Journal
BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL
Volume 453, Issue -, Pages 167-178Publisher
PORTLAND PRESS LTD
DOI: 10.1042/BJ20130457
Keywords
adipocyte; brown adipose tissue; obesity; thermogenesis; white adipose tissue
Categories
Funding
- National Institutes of Health [R01 DK077097]
- Joslin Diabetes Center's Diabetes Research Center (from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease) [P30 DK036836]
- American Diabetes Association
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Mary K. Iacocca Foundation
- German Research Foundation [SCHU 2445/1-1, SCHU 2445/2-1]
- European Research Council [ERC-StG-311082]
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Obesity represents a major risk factor for the development of several of our most common medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers. Although increased fat mass is the main feature of obesity, not all fat depots are created equal. Adipocytes found in white adipose tissue contain a single large lipid droplet and play well-known roles in energy storage. By contrast, brown adipose tissue is specialized for thermogenic energy expenditure. Owing to its significant capacity to dissipate energy and regulate triacylglycerol (triglyceride) and glucose metabolism, and its demonstrated presence in adult humans, brown fat could be a potential target for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Undoubtedly, fundamental knowledge about the formation of brown fat and regulation of its activity is imperatively needed to make such therapeutics possible. In the present review, we integrate the recent advancements on the regulation of brown fat formation and activity by developmental and hormonal signals in relation to its metabolic function.
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