West LA Times

Researchers at UCLA have made a significant discovery regarding the biological reasons behind obesity's link to Type 2 diabetes. Led by Dr. Claudio Villanueva, the team identified that obesity causes fat cells to enlarge due to a lack of ribosomal factors in fat stem cells. This deficiency prevents the production of new, smaller fat cells, affecting glucose metabolism and increasing diabetes risk.

The study, published in Cell Reports, suggests potential new therapies for Type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases by helping fat stem cells differentiate into smaller fat cells. Previously, researchers knew obesity disrupted the body's ability to create new fat cells but were unclear about the underlying reasons.

Dr. Villanueva explained that "fat tissue has gotten a bad rap," yet it is crucial for normal glucose metabolism. In obesity, excess energy is stored improperly, leading to conditions like fatty liver disease and cardiovascular issues.

In experiments with obese diabetic mice treated with rosiglitazone, ribosomal factors increased to normal levels. This change allowed fat stem cells to produce smaller fat cells, improving energy storage and hormone generation despite the mice remaining obese. Villanueva noted that "when given the drug, the mice remained obese, but their Type 2 diabetes essentially disappeared."

The research also highlights how rosiglitazone improves glucose metabolism on a molecular level. Understanding this process opens pathways for developing more effective diabetes treatments with fewer side effects.

Beyond diabetes treatment, restoring ribosomal factors could lead to novel strategies for other obesity-related diseases. The study's implications are particularly meaningful for Villanueva due to his personal connection with metabolic health issues within his family and community.

Additional contributors include Mirian Krystel De Siqueira and others from various institutions. The study received funding from several organizations including the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.