Abstract
Brown adipose tissue in mammals plays a critical role in maintaining energy balance by thermogenesis, which means dissipating energy in the form of heat. It is held that in mammals, long-term surplus food intake results in energy storage in the form of triglyceride and may eventually lead to obesity. Stimulating energy-dissipating function of brown adipose tissue in human body may counteract fat accumulation. In order to utilize brown adipose tissue as a therapeutic target, the mechanisms underlying brown adipocyte differentiation and function should be better elucidated. Here we review the molecular mechanisms involved in brown adipose tissue development and thermogenesis, and share our thoughts on current challenges and possible future therapeutic approaches.
Highlights
Brown adipose tissue in mammals plays a critical role in maintaining energy balance by thermogenesis, which means dissipating energy in the form of heat
When rats were submitted to cold or treated with b-adrenoceptor agonist, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) could be detected in fat pads which had been considered as white adipose tissue (WAT)
PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) transgenic mice display increased energy expenditure. These findings indicate that PRDM16 is a key regulator for brown fat-like gene program and thermogenesis in subcutaneous adipose tissues
Summary
With the help of modern technology, multiple studies conclusively show that functional BAT exists in adult humans, and is inversely correlated with BMI, adipose tissue mass, glucose and insulin levels. Animal studies contribute a great deal for us to understand BAT development and function. List of abbreviations used WAT: white adipose tissue; BAT: brown adipose tissue; TG: triglyceride; TGL: TG-rich lipoproteins; UCP1: uncoupling protein 1; cAMP: cyclic AMP; PRDM16: PR domain containing 16; Myf: myogenic factor 5; PET/CT: positron emission computed tomography/computed tomography; BMI: body mass index; PGC-1α: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha; PPAR: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor; NRF: nuclear respiratory factor; CREB: cAMP response element-binding protein; RIP140: receptor-interacting protein 140; Dio: type II deiodinase; ctBP: Cterminal-binding protein; C/EBP: CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein; pRb: retinoblastoma protein; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblast; COX: cyclooxygenase; DNP: 2, 4-dinitrophenol; SVF: stromal vascular fraction
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
