Brown Adipocytes Research Articles

271-LB: Assessment of P311's Influence on Key Genetic Signatures within Brown Adipose Tissue

The dramatic ascent in global obesity levels > 40% has ushered in an alarming increase in chronic metabolic illnesses such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease all for which obesity is a major risk factor. This development has created a need for a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings which regulate this interplay between obesity and metabolic homeostasis. Our studies show that P311 can modulate adipocyte development, plasticity and there by regulating metabolic function. Novel single cell RNA technology using the 10X platform was performed to assess key adipogenic and metabolic gene signatures. Single cells collected from brown adipose tissue of C57BL/6 control mice (WT) and P311 KO mice were used for RNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis using the Seurat package in R evaluated the cellular heterogeneity found in brown adipose tissue, including immune cells, preadipocytes, and beige adipocytes. Marker genes were employed to identify and characterize these distinct cell populations. Visualization using UMAP showed the significant alteration of cluster identities between WT and P311 KO tissue. Our findings showed a significant decrease (p<0.01) in key brown adipocyte signatures in P311 KO brown adipocytes compared to WT brown adipocytes. We observed a tremendous decrease of browning in brown adipocytes switching them to more whitish brown adipocytes in P311KOs compared to WT that could be responsible for deranged metabolic alterations in P311KOs. We conclude that P311 regulates browning of adipocytes there by regulating metabolic homeostasis. Disclosure S. L. Moreton: None. M. R. Aluru: None. K. R. Badri: None. Funding National Institute of General Medical Sciences (SC1GM141937 to K.R.B.)

307-OR: Delineating the Origin of Supraclavicular Brown Adipocytes

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) can use nutrients through non-shivering thermogenesis to generate heat. Thus, activation of BAT can be utilized to maintain body temperature and regulate metabolism. Healthy adult humans possess small amounts of BAT, with the most visible depot, the supraclavicular BAT (scBAT), located in the supraclavicular region of the neck. To understand how human scBAT functions, we previously identified BAT depots in the supraclavicular region of the mouse neck that anatomically resemble human scBAT. Similar to human scBAT, mouse scBAT contains a high density of mitochondria and expresses high levels of uncoupling protein 1. Mouse scBAT first appears in the late fetal stage in the ventral neck and continues to expand toward the lateral neck after birth. To identify the stem/progenitor cells that give rise to supraclavicular brown adipocytes, we performed a series of lineage tracing analyses. Unlike the well-studied mouse interscapular BAT depot, scBAT did not originate from the Myf5, Pax3, or Pax7-labeled progenitor cells that also give rise to skeletal muscle. Rather, a large portion of the supraclavicular brown adipocytes were labeled by Cre recombinase driven by the Mef2c anterior heart field promoter (AHF), which marks cells that give rise to the outflow tract and right ventricle of the heart. Mef2c-AHF+ cells isolated from the scBAT can spontaneously differentiate into highly thermogenic brown adipocytes in vitro, and the differentiation efficiency is further enhanced by addition of Bmp7 and PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone. Together, our lineage tracing studies revealed that the scBAT is composed of heterogeneous brown adipocyte progenitor cells and that Mef2c-AHF-marked cardiac progenitor cells are one of the ancestors of these brown adipocytes. Understanding the trajectories of and molecular mechanisms by which these progenitor cells give rise to scBAT will provide new insights for developing a novel cell-based therapeutic tool for treating obesity and related metabolic complications. Disclosure Y.Ran: None. Z.Wang: None. M.G.Waterstraat: None. R.Caballero-juarez: None. M.Chen: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK116899)

