte, identifying possible molecular targets for energy homeostasis regulation and metabolic control . In this context, it is necessary to highlight the findings of CIBER groups as authentic global benchmark (Diéguez, Fernández-Real, Tena-Sempere) .
In the field of determining the proliferative and adipogenic capabilities of precursor cells of adipocytes from different areas of the body, the progress is also a benchmark both nationally and internationally in discerning the different elements in the progenitor cell population of adipose tissue conditioning the deve- lopment of comorbidities or that the individual is “metabolically healthy” (Tinahones and Frühbeck) .
Finally, the functional differences existing between white and brown adipose tissues have been the object of study in the molecular perspective focusing on the increase in the energy expenditure by means of brown adi- pose tissue activation and the possible transdifferentiation of white adipocytes into brown adipocytes . In this sense, the Adipobiology Programme has a world reference group in this field that has developed knowledge from the viewpoint of not only obesity, but also of other findings in relation to FGFs and sirtuins (Villarroya) .
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