ABSTRACT
This chapter present three important aspects concerning nutrition and adipocyte gene expression. First, functions of the adipocyte are briefly discussed with the emphasis on defining this cell as a central mediator of lipid and glucose homeostasis as well as endocrine functions that are conveyed by its secretory products. Second, major transcription factor families considered to mediate adipocyte gene expression are presented in the context of a cascade of transcriptional events regulating the process of adipogenesis. Third, functional characteristics of these trans-acting factors are discussed in detail regarding mechanisms through which their transcriptional activities are modulated, as well as specific modes through which they function, singularly or cooperatively, to regulate adipocyte gene expression. Signal transducers and activators of transcription comprise a family of cytoplasmic proteins that are activated and mediate gene expression in response to extracellular effectors that target receptors with intrinsic kinase activity or receptors to which Janus kinases are bound.
