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Review
. 2014 Mar;1842(3):431-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.05.030. Epub 2013 Jun 2.

The role of JAK-STAT signaling in adipose tissue function

Allison J Richard  1 , Jacqueline M Stephens  2
Affiliations
Review

The role of JAK-STAT signaling in adipose tissue function

Allison J Richard et al. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Mar.

Abstract

Adipocytes play important roles in lipid storage, energy homeostasis and whole body insulin sensitivity. The JAK-STAT (Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) pathway mediates a variety of physiological processes including development, hematopoiesis, and inflammation. Although the JAK-STAT signaling pathway occurs in all cells, this pathway can mediate cell specific responses. Studies in the last two decades have identified hormones and cytokines that activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. These cytokines and hormones have profound effects on adipocytes. The content of this review will introduce the types of adipocytes and immune cells that make up adipose tissue, the impact of obesity on adipose cellular composition and function, and the general constituents of the JAK-STAT pathway and how its activators regulate adipose tissue development and physiology. A summary of the identification of STAT target genes in adipocytes reveals how these transcription factors impact various areas of adipocyte metabolism including insulin action, modulation of lipid stores, and glucose homeostasis. Lastly, we will evaluate exciting new data linking the JAK-STAT pathway and brown adipose tissue and consider the future outlook in this area of investigation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Modulation of Adipose Tissue in Health and Disease.

Keywords: Brown and white adipose; Cytokine; Immune cell; Janus kinase; Obesity; Tyk2.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Roles of the JAK-STAT5 signaling pathway in adipose tissue
The JAK-STAT5 signaling pathway is activated by GH, PRL, and GM-CSF, and it regulates the development and/or function of preadipocytes, adipocytes, and macrophages in adipose tissue. Substantial evidence supports that STAT5 proteins are activated in preadipocytes and that they promote adipogenesis. In mature adipocytes, multiple STAT5 target genes have been identified, demonstrating a role for STAT5 in modulating key physiological properties of adipocytes. Studies also indicate that JAK-STAT5 signaling is important in the recruitment and development of adipose tissue macrophages.
Figure 2
Figure 2. JAK-STAT signaling in white and brown adipose tissue
Different transcriptional programs control the adipogenesis of white and brown adipocytes, and different JAK and STAT members have been implicated in these programs. Cytokine and hormone activators of the JAK-STAT pathway are produced and utilized by various cell types present within adipose tissue to modulate the physiological function of WAT and BAT.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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