1647-P: Novel Functions of CXCL12 as a Brown Adipocyte–Derived Secreted Factor

The capacity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) to regulate metabolism through cold-induced thermogenesis and secretion of molecules appeals as a potential therapeutic against metabolic disease. BAT secreted factors have gained interest as they may coordinate the adaptive response to cold and tissue remodeling. Yet, BAT secretory functions need deeper investigation before identifying druggable candidates. Thus, our group aimed to study secreted factors from active brown adipocytes that may sway adipocyte function and/or may orchestrate inter-cellular communications. For this, mRNA levels in mature adipocytes of brown, beige and white adipose depots from mice exposed to 21 days of cold were evaluated using RNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis was used to filter for potentially secreted factors. Cxcl12 was found to be the most cold-induced chemokine specifically in BAT. mRNA expression analysis of Cxcl12 by qPCR and fluorescence in-situ hybridization revealed its enrichment in brown adipocytes upon cold. Cold also increased CXCL12 levels in BAT media but not plasma, indicating a potential local action. Cxcl12 knockdown in active brown adipocytes impaired thermogenesis, estimated by Ucp1 gene expression, norepinephrine-induced lipolysis and mitochondrial respiration, despite intact β-adrenergic signaling, as estimated by immunoblotting of phosphorylated proteins. Together, these data suggest that Cxcl12 regulates adipocyte function independently from the β-adrenergic pathway. Additionally, CXCL12 exerted inter-cellular crosstalks by promoting macrophage chemotaxis and neurite outgrowth in vitro. Here we present CXCL12 as a novel brown adipocyte, cold-induced secreted factor involved in adipocyte function and inter-cellular crosstalk within BAT. Further characterization of the role of CXCL12 and other secreted factors in BAT will provide valuable knowledge on the adaptive mechanisms of BAT to cold and may open new avenues to leverage BAT functions for the treatment of metabolic disease. Disclosure M.Agueda oyarzabal: None. M.Tozzi: None. T.W.Schwartz: None. C.C.Schéele: Research Support; Novo Nordisk A/S. B.Emanuelli: None. K.Plucinska: None. M.Isidor: None. L.R.Ingerslev: None. P.Petersen: None. O.Dmytriyeva: None. J.Henningsen: None. E.Brown: None. K.Rupar: None. Funding Novo Nordisk Foundation (18CC0034900, 19SA0035436); Copenhagen Bioscience PhD Program

1682-P: Identification of Peridroplet Mitochondria in White Adipocyte

Mitochondria play various roles for biological maintenance in adipocytes. As for lipid metabolism, mitochondria have the opposite function of burning fatty acid by β-oxidation and supplying triglyceride (TAG) to lipid droplet. Recent study revealed that brown adipocytes (BA) contain cytoplasmic mitochondria (CM), which have high β-oxidation ability, and peridroplet mitochondria (PDM), which adhere lipid droplet, have high ability to generate ATP to synthesize and supply TAG to lipid droplet. On the other hand, Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) and Mitoguardin 2 (MIGA2), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) are speculated to involved in interaction between mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplet to promote TAG synthesis and expansion of lipid droplet. However, little is known about such mitochondrial fractions in white adipocytes (WA). In this study, we investigated whether WA isolated from mice adipose tissue may have mitochondria fractions corresponding to CM/PDM in BA. Cytoplasmic mitochondria and peridroplet mitochondria in WA (CMw/PDMw) were separated by centrifugation. Mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial protein, incorporation of MitoTracker Red, and citrate synthase activity were detected in PDMw, as well as CMw. Electron microscopy showed larger size of mitochondria were observed in PDMw, than in CMw. Immunoblot analysis showed that Perilipin (Plin) 1 and Plin3 were detected in PDMw, but not in CMw. In addition, MIGA2 was detected in both CMw and PDMw, whereas Mfn2 and DGAT2 in PDMw. Immunoprecipitation study revealed that co-precipitation of Plin1/3 and MIGA2/Mfn2/DGAT2 was observed in the PDMw fraction. Our data indicated that mitochondria adhering lipid droplet was detected, which bind to Plin1/3. Moreover, the immunoprecipitation study suggested that mitochondria in the PDMw fraction may support TAG synthesis and expansion of lipid droplet. These results suggested that CMw and PDMw might play different roles in lipid metabolism in WA. Disclosure M.Fuwa: None. M.Asano: None. I.Mori: None. H.Morita: None. K.Kajita: None. T.Ishizuka: None.

Adipocyte G Protein-Coupled Receptors as Potential Targets for Novel Antidiabetic Drugs.

