Inter-organ regulation of adipose tissue browning

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2017 May;74(10):1765-1776. doi: 10.1007/s00018-016-2420-x. Epub 2016 Nov 19.

Abstract

Adaptive thermogenesis is an important component of energy expenditure. Brown adipocytes are best known for their ability to convert chemical energy into heat. Beige cells are brown-like adipocytes that arise in white adipose tissue in response to certain environmental cues to dissipate heat and improve metabolic homeostasis. A large body of intrinsic factors and external signals are critical for the function of beige adipocytes. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of neuronal, hormonal, and metabolic regulation of the development and activation of beige adipocytes, with a focus on the regulation of beige adipocytes by other organs, tissues, and cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inter-organ regulation of adipose tissue browning may provide an avenue for combating obesity and associated diseases.

Keywords: Thermogenesis; beige adipocytes; browning; inter-organ crosstalk; obesity.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes, Brown / metabolism
  • Adipocytes, Brown / pathology*
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / physiopathology
  • Heart / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / metabolism
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Thermogenesis