Role of gremlin-1 in the pathophysiology of the adipose tissues

Gremlin-1 is a secreted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist playing a pivotal role in the regulation of tissue formation and embryonic development. Since its first identification in 1997, gremlin-1 has been shown to be a multifunctional factor involved in wound healing, inflammation, cancer and tissue fibrosis. Among others, the activity of gremlin-1 is mediated by its interaction with BMPs or with membrane receptors such as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Growing evidence has highlighted a central role of gremlin-1 in the homeostasis of the adipose tissue (AT). Of note, gremlin-1 is involved in AT dysfunction during type 2 diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) metabolic disorders. In this review we discuss recent findings on gremlin-1 involvement in AT biology, with particular attention to its role in metabolic diseases, to highlight its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

Automated summary

Gremlin-1 is a secreted bone morphogenetic protein antagonist involved in tissue formation, embryonic development, wound healing, inflammation, cancer, and tissue fibrosis. It interacts with BMPs, VEGFR2, and HSPGs to exert its activities. Gremlin-1 also plays a central role in adipose tissue homeostasis and is implicated in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and NAFLD. This review highlights recent findings on gremlin-1's involvement in adipose tissue biology, emphasizing its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.