The functional state of adipocytes plays a central role in regulating numerous important metabolic functions, including energy and glucose homeostasis. While white adipocytes store excess calories as fat (triglycerides) and release free fatty acids as a fuel source in times of need, brown and beige adipocytes (so-called thermogenic adipocytes) convert chemical energy stored in substrates (e.g., fatty acids or glucose) into heat, thus promoting energy expenditure. Like all other cell types, adipocytes express many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are linked to four major functional classes of heterotrimeric G proteins (Gs, Gi/o, Gq/11, and G12/13). During the past few years, novel experimental approaches, including the use of chemogenetic strategies, have led to a series of important new findings regarding the metabolic consequences of activating or inhibiting distinct GPCR/G protein signaling pathways in white, brown, and beige adipocytes. This novel information should guide the development of novel drugs capable of modulating the activity of specific adipocyte GPCR signaling pathways for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic disorders.

1681-P: RNA Binding Protein HuR Is Essential for Adaptive Thermogenesis

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a key role in the regulated production of heat in response to cold temperatures, known as adaptive thermogenesis. While the transcriptional mechanisms underlying the thermogenic function of BAT has been widely studied, the role of posttranscriptional processes in BAT thermogenesis remain largely unexplored. RNA binding proteins are central to the control multiple aspects of posttranscriptional RNA biology. Here, we identify brown fat HuR as a critical regulator of adaptive thermogenesis. Mice with adipocyte-specific HuR deletion (AKO) were unable to increase energy expenditure in response to a cold challenge, resulting in marked hypothermia. HuR AKO mice housed at thermoneutrality also failed to increase energy expenditure upon beta-3 adrenoreceptor agonist treatment, indicating a defect in thermogenic BAT. HuR-deleted brown adipocytes displayed impaired mitochondrial respiration under β-adrenergic stimulation. RNA sequencing data revealed that loss of HuR led to downregulation of genes associated with TCA cycle, β-oxidation, and mTORC1 signaling in BAT. Our findings reveal an essential role for RNA binding protein HuR in thermogenic programs of the brown adipocyte and highlight the importance of posttranscriptional processes in BAT thermogenesis. Disclosure K.Park: None. S.Choi: None. J.Suh: None.

1653-P: Brown Adipocyte–Secreted Factors for Treating Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Hyperglycemia during type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is driven not only by a lack of insulin secretion due to autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic β-cells, but also by hypersecretion of glucagon from pancreatic α-cells. Insulin therapy can replace the lack of insulin secretion, but there is no effective therapeutic tool to counter the hyperglucagonemia. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained attention for treating metabolic diseases due to its role as an endocrine organ and its effect on whole-body energy metabolism. Subcutaneous transplantation of embryonic BAT into T1D mouse models reverses hyperglycemia, independent of insulin but accompanied by reduced plasma glucagon levels, which suggests that lowering plasma glucagon plays a central role in restoring euglycemia. However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying this action remain unclear. Towards discovering these mechanisms, we have examined the effects of secretions from immortalized brown adipocytes (imBAT) on pancreatic α-cells and mouse models of T1D. We show that the large molecule fraction (>100kDa) of imBAT-secreted factors suppresses glucagon secretion from both mouse and human pancreatic α-cells. Live cell fluorescence imaging shows that this fraction inhibits both intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP activities, and these inhibitions are ameliorated by blocking the insulin receptor, suggesting that imBAT-secreted factors act, at least in part, through these receptors. Injecting this imBAT-secreted fraction into the NOD mouse model reverses hyperglycemia (242 ± 47.4 to 146 ± 24.7mg/dL, n=8), suppresses hyperglucagonemia (77.6 ± 55.4 to 10.7 ± 4.75pg/mL, n=8), improves glucose tolerance (n=3), and increases thermogenic activity and differentiation of endogenous BAT (n=7). Our data provide insights into the mechanisms of long-term recovery of euglycemia by BAT transplants, and further fractionation experiments to isolate active factors are ongoing. Disclosure J.Lee: None. D.W.Piston: None. Funding The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (2305-06050); National Institutes of Health (R01DK123301, P30DK020579)

