Abstract
Adipose tissue (AT) is classified based on its location, physiological and functional characteristics. Although there is a clear demarcation of anatomical and molecular features specific to white (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), the factors that uniquely differentiate beige AT (BeAT) remain to be fully elaborated. The ubiquitous presence of different types of AT and the inability to differentiate brown and beige adipocytes because of similar appearance present a challenge when classifying them one way or another. Here we will provide an overview of the latest advances in BeAT, BAT, and WAT identification based on transcript markers described in the literature. The review paper will highlight some of the difficulties these markers pose and will offer new perspectives on possible transcript-specific identification of BeAT. We hope that this will advance the understanding of the biology of different ATs. In addition, concrete strategies to distinguish different types of AT may be relevant to track the efficacy and mechanisms around interventions aimed to improve metabolic health and thwart excessive weight gain.
Highlights
Adipose tissue (AT) is an integral component of increased weight gain and has garnered significant attention in the scientific community over the last few decades
We know that beige AT (BeAT) is derived from WAT but has similar properties to brown adipose tissue (BAT), yet the full suite of regulators of BeAT and its metabolic properties, need to be better understood
The studies of BeAT have shown that cold temperature exposure and adrenergic stimulation are able to induce the beigeing of WAT in mice, and as the WAT is beiged, the presence of potential BeAT and BAT markers are increased
Summary
Adipose tissue (AT) is an integral component of increased weight gain and has garnered significant attention in the scientific community over the last few decades. Beige adipocytes were originally observed to arise in response to cold exposure in rodents [7,8,9]; studies have since identified that diet [10], exercise [11], pre-and probiotics [12], pharmaceutical agents, numerous plant-based bioactives, and even adipokines [13, 14], can induce “beigeing” or “browning” of WAT These regulators of BeAT are discussed in greater detail below. Exercise has been shown to promote beigeing by increasing the number of mitochondria in WAT and activating brown adipocyte genes, Ucp1 [8] This phenomenon has been studied extensively in mice, where exercise consists of the mouse running on a treadmill.
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