Adipocytic Progenitor Cells Give Rise to Pathogenic Myofibroblasts: Adipocyte-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Its Emerging Role in Fibrosis in Multiple Organs

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAdipocytes have recently been shown to be able to reprogram to a myofibroblastic phenotype in a process termed adipocyte mesenchymal transition (AMT). This review seeks to discuss the relevance of this process to disease and explore its mechanisms.Recent FindingsAMT occurs in multiple organs and diseases, transdifferentiation goes through a precursor cell and there is a reversible process that can be influenced by metabolic stress, myeloid cells, immune dysregulation, and pharmacological intervention.SummaryAMT is a newly appreciated and highly relevant process in multiple forms of fibrosis. Targeting AMT may serve as a novel method of treating fibrosis.

Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - September 24, 2020 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research