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The emerging role of bone marrow adipose tissue in bone health and dysfunction

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Abstract

Replacement of red hematopoietic bone marrow with yellow adipocyte-rich marrow is a conserved physiological process among mammals. The extent of this conversion is influenced by a wide array of pathological and non-pathological conditions. Of particular interest is the observation that some marrow adipocyte-inducing factors seem to oppose each other, for instance obesity and caloric restriction. Intriguingly, several important molecular characteristics of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) are distinct from the classical depots of white and brown fat tissue. This depot of fat has recently emerged as an active part of the bone marrow niche that exerts paracrine and endocrine functions thereby controlling osteogenesis and hematopoiesis. While some functions of BMAT may be beneficial for metabolic adaptation and bone homeostasis, respectively, most findings assign bone fat a detrimental role during regenerative processes, such as hematopoiesis and osteogenesis. Thus, an improved understanding of the biological mechanisms leading to formation of BMAT, its molecular characteristics, and its physiological role in the bone marrow niche is warranted. Here we review the current understanding of BMAT biology and its potential implications for health and the development of pathological conditions.

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Funding

This work was supported by the European Research Council (ERC-StG 311082), the Emmy Noether Program of the German Research Foundation (DFG, grant SCHU 2445/2-1), and a grant from the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the State of Brandenburg (DZD grant 82DZD00302).

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  1. Department of Adipocyte Development and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany

    Thomas H. Ambrosi & Tim J. Schulz

  2. German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, München-Neuherberg, Germany

    Thomas H. Ambrosi & Tim J. Schulz

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  1. Thomas H. Ambrosi
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  2. Tim J. Schulz
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Correspondence to Tim J. Schulz.

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Ambrosi, T.H., Schulz, T.J. The emerging role of bone marrow adipose tissue in bone health and dysfunction. J Mol Med 95, 1291–1301 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-017-1604-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-017-1604-7

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