Exploring stem cell fate from adipose tissue: novel approaches to modulate stem cell signatures

Stem cells (SCs), undifferentiated elements able to acquire specific phenotype upon stimulation, represent an important source for regenerative medicine, restoring function of compromised organs. The purpose of regenerative biology is to identify the cellular and molecular differences that distinguish normal tissue turnover from scar repair, in order to create an ideal microenvironment suitable for regeneration in damaged adult tissues. Stem cell differentiation is a complex process controlled by signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, acting to maintain tissue homeostasis. A wide range of natural molecules and compounds, known as nutraceuticals or functional foods, are widely used for their therapeutic or preventive effects. These natural and synthetic molecules exert their action via epigenetic modulations of a specific molecular differentiation program and gene expression of lineage-specific markers. Within this context, unraveling the cellular mechanisms involved in the activation and differentiation of the adipose resident stem cells, could help in identifying innovative and preventive tools to counteract obesity and its related diseases. The aim of this project was to evaluate cell behavior in the presence of conditioned media, drugs or natural molecules, in the attempt to counteract the molecular mechanisms involved in inflammatory-associated adipogenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the decision of this fate could lead to the development of drugs capable of influencing stem cell behavior, for future in vivo clinical applications.