Adipose ABCG1: A potential therapeutic target in obesity?

The importance of ATP-Binding Cassette G1 (ABCG1) transporter in obesity was recently brought to light by recent findings uncovering its key role in adipogenesis with physiopathological consequences in human obesity. Thus, silencing of ABCG1 expression using an RNAi approach allows inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and maturation leading to reduction of fat mass growth in vivo in mice. Studies of ABCG1 in obese subjects validated its deleterious role in the context of obesity, suggesting that adipose tissue ABCG1 could be a potential therapeutic target in obese patients. Here, we discuss the potential feasibility of such strategy and provide a brief overview of critical issues to be considered.