Adipogenesis is the process of development and differentiation of fat cells (adipocytes), the main cellular component of adipose tissues. Adipose tissues play an important role in the regulation of systemic energy levels. Two main types of adipocytes in mammals are white fat cells and brown fat cells. The third type, beige fat cells, are brown adipocyte-like cells that can develop in white adipose tissue in response to environmental stimuli.

The main function of white adipocytes is the storage and release of energy in the form of fatty acids in response to systemic metabolic cues.

The main function of both brown and beige adipocytes is the production of heat.

For review, please refer to Wang and Seale 2016.