1650-P: Characterizing the Mechanism of Action of the Lipokine 12,13-diHOME

Lipids play an essential role in physiology. In addition to serving as an energy source, bioactive lipids, also known as lipokines, function as signaling molecules regulating metabolism and inflammation. A major source of lipokines, brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health by increasing energy expenditure and improving glucose tolerance, thus providing a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Recent studies have identified 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid (12,13-diHOME, produced by cytochrome P450-epoxide hydrolase metabolism of linoleic acid (C18:2n-6), as a lipokine produced by BAT that modulates fatty acid uptake (FAU) into brown adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells in response to cold stimulation or exercising, respectively. Here, we characterized the molecular mechanism and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of 12,13-diHOME in BAT fatty acid uptake. Conversion of the terminal carboxylic acid of 12,13-diHOME to ethyl acetate and changes in saturation results in decreased stimulated FAU indicating 12,13-diHOME's activity is structurally dependent. In addition, we provide insight into a novel protein target responsible for enhancing FAU in BAT, in part, by enhancing intracellular calcium mobilization and influencing the expression of lipolytic genes. Furthermore, we have determined that the 12,13-diHOME-stimulated FAU is, in part, dependent on Gq-mediated calcium mobilization as determined by the utilization of Gq inhibitor YM-254890. Thus, the receptor of 12,13-diHOME could represent a target to augment BAT activity by modulating fatty acid metabolism, which could contribute to increased energy expenditure and, consequently, to the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Disclosure J.I.Senfeld: None. M.Lynes: None. S.Kodani: None. K.Lee: None. Y.Tseng: Consultant; Cellarity, LyGenesis.

80-OR: A New Cytoskeleton-Based Mechanism for Regulating Brown Adipose Tissue Physiology

Human genetic variants in ANK2, encoding the scaffold protein ankyrin-B (AnkB), increase risk for T2D. We characterized the role of AnkB in white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice with AnkB deficiency in both WAT and brown adipose tissue (BAT) (AT-AnkB KO). We found that AnkB loss led to obesity and insulin resistance driven by its role in clathrin mediated endocytosis of GLUT4 in WAT. AT-AnkB KO mice also had lipid accumulation in BAT. However, the cell-autonomous roles of AnkB in BAT and its contribution to energy balance is unknown. To elucidate AnkB’s roles in BAT, we developed mice lacking AnkB in BAT (BAT-AnkB KO). Histology and TEM revealed lipid accumulation in BAT of 4-month-old BAT-AnkB KO mice housed at thermoneutrality. Consistent with this finding, brown adipocytes from AnkB deficient mice also have enlarged lipid droplets, suggesting an AnkB cell-autonomous role in BAT lipid homeostasis. Proteomic-MS revealed that AnkB forms complexes with lipolysis factors Atgl, Hsl and Plin1, and regulators of the PKA pathway, suggesting AnkB plays a role regulating BAT lipolysis. Interestingly, Hsl and Plin1 are elevated in BAT despite the enlarged LDs of BAT-AnkB KO mice, implying either lipolytic deficits or compensatory effects. These findings support RNA sequencing that revealed downregulation of PKA signaling genes, ATPase subunits, and mitochondrial calcium signaling genes in BAT of BAT-AnkB KO mice. Last, peri-droplet mitochondria (PDM), a mitochondria subpopulation with reduced beta-oxidation capacity that contacts LDs, form longer contact sites with BAT LDs from BAT-AnkB KO mice. Together, these findings suggest that early alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics and lipolysis contribute to BAT LD accumulation. Along with this data, we will present findings on thermogenic regulation in vivo and physiological assays evaluating lipolysis and its major regulators. Disclosure A.Aguillard: None. J.Arricastres: None. J.Tzeng: None. D.Lorenzo: None. Funding American Diabetes Association (1-19-JDF-081 to D.L.); National Science Foundation; Burroughs Wellcome Fund (1022069)

76-OR: Axon Guidance Molecule Slit3 Is Essential for Cold-Induced Remodeling of BAT Neurovasculature and Thermogenesis

