scholarly journals New insights into the secretory functions of brown adipose tissue

2019 ◽  
Vol 243 (2) ◽  
pp. R19-R27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Villarroya ◽  
Rubén Cereijo ◽  
Aleix Gavaldà-Navarro ◽  
Marion Peyrou ◽  
Marta Giralt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Brown Adipose

In recent years, an important secretory role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) has emerged, which is consistent, to some extent, with the earlier recognition of the important secretory role of white fat. The so-called brown adipokines or ‘batokines’ may play an autocrine role, which may either be positive or negative, in the thermogenic function of brown adipocytes. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the signalling molecules released by brown adipocytes that target sympathetic nerve endings (such as neuregulin-4 and S100b protein), vascular cells (e.g., bone morphogenetic protein-8b), and immune cells (e.g., C-X-C motif chemokine ligand-14) to promote the tissue remodelling associated with the adaptive BAT recruitment in response to thermogenic stimuli. Moreover, existing indications of an endocrine role of BAT are being confirmed through the release of brown adipokines acting on other distant tissues and organs; a recent example is the recognition that BAT-secreted fibroblast growth factor-21 and myostatin target the heart and skeletal muscle, respectively. The application of proteomics technologies is aiding the identification of new members of the brown adipocyte secretome, such as the extracellular matrix or complement system components. In summary, BAT can no longer be considered a mere producer of heat in response to environment or dietary challenges; it is also an active secretory tissue releasing brown adipokines with a relevant local and systemic action. The identification of the major brown adipokines and their roles is highly important for the discovery of novel candidates useful in formulating intervention strategies for metabolic diseases.

An endocrine role for brown adipose tissue?

2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (5) ◽  
pp. E567-E572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Villarroya ◽  
Rubén Cereijo ◽  
Francesc Villarroya
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Brown Fat ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 ◽  
Current View ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Endocrine Factors

White adipose tissue is recognized as both a site of energy storage and an endocrine organ that produces a myriad of endocrine factors called adipokines. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the main site of nonshivering thermogenesis in mammals. The amount and activity of brown adipocytes are associated with protection against obesity and associated metabolic alterations. These effects of BAT are traditionally attributed to its capacity for the oxidation of fatty acids and glucose to sustain thermogenesis. However, recent data suggest that the beneficial effects of BAT could involve a previously unrecognized endocrine role through the release of endocrine factors. Several signaling molecules with endocrine properties have been found to be released by brown fat, especially under conditions of thermogenic activation. Moreover, experimental BAT transplantation has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity mainly by influencing hepatic and cardiac function. It has been proposed that these effects are due to the release of endocrine factors by brown fat, such as insulin-like growth factor I, interleukin-6, or fibroblast growth factor-21. Further research is needed to determine whether brown fat plays an endocrine role and, if so, to comprehensively identify which endocrine factors are released by BAT. Such research may reveal novel clues for the observed association between brown adipocyte activity and a healthy metabolic profile, and it could also enlarge a current view of potential therapeutic tools for obesity and associated metabolic diseases.

scholarly journals Does Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis Play a Role in Metabolic Health?

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Craig Porter ◽  
Elisabet Børsheim ◽  
Labros S. Sidossis
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Oxidative Capacity ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Brown Adipose

The function ascribed to brown adipose tissue in humans has long been confined to thermoregulation in neonates, where this thermogenic capacity was thought lost with maturation. Recently, brown adipose tissue depots have been identified in adult humans. The significant oxidative capacity of brown adipocytes and the ability of their mitochondria to respire independently of ATP production, has led to renewed interest in the role that these adipocytes play in human energy metabolism. In our view, there is a need for robust physiological studies determining the relationship between molecular signatures of brown adipose tissue, adipose tissue mitochondrial function, and whole body energy metabolism, in order to elucidate the significance of thermogenic adipose tissue in humans. Until such information is available, the role of thermogenic adipose tissue in human metabolism and the potential that these adipocytes may prevent or treat obesity and metabolic diseases in humans will remain unknown. In this article, we summarize the recent literature pertaining to brown adipose tissue function with the aims of drawing the readers’ attention to the lack of data concerning the role of brown adipocytes in human physiology, and to the potential limitations of current research strategies.

