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Jalkanen, J.* ; Zhong, J.* ; Nono Nankam, P.A. ; Bhalla, N.* ; Elmastas, M.* ; Luo, J.* ; Weinbrenner, S. ; Frendo-Cumbo, S.* ; Pesti, B.* ; Gourash, W.* ; Courcoulas, A.* ; Yang Loureiro, Z.* ; Dietrich, A.* ; Bäckdahl, J.* ; Thorell, A.* ; Buggert, M.* ; Kalucka, J.* ; Emont, M.P.* ; Rosen, E.D.* ; Blüher, M. ; Kovacs, P.* ; Ståhl, P.L.* ; Massier, L. ; Rydén, M.* ; Mejhert, N.*

Cytoarchitectural multi-depot profiling reveals immune-metabolic crosstalk in human colon-associated adipose tissue.

Cell Metab. 38, 419-433.e9 (2026)
Publ. Version/Full Text Research data DOI PMC
Open Access Hybrid
Creative Commons Lizenzvertrag
While it is well established that the cellular composition of white adipose tissue (WAT) varies between depots, the functional relevance of this heterogeneity remains unclear. By combining spatial and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we provide a comprehensive map of subcutaneous and visceral (omental, mesenteric, mesocolic, and epiploic) WAT in both men and women. Our analyses reveal shared features, such as the spatial organization of adipogenesis, alongside depot-specific characteristics, including distinct cell-type enrichments and unique cell-cell communication routes. Epiploic WAT stands out by harboring high proportions of serum amyloid A expressing fat cells (encoded by SAA1/SAA2) and several leukocyte populations. Through mechanistic studies, we demonstrate that adipocyte SAA1/SAA2 expression is induced by inflammatory signals, including lipopolysaccharide, and that SAA1 activates immune responses in adipose-resident myeloid cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that visceral WAT exhibits distinct cytoarchitectural properties, with those located near the colon adapting by developing specialized adipocytes and immune cell populations.
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Scientific Article
Keywords Adipocyte Subtypes ; Adipose Depots ; Cell-cell Communication ; Cellular Heterogeneity ; Inflammation ; Insulin Resistance ; Microbiome ; Obesity ; Transcriptomics; Kappa-b; Receptor; Disease; Link
ISSN (print) / ISBN 1550-4131
e-ISSN 1932-7420
Journal Cell Metabolism
Quellenangaben Volume: 38, Issue: 2, Pages: 419-433.e9 Article Number: , Supplement: ,
Publisher Elsevier
Publishing Place 50 Hampshire St, Floor 5, Cambridge, Ma 02139 Usa
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Helmholtz Institute for Metabolism, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG)
Grants Novo Nordisk Foundation
Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
CIMED
Strategic Research Program in Diabetes at Karolinska Institutet
European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes
ERC-SyG SPHERES
German Diabetes Association
Swedish Diabetes Foundation
Stockholm County Council
NIH
Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Stiftelse
Erling-Persson Foundation
Karolinska Institutet

Swedish Research Council