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is primarily responsible for regulating body temperature through adaptive thermogenesis. Enhancing energy expenditure through the activation of BAT thermogenesis is a promising strategy to prevent and reverse obesity and its cardiometabolic sequelae. Brown adipocytes are embedded in a dense network of blood vessels and sympathetic nerves that supports their thermogenic activity. Increasing the density of blood vessels and sympathetic innervation is essential for enhanced thermogenesis in cold. However, how these distinct processes are spatiotemporally regulated is not clear. To define the mediators of intercellular crosstalk in the BAT, we used single-cell transcriptomic analysis of BAT to build a network of ligand-receptor interactions. We identified Slit guidance ligand 3 (Slit3) as a new adipokine that mediates the crosstalk among adipocyte progenitors, endothelial cells, and sympathetic nerves. Using a combination of in vivo gain and loss of function studies, we showed that Slit3 is essential for cold-induced angiogenesis and sympathetic innervation in BAT. Loss of Slit3 reduced the density of blood vessels and sympathetic neurites in BAT. Consequently, mice lacking Slit3 expression in BAT exhibited severe cold intolerance, increased lipid accumulation and whitening of BAT, and reduced expression of thermogenic and mitochondrial genes in BAT. Conversely, the overexpression of Slit3 enhanced cold-induced BAT thermogenesis. Our mechanistic studies identified the key regulatory events that control Slit3 signaling in BAT. Collectively, these findings established the essential role of Slit3 signaling in regulation of BAT thermogenesis and introduced Slit3 as a new niche factor that promotes adipose tissue health. These studies introduced a potential node of intervention for improving systemic metabolism through the expansion of thermogenic fat. Disclosure T.Duarte afonso serdan: None. H.E.Cervantes: None. F.M.Neto: None. Y.Tseng: Consultant; Cellarity, LyGenesis. F.Shamsi: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (K01DK125608)

363-OR: Brown Adipose Tissue m6A mRNA Methylation Regulates Systemic Insulin Sensitivity via a Prostaglandin Interorgan Axis

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has the capacity to regulate peripheral insulin sensitivity via the secretion of signaling lipids. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is among the most prevalent and abundant post-transcriptional RNA modifications in eukaryotes. Recently, m6A has been shown to regulate islet and hepatic metabolism as well as BAT adipogenesis and energy expenditure. Here, we demonstrate that deficiency of m6A methyltransferase-like 14 (M14) in BAT positively regulates BAT-secretory function to improve systemic insulin sensitivity through inter-organ communication. Using lipidomic approaches, we identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) as M14KOBAT-secreted insulin sensitizers. Notably, circulatory PGE2 and PGF2a showed significant inverse correlation with HOMA-IR in humans. Furthermore, in vivo administration of PGE2 and PGF2a in HFD-induced insulin resistant obese mice recapitulated the phenotypes of M14KO mice. Exogenous PGE2 or PGF2a significantly improved insulin stimulated-pAKT by suppressing expression of specific phosphatases in human hepatocyte cell line. Mechanistically, M14-mediated m6A installation destabilizes transcripts encoding PGE2 and PGF2a synthases in brown adipocytes in an YTHDF2/3-dependent manner. Collectively, these results unveil a new mechanism by which m6A-facilitated BAT-secretory function enables the regulation of whole body insulin sensitivity. Disclosure L.Xiao: None. J.Pihlajamaki: None. Y.Tseng: Consultant; Cellarity, LyGenesis. R.Kulkarni: Advisory Panel; Novo Nordisk, Inversago, Biomea Fusion, Inc., REDD Pharma, Research Support; Inversago. D.F.De jesus: None. C.Ju: None. J.Wei: None. J.Hu: None. T.Tsuji: None. C.Cero: None. D.Kaminska: None. A.M.Cypess: None.

1507-P: Carnosic Acid–Induced Browning in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Is Dependent on AMPK Activation

Background: Increased adiposity has long been associated with insulin resistance and adipose tissue plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis, as its dysfunction in obesity leads to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The primary function of white adipose tissue (WAT) is to store energy as lipids while brown adipose tissue (BAT) regulates thermogenesis by dissipating energy in a form of heat. The process of browning involves transdifferention of WAT into brown-like or beige adipocytes, which exhibit the same functional properties as BAT. Browning of WAT is an attractive approach against obesity and insulin resistance. In addition, evidence indicate that activation of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could counteract insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to examine if carnosic acid (CA), induces browning via activation of AMPK in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes. Material and methods: Cell morphology, lipid accumulation, mitochondrial density, and browning markers such as uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) levels were assessed using Cytation5 microscope, Oil-O-Red (ORO), MitoTracker Red, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. Results: Microscopic investigation revealed that CA reduced the size and number of lipid droplets in the cells, giving a rise to a brown-like phenotype. The reduction of lipid accumulation was also confirmed by ORO stain. Next, CA increased mitochondrial density and protein expression of UCP-1 and PGC-1-α in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Most importantly, pre-treatment with compound C, prevented the CA-induced reduction in lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial density and blocked the CA-induced increase in UCP-1 and PGC-1 expression. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CA has a pronounced potential in stimulating browning of adipocytes via AMPK-dependent mechanism. Future in vivo studies are required to fully examine the effects of CA. Disclosure F.Vlavcheski: None. N.Tsakiridis: None. A.Giacca: None. E.Tsiani: None. Funding Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (RGPIN-2018-06666)