scholarly journals Allicin regulates energy homeostasis through brown adipose tissue

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuanhai Zhang ◽  
Xiaoyun He ◽  
Yao Sheng ◽  
Jia Xu ◽  
Cui Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity

AbstractBackground/objectives:Disorder of energy homeostasis can lead to a variety of metabolic diseases, especially obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a promising potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. Allicin, a main bioactive ingredient in garlic, has multiple biology and pharmacological function. However, the role of Allicin, in the regulation of metabolic organ, especially the role of activation of BAT, has not been well studied. Here, we analyzed the role of Allicin in whole-body metabolism and the activation of BAT.Results:Allicin had a significant effect in inhibiting body weight gain, decreasing adiposity, maintaining glucose homeostasis, improving insulin resistance, and ameliorating hepatic steatosis in diet-introduced obesity (DIO) mice. Then we find that Allicin can strongly activate brown adipose tissue (BAT). The activation of brown adipocyte treated with Allicin was also confirmed in mouse primary brown adipocytes.Conclusion:Allicin can ameliorate obesity through activating brown adipose tissue. Our findings provide a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.

scholarly journals GPR120 controls neonatal brown adipose tissue thermogenic induction

2019 ◽  
Vol 317 (5) ◽  
pp. E742-E750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Quesada-López ◽  
Aleix Gavaldà-Navarro ◽  
Samantha Morón-Ros ◽  
Laura Campderrós ◽  
Roser Iglesias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Uncoupling Protein ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 ◽  
Acid Oxidation ◽  
Adaptive Thermogenesis ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Adaptive induction of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is essential for the survival of mammals after birth. We show here that G protein-coupled receptor protein 120 (GPR120) expression is dramatically induced after birth in mouse BAT. GPR120 expression in neonatal BAT is the highest among GPR120-expressing tissues in the mouse at any developmental stage tested. The induction of GPR120 in neonatal BAT is caused by postnatal thermal stress rather than by the initiation of suckling. GPR120-null neonates were found to be relatively intolerant to cold: close to one-third did not survive at 21°C, but all such pups survived at 25°C. Heat production in BAT was significantly impaired in GPR120-null pups. Deficiency in GPR120 did not modify brown adipocyte morphology or the anatomical architecture of BAT, as assessed by electron microscopy, but instead impaired the expression of uncoupling protein-1 and the fatty acid oxidation capacity of neonatal BAT. Moreover, GPR120 deficiency impaired fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) gene expression in BAT and reduced plasma FGF21 levels. These results indicate that GPR120 is essential for neonatal adaptive thermogenesis.

scholarly journals Role of Ubiquilins for Brown Adipocyte Proteostasis and Thermogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Muley ◽  
Stefan Kotschi ◽  
Alexander Bartelt
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Cold Exposure ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Shivering Thermogenesis

The acclimatization of brown adipose tissue (BAT) to sustained cold exposure requires an adaptive increase in proteasomal protein quality control. Ubiquilins represent a recently identified family of shuttle proteins with versatile functions in protein degradation, such as facilitating substrate targeting and proteasomal degradation. However, whether ubiquilins participate in brown adipocyte function has not been investigated so far. Here, we determine the role of ubiquilins for proteostasis and non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. We found that Ubqln1, 2 and 4 are highly expressed in BAT and their expression was induced by cold and proteasomal inhibition. Surprisingly, silencing of ubiquilin gene expression (one or multiple in combinations) did not lead to aggravated ER stress or inflammation. Moreover, ubiquitin level and proteasomal activity under basal conditions were not impacted by loss of ubiquilins. Also, non-shivering thermogenesis measured by norepinephrine-induced respiration remained intact after loss of ubiquilins. In conclusion, ubiquilin proteins are highly abundant in BAT and regulated by cold, but they are dispensable for brown adipocyte proteostasis and thermogenesis.

