Events -- VCSCB/CDB Seminar Series

Harnessing the power of stem cells to cure obesity and diabetes

Jonathan Graff, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Center for Developmental Biology
Department of Molecular Biology & Internal Medicine
UT Southwestern Medical Center

White adipose (fat) tissues regulate metabolism, reproduction and lifespan. Adipocytes form throughout life, with the most marked expansion of the lineage occurring during the postnatal period. Adipocytes develop in coordination with the vasculature, but the identity and location of white adipocyte progenitor cells are unknown. We used genetically marked mice to isolate proliferating and renewing adipogenic progenitors. We find that most adipocytes descent from a pool of these proliferating progenitors that are already committed either prenatally or early in postnatal life. These progenitors reside in the mural cell compartment of the adipose vasculature but not in the vasculature of other tissues. Thus, the adipose vasculature appears to function as a progenitor niche and may provide signals for adipocyte development.

About this ongoing activity:

The Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology (VCSCB) sponsors a monthly seminar series in conjunction with the Department of Cell ; Developmental Biology's Monday Seminar Series for all Vanderbilt faculty, research assistants and students on topics relating to developmental and stem cell biology. VCSCB seminars are held on Mondays from 12:15-1:15 PM in 1220 MRB-III.