Adipogenesis

The transition from precursor stem cells into mature adipocytes is a very complex and highly controlled process. Several molecules, pathways and signals are required to accomplish this orchestrated programme. Multiple signals can influence whether stem cells form adipocytes, including extracellular factors such as the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP 2/4/7), insulin (INS) and hormones (Glucocorticoids). All these factors activate the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), that promotes the maturation of adipocytes.