An update on the regulation of adipogenesis

Obesity, a major risk factor for the development of type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, is rising at an alarming rate worldwide. Obesity is caused by a chronic imbalance between energy expenditure and energy storage by adipose tissue. Adipogenesis is the process governing the formation and function of adipose tissue. This review article will discuss the most recent advances in understanding the regulation of adipogenesis, including adipose tissue lineage determination, the identity of the adipocyte progenitor cells, novel regulators controlling energy storage and expenditure and lastly the newly identified beige/brite cells.