Phenotype of Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue: Specificities of the Anatomical Distribution, Secretory Profile, Lipid Content, and Response to Nutritional Status

Purpose of Review Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) is currently considered as a unique and typical fat depot, able to modulate the metabolism of bone cells that share the same microenvironment, with putative subsequent impact on skeletal health. The aim of the present review is to update knowledge related to the molecular phenotype of the BMAT adipocytes. Recent Findings Although sharing white and brown adipose tissue-like features, BMAT exhibits its own specific properties. It may consist of two sub-populations of adipocytes, ensuring different metabolic functions and presenting distinct lipidomic and genetic profiles. Current evidence highlights the dynamic lipid composition of BMAT, varying according to pathophysiological situations. Summary Since several studies are now demonstrating an alteration of BMAT lipid composition in bone diseases associated with a loss of bone integrity, the investigation of the qualitative aspect of marrow adiposity is currently overtaking its quantitative assessment. A better knowledge of the BMAT lipid content could enlarge the therapeutic potential for bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteonecrosis.