The adipocyte is now known to play an active role in many physiological and pathological processes regarding energy metabolism. Consideration of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ that secretes a variety of unrelated bioactive molecules has broadened our appreciation of adipocyte function to exceed the once considered passive role in lipid metabolism. Growing interest in this tissue has lead to significant advances regarding the molecular basis for adipocyte differentiation. Several diverse families of transcription factors are currently under active investigation for their roles in mediating this complex process. Knowledge concerning the sequence of transcriptional events during adipogenesis and the interplay among adipogenic transcription factors provides a basis for understanding the physiological processes associated with adipose tissue as well as for the development of therapeutic intervention of adipocyte related diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppls. 32/33:59–67, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.