Single-cell sequencing of facial adipose tissue unveils FKBP5 as a therapeutic target for facial infiltrating lipomatosis

• Single-cell transcriptomics of facial adipose tissue reveals a distinct cellular landscape in FIL, with fibro-adipogenic precursor cells (FAPs) showing significant overexpression of FKBP5. • FKBP5 expression is regulated by the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, linking PIK3CA mutations to downstream adipogenic mechanisms. • Functional studies demonstrate that FKBP5 promotes adipogenic differentiation of FAPs, and its knockdown or inhibition impedes this process, both in vitro and in vivo. • FKBP5 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for non-surgical management of facial infiltrating lipomatosis, potentially reducing recurrence and surgical complications.