Dermal white adipose tissue: a new component of the thermogenic response

The document from 2015 explores the multifaceted role of dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) in physiological processes such as thermoregulation, immune response, hair growth, and wound healing. It reveals that dWAT is not just an inert layer but actively participates in insulation, reducing heat loss, and suppressing brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic programs. dWAT expands in cold conditions, supports hair follicle growth, and produces antimicrobial peptides in response to bacterial infections. The review also discusses the potential evolutionary significance of lipid insulation and the consequences of deficient dWAT expansion, such as chronic BAT activation. It raises questions about dWAT's role in humans, including its relationship with gender, obesity, skin diseases, and metabolic conditions. The document underscores the importance of understanding dWAT's functions and suggests that manipulating its thickness could have therapeutic implications.