New thesis explores how fat stem cells are affected by sex and anatomical location
Martin Uhrbom from the Integrative Cardiovascular, Cancer and Ageing Research unit (ICCA), at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH) defends his thesis titled "Studies of the molecular anatomy of stroma vascular cells in murine adipose and renal tissues", on 13 November, 2025. Main supervisor is Christer Betsholtz (MedH).
What is the main focus of your thesis?
The main focus of my thesis is about adipose stem cells in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in mice, and how these cells are impacted by sex and anatomical location.
Which are the most important results?
There are notable differences in the gene expression profiles of adipose stem cells between male and female mice. We have for example generated a shortlist of genes that differ between the sexes for adipose stem cells in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue.
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?
The malfunction and excessive accumulation of adipose tissue in individuals with obesity negatively impact their health. Adipose stem cells play a crucial role in the formation, expansion, and maintenance of adipose tissue, as they have the ability to differentiate into new mature adipocytes. Additionally, these cells contribute to the formation of the extracellular matrix of the tissue by producing some of its main proteins. Gaining more in-depth knowledge about adipose stem cells may lead to new innovative methods for treating obesity by enhancing the function of adipose tissue.
What are your future ambitions?
To continue to have fun when working with science and to spend more time with family and friends.
Dissertation
Thursday, 13 November at 13:00, Gene i Neo, Blickagången 16, Flemingsberg.
Thesis
Studies of the molecular anatomy of stroma vascular cells in murine adipose and renal tissues