Brown adipocyte and browning thermogenesis: metabolic crosstalk beyond mitochondrial limits and physiological impacts

Brown adipocytes were proposed to reverse metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, which make them potential for therapeutic applications. Brown adipocytes and browning process are capable of thermogenesis, the uncoupling metabolism which allows them to promote balanced energy expenditure, a fundamental mechanism for improving metabolic disorders. Thermogenesis process is not only performed by the thermogenin UCPs within the mitochondria, but instead, is globally regulated within brown and browning adipose tissues, which induces signalling molecules that can be sent to nearby and distant tissues to generate systemic effects on metabolism. This review highlights thermogenesis and describes the crosstalk between different organelles within browning and brown adipocytes, as well as their interorgan axes to regulate whole body metabolism. Finally, browning and thermogenesis activation will also be discussed in terms of physiological conditions, in which, we propose that thermogenesis and functional activities of brown adipocytes should be considered individually in future clinical application.

Automated summary

Brown adipocytes have the potential for therapeutic applications in reversing metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. They can produce heat through thermogenesis, which promotes balanced energy expenditure and improves metabolic disorders. The regulation of thermogenesis involves not only thermogenin UCPs within the mitochondria, but also signaling molecules that affect nearby and distant tissues. This review highlights the importance of understanding the crosstalk between different organelles within brown adipocytes and the interorgan axes in regulating whole body metabolism, and suggests considering the individual characteristics of brown adipocytes in future clinical applications.