Circadian control of white and brown adipose tissues

White and brown adipose tissues are highly dynamic organs anticipating and responding to changes in the environment. The circadian timing system facilitates anticipation, and it is therefore not surprising that circadian disturbances, a prominent feature of modern 24/7 society, increase the risk for (cardio)metabolic diseases. In this mini-review, we will address mechanisms and strategies to mitigate disease risk associated with circadian disturbances. In addition, we discuss the opportunities arising from the knowledge we gained about circadian rhythms in these adipose tissues, including the application of chronotherapy, optimizing endogenous circadian rhythms to allow for more effective intervention, and the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Automated summary

White and brown adipose tissues are dynamic organs that can anticipate and respond to changes in the environment. Circadian disturbances, common in modern society, increase the risk for metabolic diseases. This mini-review discusses mechanisms and strategies to mitigate disease risk associated with circadian disturbances, as well as the potential applications and therapeutic targets based on our knowledge of circadian rhythms in adipose tissues.