233-LB: Role of SUMO-Specific Protease 2 (SENP2) in Modulating Brown Adipose Tissue Activity

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a metabolically active endocrine organ. Activation of BAT contributes to increased energy expenditure through systemic glucose and lipid utilization. SUMO-specific protease 2 (SENP2) is a post-translational protein modifier that is involved in regulation of metabolism in different tissues. We had previously showed that while SENP2 suppresses browning of white adipose tissues, morphologic defect in BAT was observed in adipose specific SENP2 deficient mice fed with high fat diet. How SENP2 may modulate BAT activity has not been elucidated yet. BAT-specific Senp2 knockout (Senp2-BKO, Ucp1-Cre;Senp2f/f) mice were more insulin resistant in response to high fat diet than controls. They were also intolerant to acute cold exposure. Mechanistically, knockdown of Senp2 in brown adipocytes resulted in reduced levels of Ucp1 and Cidea through SUMOylation of ERRα. SUMOylation of ERRα interrupted binding of ERRα to ERRα response element (ERRE) in the Ucp1 promoter, and deSUMOylation of ERRα via SENP2 enhanced the synergistic effect of ERRα/PGC-1α complex required for the transcription of Ucp1. Collectively, these results suggest that SENP2 is intimately involved in modulating the activity of Ucp1 in BAT through deSUMOylation of ERRα/PGC-1α complex, especially ERRα. Disclosure H. Choe: None. J. Lee: None. J. Park: None. S. Lee: None. S. Chung: None. K. Park: None. Funding National Research Foundation of Korea (2015R1D1A1A09059551, 2016R1A2B3010373, 2019R1A2C3009517)

237-LB: Regulation of Brown Adipose Tissue Neurovasculature by Slit3 Fragments

The ability of brown adipocytes to dissipate chemical energy as heat counteracts weight gain and has gained considerable attention as a target against obesity. Chronic cold exposure increases brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass by de novo recruitment of brown adipocytes, as well as expanding the number of blood vessels and sympathetic nerves in the tissue. This coordinated expansion of the BAT neurovasculature is essential for enhanced thermogenesis. However, how these distinct processes are coordinated remains unclear. We have recently identified Slit guidance ligand 3 (Slit3) as a new niche factor that mediates crosstalk between preadipocytes, sympathetic neurons, and endothelial cells. We showed that Slit3 is essential for cold-induced angiogenesis and sympathetic innervation in BAT and that loss of Slit3 impairs cold-induced BAT thermogenesis in vivo. However, how Slit3 regulates the expansion of angiogenesis and sympathetic innervation is not known. Members of the Slit family are proteolytically cleaved into a large N-terminal fragment and a shorter C-terminal fragment. We observed that Slit3 undergoes proteolytic cleavage in adipocyte progenitors, generating Slit3 N-terminal (Slit3-N) and C-terminal (Slit3-C) fragments. Overexpression of Slit3-N and Slit3-C in BAT revealed distinct and overlapping functions of Slit3 fragments in the regulation of angiogenesis and sympathetic innervation. Collectively, this study provides important mechanistic insights into the role of Slit3 in regulating angiogenesis and sympathetic innervation in BAT. These findings could lead to the development of new approaches to enhance thermogenesis and combat obesity and related metabolic disorders. Disclosure F. M. Neto: None. H. E. Cervantes: None. T. Duarte afonso serdan: None. F. Shamsi: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (K01DK125608)

77-OR: Targeting JunB Induces a Shift from Low- to High-Thermogenic Adipocytes and Ameliorates Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance

