Latest advances in STAT signaling and function in adipocytes
Abstract
© 2020 The Author(s). Adipocytes and adipose tissue are not inert and make substantial contributions to systemicmetabolism by influencing energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and lipid storage. In additionto well-studied hormones such as insulin, there are numerous hormones, cytokines,and growth factors that modulate adipose tissue function. Many endocrine mediators utilizethe JAK-STAT pathway to mediate dozens of biological processes, including inflammationand immune responses. JAKs and STATs can modulate both adipocyte development andmature adipocyte function. Of the seven STAT family members, four STATs are expressed inadipocytes and regulated during adipogenesis (STATs 1, 3, 5A, and 5B). These STATs havebeen shown to play influential roles in adipose tissue development and function. STAT6, incontrast, is highly expressed in both preadipocytes and mature adipocytes, but is not consideredto play a major role in regulating adipose tissue function. This review will summarizethe latest research that pertains to the functions of STATs in adipocytes and adipose tissue.