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Control loop designs are widely present in biology but can undergo errors, which can be fixed using generic strategies. Loop designs in response to organismal stress exhibit distinct features and are under ongoing investigations. Understanding control theory as an organizing principle in biology creates a broader perspective on endocrine and non-endocrine systems.
In a recent issue of Cell Reports, Xi et al. reported on their studies of an anti-glucagon receptor antibody in several mouse models of insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus, in which they show substantial increase in β-cell mass from enhanced replication and transdifferentiation of glucagon-expressing α-cells to insulin-expressing β-cells.
Thermogenic brown and beige adipocytes have gained much attention as potential therapeutic targets in obesity and related cardiometabolic disease. A recent paper in Nature identifies inosine, released from apoptotic brown adipocytes, as an inducer of thermogenic adipose tissue, thereby uncovering an unexpected and novel mechanism of adipose tissue plasticity.
The long non-coding RNA HOTAIR is exclusively expressed in gluteofemoral subcutaneous adipose tissue (GSAT) and is functionally required for GSAT adipocyte differentiation. A genetic variation analysis showed that the minor allele of rs1443512 is associated with reduced HOTAIR expression and decreased adipose tissue mass in the leg and gynoid regions.
This Review discusses how redefining the primary aldosteronism syndrome as a multidimensional spectrum will affect the approach to the diagnosis and subtyping of primary aldosteronism.
Patients with obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction exhibit dysregulation in iron homeostasis and alterations in gut microbiota composition and functionality. This Review discusses the bidirectional relationships between the host and the microbiota in the acquisition of elemental iron and the implications for glucose metabolism.
Primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) is an adrenal cause of Cushing syndrome. This Review outlines recent progress in understanding the genetics of PBMAH.
