Anaïs Briot , I2MC, Toulouse

Body distribution of adipose tissues is a strong determinant of metabolic and cardiovascular health. Our team research aims to identify the cellular and molecular actors underlying the heterogeneity of fat depots and their impact on health. The microvascular endothelial cells emerge as essential components of adipose tissue function. They are strategically localized to be sensitized and to adapt to metabolic clues coming from the blood and the tissue microenvironment. Our works contributed to identify molecular equipment and regulatory mechanisms by which endothelial cells from the adipose tissues handle lipid fluxes according to energy status. We found that this function is a target of natural and accelerated aging processes and may contribute to define adipose depots distribution and functional specificity. Exploring the response of endothelial populations to change in whole body energy status further highlights inter- and intra-adipose depots functional diversity and has the potential to identify targetable mechanisms to promote healthy body fat distribution.