scholarly journals Deregulation of PP2A-Akt Interaction Contributes to Sucrose Non-Fermenting Related Kinase (SNRK) Deficiency Induced Insulin Resistance in Adipose Tissue (P21-071-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Li ◽  
Ran An ◽  
Simin Liu ◽  
Haiyan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Glucose Homeostasis ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Knockout Model ◽  
Potential Substrate

Abstract Objectives Sucrose Non-Fermenting Related Kinase (SNRK), a serine/threonine kinase, is a novel member of the AMPK/SNF1 family. We previously reported that adipose specific SNRK deficiency induced systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. In this study, we aimed to dissect the role of SNRK in white versus brown adipose tissue in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. Methods The SNRKloxp/loxp mice were mated with adiponectin-Cre (A-Cre) transgenic mice to generate the adipose tissue specific knockout model (SNRK−/−, A-Cre), and with UCP1-Cre (U-Cre) mice to generate the brown adipose tissue (BAT) specific knockout model (SNRK−/−, U-Cre). RNA sequencing and phosphoproteomics analysis were applied to identify the signaling pathways affected by SNRK deficiency and the potential substrate of SNRK. Results SNRK deletion exclusively in BAT is sufficient to impair insulin signaling and glucose uptake without inducing local and systemic inflammation. Phosphoproteomic study identified PPP2R5D as the potential substrate of SNRK that regulates insulin signaling through controlling PP2A activity. Dephosphorylated PPP2R5D promotes constitutive assembly of PP2A-Akt complex in SNRK deficient primary brown adipocytes and BAT, therefore reduces insulin stimulated Akt phosphorylation and subsequent glucose uptake. RNA sequencing data provided further evidence to show that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is suppressed by SNRK deletion in primary brown adipocytes. Conclusions Insulin resistance in BAT alone is not sufficient to impact whole body glucose homeostasis, indicating that the role of SNRK in WAT and inflammation might be critical for observed systemic insulin resistance in SNRK−/−, A-Cre mice. Funding Sources National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01 DK103699).

Pref-1 in brown adipose tissue: specific involvement in brown adipocyte differentiation and regulatory role of C/EBPδ

2012 ◽  
Vol 443 (3) ◽  
pp. 799-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Armengol ◽  
Josep A. Villena ◽  
Elayne Hondares ◽  
María C. Carmona ◽  
Hei Sook Sul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Adipocyte Differentiation ◽  
Proximal Promoter ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Specific Marker ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Factor C

Pref-1 (pre-adipocyte factor-1) is known to play a central role in regulating white adipocyte differentiation, but the role of Pref-1 in BAT (brown adipose tissue) has not been analysed. In the present study we found that Pref-1 expression is high in fetal BAT and declines progressively after birth. However, Pref-1-null mice showed unaltered fetal development of BAT, but exhibited signs of over-activation of BAT thermogenesis in the post-natal period. In C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein) α-null mice, a rodent model of impaired fetal BAT differentiation, Pref-1 was dramatically overexpressed, in association with reduced expression of the Ucp1 (uncoupling protein 1) gene, a BAT-specific marker of thermogenic differentiation. In brown adipocyte cell culture models, Pref-1 was mostly expressed in pre-adipocytes and declined with brown adipocyte differentiation. The transcription factor C/EBPδ activated the Pref-1 gene transcription in brown adipocytes, through binding to the proximal promoter region. Accordingly, siRNA (small interfering RNA)-induced C/EBPδ knockdown led to reduced Pref-1 gene expression. This effect is consistent with the observed overexpression of C/EBPδ in C/EBPα-null BAT and high expression of C/EBPδ in brown pre-adipocytes. Dexamethasone treatment of brown pre-adipocytes suppressed Pref-1 down-regulation occurring throughout the brown adipocyte differentiation process, increased the expression of C/EBPδ and strongly impaired expression of the thermogenic markers UCP1 and PGC-1α [PPARγ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ) co-activator-α]. However, it did not alter normal fat accumulation or expression of non-BAT-specific genes. Collectively, these results specifically implicate Pref-1 in controlling the thermogenic gene expression program in BAT, and identify C/EBPδ as a novel transcriptional regulator of Pref-1 gene expression that may be related to the specific role of glucocorticoids in BAT differentiation.