The coexistence of brown adipocytes with low and high thermogenic activity is a fundamental feature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) heterogeneity and plasticity. However, the mechanisms that govern thermogenic adipocyte heterogeneity and its significance in obesity and metabolic disease remain poorly understood. In the current study, we identified a population of JunB-enriched adipocytes (JunB+ adipocytes) within the brown fat depot that exhibits lower thermogenic capacity and fewer and smaller lipid droplets compared to high-thermogenic adipocytes. This population of JunB+ adipocytes exhibited marked expansion during obesity, in part through induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6. Depletion of JunB in adipocytes or UCP1+ adipocytes increased the fraction of adipocytes exhibiting high mitochondrial content and thermogenic capacity, leading to enhanced basal and cold-induced energy expenditure and protection against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Mechanistically, JunB directly binds to the promoter of estrogen-related receptor α (Errα), a downstream effector of PGC1α, and suppresses its transcriptional function. JunB antagonizes the stimulatory effects of PGC1α-ERRα on mitochondrial biogenesis and high-thermogenic adipocyte development. Taken together, our studies uncover a novel mechanism involving JunB that shapes thermogenic adipocyte heterogeneity and serves a critical role in maintaining systemic metabolic health. Disclosure X.Zhang: None. C.Wang: None. M.Liu: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (DK110439); American Heart Association (20POST35120020)

Brown adipocyte activation mediates lipid metabolism through exosomal tRNA-derived fragments

Human obesity is related with intrinsic impairments of adipocyte lipolysis and ectopic lipid accumulation. Small regulatory RNAs, such as tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs), are enriched in exosomes and play a crucial role in lipid metabolism. To determine certain tRFs for lipolysis, brown adipocytes were treated with forskolin. Using tRFs sequencing, 207 different expressed exosomal tRFs were determined. In forskolin samples, 145 downregulated and 62 upregulated tRFs were identified. Further, qRT-PCR validated that three notably upregulated tRFs (tRF-Gly-GCC-007, tRF-Gly-GCC-008, and tRF-Gly-GCC-009) were in accordance with the sequencing result. Target genes of tRFs were involved in positive regulation of protein phosphorylation and cell adhesion process by significantly downregulating UCHL1 expression, which might participate in lipolysis. This study might provide therapeutic targets and potential diagnostic biomarkers for obesity treatment.

Combination of Panax ginseng and Diospyros kaki Leaf Inhibits White Adipocyte Differentiation and Browning Process through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Activation In Vitro and In Vivo.

Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and stimulating white adipose tissue (WAT) browning is a prospective obesity treatment method. Dietary components derived from plants are the most effective approach to activate BAT and promote WAT browning in rodents. This study investigated the synergistic effects of Panax ginseng (PG) and Diospyros kaki leaf (DKL) extract on adipocyte differentiation and browning, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying their beneficial effects. The administration of PG and DKL to HFD-induced obese mice significantly decreased body weight and epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue mass. In in vitro, PG inhibited the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by regulating the expression of key adipogenic regulators, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-α. In contrast, DKL negligibly influenced the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes but greatly increased the protein expression of UCP-1, PGC-1α, and PPARα in BAT and/or WAT. Moreover, PG and DKL inhibited adipogenesis synergistically and activated white adipocyte browning via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathways. These results suggest that a combination of PG and DKL regulates adipogenesis in white adipocytes and browning in brown adipocytes by activating AMPK/SIRT1 axis. The potential use of PG and DKL may represent an important strategy in obesity management that will be safer and more effective.

Human abdominal subcutaneous-derived active beige adipocytes carrying FTO rs1421085 obesity-risk alleles exert lower thermogenic capacity.

Introduction: White adipocytes store lipids, have a large lipid droplet and few mitochondria. Brown and beige adipocytes, which produce heat, are characterized by high expression of uncoupling protein (UCP) 1, multilocular lipid droplets, and large amounts of mitochondria. The rs1421085 T-to-C single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the human FTO gene interrupts a conserved motif for ARID5B repressor, resulting in adipocyte type shift from beige to white. Methods: We obtained abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue from donors carrying FTO rs1421085 TT (risk-free) or CC (obesity-risk) genotypes, isolated and differentiated their preadipocytes into beige adipocytes (driven by the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone for 14 days), and activated them with dibutyryl-cAMP for 4 hours. Then, either the same culture conditions were applied for additional 14 days (active beige adipocytes) or it was replaced by a white differentiation medium (inactive beige adipocytes). White adipocytes were differentiated by their medium for 28 days. Results and Discussion: RNA-sequencing was performed to investigate the gene expression pattern of adipocytes carrying different FTO alleles and found that active beige adipocytes had higher brown adipocyte content and browning capacity compared to white or inactive beige ones when the cells were obtained from risk-free TT but not from obesity-risk CC genotype carriers. Active beige adipocytes carrying FTO CC had lower thermogenic gene (e.g., UCP1, PM20D1, CIDEA) expression and thermogenesis measured by proton leak respiration as compared to TT carriers. In addition, active beige adipocytes with CC alleles exerted lower expression of ASC-1 neutral amino acid transporter (encoded by SLC7A10) and less consumption of Ala, Ser, Cys, and Gly as compared to risk-free carriers. We did not observe any influence of the FTO rs1421085 SNP on white and inactive beige adipocytes highlighting its exclusive and critical effect when adipocytes were activated for thermogenesis.

