The Emerging Role of Adipocyte Exosomes in Metabolic Homeostasis and Disease Intervention
ZHENG Shenpeng1, HUA Zhongjie2, CHENG Nihong3 *, ZHANG Jin1,3*
AT Exos (adipocyte-derived exosomes) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by adipocytes that carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. They play a crucial regulatory role in systemic metabolism. The secretion, cargo composition, and metabolic signaling activity of AT Exos are tightly regulated by factors such as Rab GTPases, Syntaxin family proteins, and non-coding RNAs. Mechanistically, AT Exos are transferred to recipient cells or distant tissues through paracrine or endocrine pathways, mediating inter-organ communication between adipose tissue and other organs. Under metabolic disease conditions, the abundance and composition of AT Exos undergo significant changes that contribute to disease progression. Recent studies suggest that AT Exos may be used for therapeutic purposes in metabolic disorders. This review summarizes the key regulators of AT Exos secretion, their functional roles and mechanisms in metabolic diseases, and recent advances in their therapeutic applications. The aim is to provide a comprehensive reference for understanding the role of AT Exos in metabolic disorders and to inform the development of novel intervention strategies.
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