Fatty Acid Metabolism in Diabetes: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targets

Dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism lies at the heart of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). While glucose imbalance is often at the forefront of diabetes pathology, mounting evidence points to complex disruptions in lipid processing as equally pivotal in the development of insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Recent studies have illuminated the intricate molecular networks by which altered fatty acid uptake, storage, and oxidation contribute to cellular stress, organ-specific dysfunction, and ultimately, the progression of diabetes and its complications. Despite advances in lipidomics and systems biology approaches, gaps persist in our grasp of how these processes shift from physiological regulation to disease-driving lipotoxicity, and what therapeutic window may exist for intervention.This Research Topic aims to synthesize emerging molecular insights into fatty acid metabolism with a focus on their translational potential for diabetes treatment. It seeks to map the progression from normal fatty acid handling to the maladaptive responses seen in chronic metabolic disease, investigating how molecular, cellular, and tissue-specific events orchestrate both the onset and exacerbation of T2D. Central questions include the identification of core signaling nodes driving lipid-induced insulin resistance, the distinct roles of fatty acid species in different tissues, and the efficacy of novel pharmacological interventions targeting lipid homeostasis. Ultimately, the goal is to bridge bench research and clinical innovation to foster development of more effective, targeted therapies for lipid-related diabetes dysfunction.To gather further insights in the scope of fatty acid metabolism in the context of diabetes and its complications, we welcome articles that integrate basic, translational, and clinical perspectives. Research, review, and commentary submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:• Molecular mechanisms of lipotoxicity and their impact on insulin signaling and cellular stress.• Organ-specific variations in fatty acid metabolism, including skeletal muscle, liver, pancreatic β-cells, and adipose tissue.• Regulatory networks involving PPARs, AMPK, mTOR, SREBPs, and ChREBP in the control of lipid homeostasis.• Mechanisms linking altered lipid metabolism to the development and progression of NAFLD/MASLD and β-cell dysfunction.• Novel therapeutic strategies, including lipogenesis inhibitors, fatty acid oxidation enhancers, adipokine modulators, and incretin-based agents.• Systems biology approach to understanding fatty acid flux and identifying new pharmacological targets.• Integrating multi-omics and machine learning modeling to uncover novel biological mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Topic editors: HECHUN LIU, Hui Xia Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77970/fatty-acid-metabolism-in-diabetes-from-molecular-mechanisms-to-therapeutic-targets