Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms in Lipedema: Advancing Understanding for Therapeutic Development

Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by abnormal subcutaneous fat accumulation, predominantly in the lower extremities and almost exclusively affecting women. Unlike general obesity, lipedema is resistant to diet and exercise and is often associated with pain, easy bruising, and impaired lymphatic function. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms driving this condition remain poorly understood, limiting the development of targeted therapies.

This collection aims to explore the developmental and cellular basis of lipedema, focusing on adipocyte biology, progenitor cell differentiation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and immune cell infiltration. Particular attention will be given to how aberrant signaling pathways—such as those involving estrogen, PPARγ, and inflammatory cytokines—contribute to pathological adipogenesis and tissue expansion.

We welcome original research, reviews, and perspectives addressing the cellular dynamics, lineage tracing of adipocyte progenitors, and molecular regulators of fat accumulation in lipedema. Contributions that integrate transcriptomic, epigenetic, or imaging approaches to elucidate the disease mechanisms at the cellular level are particularly encouraged.

By advancing our understanding of lipedema through the lens of cell and developmental biology, this collection seeks to identify potential molecular targets for diagnosis and intervention. We welcome Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Commentaries, Data notes, and technical notes, but are not limited to the following:

• Adipocyte lineage specification and differentiation in lipedema
• Extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis in lipedema fat
• Molecular drivers of lipedema vs. obesity-related fat accumulation
• Epigenetic and transcriptomic regulation of adipose tissue in lipedema
• Lymphatic and vascular contributions to lipedema pathophysiology
• Immune system involvement in lipedema development and progression
• Potential therapeutic targets to restore metabolic function and tissue homeostasis

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Lipedema, Adipose Tissue Disorder, Adipocyte

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.