How Fat Cells Heal Wounds

Adipocytes, or fat cells, are known to store fat molecules as their primary role. However, recent research published in the Journal of Developmental Cell has shown that fat cells are capable of healing. Researchers were interested in how fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, healed their wounds. They hypothesized that fat cells may have a role. Through a series of experiments, they examined that during the inflammatory process, fat cells traveled to the wounded area in order to keep bacteria out and as well as releasing antimicrobial peptides. How fat cells transported themselves to the wounded area and changed their shape in the fly, has allowed researchers to uncover another unique property. Fat cells are motile!