scholarly journals Effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on GDP binding to brown-adipocyte mitochondria from rats

1989 ◽  
Vol 263 (2) ◽  
pp. 341-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Woodward ◽  
E D Saggerson
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Dna Content ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Thyroid Status ◽  
Mitochondrial Uncoupling ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Brown Adipose

1. Rats were made hypothyroid by giving them a low-iodine diet with propylthiouracil for 4 weeks, or were made hyperthyroid by injection with tri-iodothyronine (T3) over a 3-day period. 2. Brown adipocytes were isolated from the interscapular depots of these animals or from their euthyroid controls, followed by isolation of mitochondria from the cells. 3. Relative to cell DNA content, hypothyroidism decreased the maximum binding (Bmax.) of [3H]GDP to mitochondria by 50%. T3 treatment increased binding by 37%. 4. These findings, which are discussed in relation to previously observed changes in brown adipose tissue after alteration of thyroid status, suggest that mitochondrial uncoupling for thermogenesis is less or more effective in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism respectively.

scholarly journals Elucidating the Regulatory Role of Melatonin in Brown, White, and Beige Adipocytes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziye Xu ◽  
Wenjing You ◽  
Jiaqi Liu ◽  
Yizhen Wang ◽  
Tizhong Shan
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Tissue Mass ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Beige Adipocytes

AbstractThe high prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases has heightened the importance of understanding control of adipose tissue development and energy metabolism. In mammals, 3 types of adipocytes with different characteristics and origins have been identified: white, brown, and beige. Beige and brown adipocytes contain numerous mitochondria and have the capability to burn energy and counteract obesity, while white adipocytes store energy and are closely associated with metabolic disorders and obesity. Thus, regulation of the development and function of different adipocytes is important for controlling energy balance and combating obesity and related metabolic disorders. Melatonin is a neurohormone, which plays multiple roles in regulating inflammation, blood pressure, insulin actions, and energy metabolism. This article summarizes and discusses the role of melatonin in white, beige, and brown adipocytes, especially in affecting adipogenesis, inducing beige formation or white adipose tissue browning, enhancing brown adipose tissue mass and activities, improving anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, regulating adipokine secretion, and preventing body weight gain. Based on the current findings, melatonin is a potential therapeutic agent to control energy metabolism, adipogenesis, fat deposition, adiposity, and related metabolic diseases.

scholarly journals Immunohistochemical identification of the uncoupling protein in rat brown adipose tissue.

1985 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Cadrin ◽  
M Tolszczuk ◽  
J Guy ◽  
G Pelletier ◽  
K B Freeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Brown Adipose Tissue ◽  
Uncoupling Protein ◽  
Staining Technique ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Brown Adipocyte ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Immunohistochemical Technique ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Pap Method

Brown adipose tissue mitochondria are characterized by the presence of an uncoupling protein that gives them an exceptional capacity for substrate-controlled respiration and thermogenesis. The specific localization of this protein in rat brown adipocytes was demonstrated using an immunohistochemical technique, the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method. Light microscopy observations showed that serum antibodies raised against the uncoupling protein selectively reacted with multilocular brown adipocytes. No labeling could be detected in either unilocular adipocytes, capillaries, or muscle fibers (striated and vascular smooth muscle). Staining was more intensive in certain adipocytes than in others, suggesting the presence of cellular heterogeneity. The specificity of the staining technique was demonstrated by showing that treatment of the preparations with antiserum saturated with an excess of uncoupling protein almost entirely inhibited brown adipocyte labeling. The specificity and selectivity of the PAP method allow the clear differentiation of uncoupling protein-containing adipocytes from other cellular types, suggesting that this immunohistochemical technique will represent an extremely useful tool for studying adipocyte function and differentiation.

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