Control of adipogenesis in ruminants

Adipose tissue is an important organ that is involved in the peripheral regulation of body homeostasis, specifically, energy intake, storage and expenditure. Since fat metabolism is of the utmost importance in ruminants, the signals and mechanisms which regulate adiposity for fattening have been studied and characterized by many different approaches. Adipogenesis in the adipose tissues of ruminants is triggered and modulated by several factors/genes, some of which (conjugated linoleic acid, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and adipogenin) have been examined with respect to adipogenesis in ruminants by numerous researchers, including those in our group. The purpose of this article was to describe recent advances and insights into the molecular regulating processes of preadipocyte, adipocyte and adipose tissues in ruminants.