Abstract

Obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic, increasing co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes. The joint meetings on a�oeObesity and Adipose Tissue Biologya�� and a�oeDiabetes: Emerging Concepts in Metabolic Signaling and Diseasea�� are aimed to foster cross-talk between these research areas. Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that is both controlled by and sends signals to the brain and other organs. In addition, obesity causes an inflammatory state in the adipose tissue. The recognition that brown/beige adipose tissue is active in adult humans has triggered interest in understanding the physiology and relative importance of these tissues. Exercise and bariatric surgery are known to elicit profound metabolic benefits in type 2 diabetes, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This meeting will bring together cell biologists, biochemists, geneticists, physiologists, drug developers and clinical researchers, thereby facilitating knowledge exchange and interactions leading to elucidation of better treatments for obesity and diabetes. Specifically, it will examine recent advances in understanding of brown/beige adipose tissue function; obesity-induced adipose inflammation; control of adipose tissue, appetite, and energy metabolism; endocrine and paracrine signaling via secreted factors; molecular mechanisms of metabolic signaling; emerging topics, including long noncoding RNA and gut microbiome; and approaches to drug development and the treatment of obesity and diabetes.