Salt-inducible kinase inhibition promotes the adipocyte thermogenic program and adipose tissue browning

ObjectiveNorepinephrine stimulates the adipose tissue thermogenic program through a β-adrenergic receptor (βAR)–cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade. We discovered that a noncanonical activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) by PKA is required for the βAR-stimulation of adipose tissue browning. However, the downstream events triggered by PKA-phosphorylated mTORC1 activation that drive this thermogenic response are not well understood. MethodsWe used a proteomic approach of Stable Isotope Labeling by/with Amino acids in Cell culture (SILAC) to characterize the global protein phosphorylation profile in brown adipocytes treated with the βAR agonist. We identified salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) as a candidate mTORC1 substrate and further tested the effect of SIK3 deficiency or SIK inhibition on the thermogenic gene expression program in brown adipocytes and in mouse adipose tissue. ResultsSIK3 interacts with RAPTOR, the defining component of the mTORC1 complex, and is phosphorylated at Ser884 in a rapamycin-sensitive manner. Pharmacological SIK inhibition by a pan-SIK inhibitor (HG-9-91-01) in brown adipocytes increases basal Ucp1 gene expression and restores its expression upon blockade of either mTORC1 or PKA. Short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of Sik3 augments, while overexpression of SIK3 suppresses, Ucp1 gene expression in brown adipocytes. The regulatory PKA phosphorylation domain of SIK3 is essential for its inhibition. CRISPR-mediated Sik3 deletion in brown adipocytes increases type IIa histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and enhances the expression of genes involved in thermogenesis such as Ucp1, Pgc1α, and mitochondrial OXPHOS complex protein. We further show that HDAC4 interacts with PGC1α after βAR stimulation and reduces lysine acetylation in PGC1α. Finally, a SIK inhibitor well-tolerated in vivo (YKL-05-099) can stimulate the expression of thermogenesis-related genes and browning of mouse subcutaneous adipose tissue. ConclusionsTaken together, our data reveal that SIK3, with the possible contribution of other SIKs, functions as a phosphorylation switch for β-adrenergic activation to drive the adipose tissue thermogenic program and indicates that more work to understand the role of the SIKs is warranted. Our findings also suggest that maneuvers targeting SIKs could be beneficial for obesity and related cardiometabolic disease.

Effects of multi-organ crosstalk on the physiology and pathology of adipose tissue.

In previous studies, adipocytes were found to play an important role in regulating whole-body nutrition and energy balance, and are also important in energy metabolism, hormone secretion, and immune regulation. Different adipocytes have different contributions to the body, with white adipocytes primarily storing energy and brown adipocytes producing heat. Recently discovered beige adipocytes, which have characteristics in between white and brown adipocytes, also have the potential to produce heat. Adipocytes interact with other cells in the microenvironment to promote blood vessel growth and immune and neural network interactions. Adipose tissue plays an important role in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Dysfunction in adipose tissue endocrine and immune regulation can cause and promote the occurrence and development of related diseases. Adipose tissue can also secrete multiple cytokines, which can interact with organs; however, previous studies have not comprehensively summarized the interaction between adipose tissue and other organs. This article reviews the effect of multi-organ crosstalk on the physiology and pathology of adipose tissue, including interactions between the central nervous system, heart, liver, skeletal muscle, and intestines, as well as the mechanisms of adipose tissue in the development of various diseases and its role in disease treatment. It emphasizes the importance of a deeper understanding of these mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of related diseases. Determining these mechanisms has enormous potential for identifying new targets for treating diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.