Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a complex condition characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, has been a growing concern worldwide. While its prevalence initially emerged in developed countries, it has significantly expanded in the Asia-Pacific region, affecting over 25% of the global population. This syndrome carries a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to its association with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, leading to increased mortality risks.
Despite its impact, the cellular heterogeneity and intercellular interactions within adipose tissue, a key player in MetS, remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, researchers conducted an integrative single-cell analysis of MetS adipose tissue, revealing novel insights into its cellular landscape and differentiation dynamics.
The study, published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, analyzed single-nucleus RNA sequencing data from subcutaneous adipose tissue of 84 individuals with MetS. The results identified 12 distinct cell types and discovered two patient subgroups with varying adipocyte/progenitor and immune cell compositions, suggesting distinct subtypes of MetS.
Pseudotime analysis further revealed altered differentiation trajectories in two adipocyte progenitor subpopulations. Cell-cell communication analysis identified WNT signaling as a potential driver of adipocyte differentiation, with extracellular matrix pathways mediating progenitor-adipocyte interactions.
This comprehensive single-cell atlas offers new perspectives on MetS pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. By unraveling the complex cellular dynamics within adipose tissue, researchers hope to develop more effective strategies to combat this global health challenge.
