ABSTRACT
Maintenance of adipocyte precursors is critical for regulating metabolism and preventing obesity-related disease. These precursors have been immortalized and studied in cellular models as well as—more recently—in animal models. However, little is known about adipocyte precursors from animals of different ages. Most research has focused on adipocyte precursors in obese adults. This review highlights the most recent reports of adipocyte precursors during development and in adulthood. Some of these new studies use newer techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and temporally controlled lineage tracing, which further expands our understanding of this complex process. With these tools, we have been able to further our understanding of adipocyte precursor lineages and their different regulatory mechanisms. As we learn more about adipocyte precursor plasticity and regulation, we hope to use this knowledge for future clinical applications.
