Sexual dimorphism and the multi-omic response to exercise training in rat subcutaneous white adipose tissue

Abstract

Subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) is a dynamic storage and secretory organ that regulates systemic homeostasis, yet the impact of endurance exercise training and sex on its molecular landscape has not been fully established. Utilizing an integrative multi-omics approach with data generated by the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC), we identified profound sexual dimorphism in the dynamic response of rat scWAT to endurance exercise training. Despite similar cardiorespiratory improvements, only male rats reduced whole-body adiposity, scWAT adipocyte size, and total scWAT triglyceride abundance with training. Multi-omic analyses of adipose tissue integrated with phenotypic measures identified sex-specific training responses including enrichment of mTOR signaling in females, while males displayed enhanced mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. Overall, this study reinforces our understanding that sex impacts scWAT biology and provides a rich resource to interrogate responses of scWAT to endurance training.

Mesenchymal stromal cells as conductors of adipose tissue remodeling

“…We described here how distinct tissue-resident mesenchymal stromal cell subpopulations mediate the adaptations that occur in response to changes in energy surplus and environmental temperature; however, adipose tissues remodel in other settings not discussed here, including pregnancy/lactation, tumor growth, and weight loss. In fact, exercise triggers extensive adipose remodeling, including notable changes in fibrogenic and inflammatory gene expression and protein secretory activity at the level of adipose stromal cells ( Yang et al 2022 ; Many et al 2023 ; Nigro et al 2023 ; Wei et al 2023 ). The functional relevance of these adaptations within stromal cells is not yet clear; however, it appears likely that healthy remodeling of WAT in response to exercise contributes to the metabolic benefits of physical activity.…”