Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Differentiation and Plasticity Processes to Form Adipocytes

This thesis explored the molecular mechanisms involved in the differentiation and plasticity of adipocytes, focusing on the formation of beige adipocytes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ASC). It was found that the culture medium's TGFß1 content influenced ASC differentiation, with lower TGFß1 levels preserving ASC immaturity and enhancing their ability to differentiate into beige adipocytes. The study highlighted the role of the SOX2 protein, which was overexpressed in ASC with high potential for generating beige adipocytes and was positively correlated with adipocyte browning and plasticity. These findings improved the understanding of ASC biology and the factors influencing adipocyte plasticity.