Critical review of beige adipocyte thermogenic activation and contribution to whole-body energy expenditure

Author(s)

Castro, Erique ; Silva, Tiago E. Oliveira ; Festuccia, William T.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HORMONE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND CLINICAL INVESTIGATION; v. 31, n. 2, p. 9-pg., 2017-08-01.

Abstract

Beige (or brite, "brown in white") adipocytes are uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-positive cells residing in white adipose depots that, depending on the conditions, behave either as classic white adipocytes, storing energy as lipids, or as brown adipocytes, dissipating energy from oxidative metabolism as heat through non-shivering thermogenesis. Because of their thermogenic potential and, therefore, possible usage to treat metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, beige cells have attracted the attention of many scientists worldwide aiming to develop strategies to safely recruit and activate their thermogenic activity. Indeed, in recent years, a large variety of conditions, molecules (including nutrients) and signaling pathways were reported to promote the recruitment of beige adipocytes. Despite of those advances, the true contribution of beige adipocyte thermogenesis to whole-body energy expenditure is still not completely defined. Herein, we discuss some important aspects that should be considered when studying beige adipocyte biology and the contribution to energy balance and whole-body metabolism. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/19530-5 - Involvement of the nutrient sensor mTOR in the development of obesity associated chronic metabolic diseases
• Grantee: William Tadeu Lara Festuccia
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/23169-9 - Involvement of mTORC1 and 2 and PPARgamma in the regulation of leukocyte profile, recruitment and activation of brown adipose tissue and beige adipocytes induced by cold exposure
• Grantee: Érique de Castro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 16/07062-0 - Characterization of the mechanisms underlying omega-3 fatty acids effects on energy balance
• Grantee: Tiago Eugênio Oliveira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master