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Wei D, Wang J, Jiupan Z, Khan R, Abbas Raza SH, Yaping S, Chao J, Ayari-Akkari A, Ahmed DAEM. Roles of MEF2A and HOXA5 in the transcriptional regulation of the bovine FoxO1 gene. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4367-4379. [PMID: 36449378 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2150632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The Forkhead box factor 1 (FoxO1) gene plays a vital role in the growth and development of skeletal muscle. In the present study, expression analysis of the bovine FoxO1 gene exhibited the highest expression in longissimus dorsi muscle followed by its expression in adipose tissue. Moreover, high mRNA expression of FoxO1 gene was found in differentiated bovine myoblasts and adipocytes at day 6 of induced differentiation (p < 0.05). The regulatory pattern of the bovine FoxO1 gene was investigated through screening and dual-luciferase activity of the 1.7 kb 5'UTR (untranslated region) within pGL3-basic vector and a core promoter region was explored at (-285/-27) upstream of the transcription start site. The transcription factors (TFs) MEF2A and HOXA5 within the core promoter region (-285/-27) were found as the regulatory cis-acting element. The siRNA interference of the TFs, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, and site-directed mutation validated that MEF2A and HOXA5 binding occurs in the region -285/-27 bp and performs an essential role in the transcriptional regulation of bovine FoxO1 gene. These findings explored the regulatory network mechanism of the FoxO1 gene in skeletal muscle development and adipogenesis for the bovine breed improvement program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wei
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zhang Jiupan
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, China
| | - Rajwali Khan
- Livestock Management, Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | | | - Song Yaping
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jiang Chao
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Amel Ayari-Akkari
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, Faculty of Science of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dalia Abd El Moneim Ahmed
- Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, Faculty of Science of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Parrillo L, Spinelli R, Longo M, Zatterale F, Santamaria G, Leone A, Campitelli M, Raciti GA, Beguinot F. The Transcription Factor HOXA5: Novel Insights into Metabolic Diseases and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction. Cells 2023; 12:2090. [PMID: 37626900 PMCID: PMC10453582 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor HOXA5, from the HOX gene family, has long been studied due to its critical role in physiological activities in normal cells, such as organ development and body patterning, and pathological activities in cancer cells. Nonetheless, recent evidence supports the hypothesis of a role for HOXA5 in metabolic diseases, particularly in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In line with the current opinion that adipocyte and adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction belong to the group of primary defects in obesity, linking this condition to an increased risk of insulin resistance (IR) and T2D, the HOXA5 gene has been shown to regulate adipocyte function and AT remodeling both in humans and mice. Epigenetics adds complexity to HOXA5 gene regulation in metabolic diseases. Indeed, epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, influence the dynamic HOXA5 expression profile. In human AT, the DNA methylation profile at the HOXA5 gene is associated with hypertrophic obesity and an increased risk of developing T2D. Thus, an inappropriate HOXA5 gene expression may be a mechanism causing or maintaining an impaired AT function in obesity and potentially linking obesity to its associated disorders. In this review, we integrate the current evidence about the involvement of HOXA5 in regulating AT function, as well as its association with the pathogenesis of obesity and T2D. We also summarize the current knowledge on the role of DNA methylation in controlling HOXA5 expression. Moreover, considering the susceptibility of epigenetic changes to reversal through targeted interventions, we discuss the potential therapeutic value of targeting HOXA5 DNA methylation changes in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Parrillo
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Rosa Spinelli
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michele Longo
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Federica Zatterale
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Gianluca Santamaria
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessia Leone
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Michele Campitelli
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Gregory Alexander Raciti
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
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Argentato PP, Guerra JVDS, Luzia LA, Ramos ES, Maschietto M, Rondó PHDC. Excessive Gestational Weight Gain Alters DNA Methylation and Influences Foetal and Neonatal Body Composition. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:18. [PMID: 37606455 PMCID: PMC10443290 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in body weight are associated with the regulation of DNA methylation (DNAm). In this study, we investigated the associations between maternal gestational weight gain-related DNAm and foetal and neonatal body composition. METHODS Brazilian pregnant women from the Araraquara Cohort Study were followed up during pregnancy, delivery, and after hospital discharge. Women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI were allocated into two groups: adequate gestational weight gain (AGWG, n = 45) and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG, n = 30). Foetal and neonatal body composition was evaluated via ultrasound and plethysmography, respectively. DNAm was assessed in maternal blood using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays. Linear regression models were used to explore the associations between DNAm and foetal and neonatal body composition. RESULTS Maternal weight, GWG, neonatal weight, and fat mass were higher in the EGWG group. Analysis of DNAm identified 46 differentially methylated positions and 11 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the EGWG and AGWG groups. Nine human phenotypes were enriched for these 11 DMRs located in 13 genes (EMILIN1, HOXA5, CPT1B, CLDN9, ZFP57, BRCA1, POU5F1, ANKRD33, HLA-B, RANBP17, ZMYND11, DIP2C, TMEM232), highlighting the terms insulin resistance, and hyperglycaemia. Maternal DNAm was associated with foetal total thigh and arm tissues and subcutaneous thigh and arm fat, as well as with neonatal fat mass percentage and fat mass. CONCLUSION The methylation pattern in the EGWG group indicated a risk for developing chronic diseases and involvement of maternal DNAm in foetal lean and fat mass and in neonatal fat mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Pizzi Argentato
- Nutrition Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil; (P.P.A.); (L.A.L.)
| | - João Victor da Silva Guerra
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Centre for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) and Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Rua Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro 10.000, Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil;
| | - Liania Alves Luzia
- Nutrition Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil; (P.P.A.); (L.A.L.)
| | - Ester Silveira Ramos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Mariana Maschietto
- Boldrini Children’s Hospital, University of Campinas, Rua Márcia Mendes 619, Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083-884, SP, Brazil;
| | - Patrícia Helen de Carvalho Rondó
- Nutrition Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo 01246-904, SP, Brazil; (P.P.A.); (L.A.L.)
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Li MH, Kuetemeyer JM, Yallowitz AR, Wellik DM. Characterization of a novel Hoxa5eGFP mouse line. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:536-546. [PMID: 36577717 PMCID: PMC10066829 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hox genes encode transcription factors that are important for establishing the body plan. Hoxa5 is a member of the mammalian Hox5 paralogous group that regulates the patterning and morphology of the cervical-thoracic region of the axial skeleton. Hoxa5 also plays crucial functions in lung morphogenesis. RESULTS We generated a Hoxa5eGFP reporter mouse line using CRISPR technology, allowing real-time visualization of Hoxa5 expression. Hoxa5eGFP recapitulates reported embryonic Hoxa5 mRNA expression patterns. Specifically, Hoxa5eGFP can be visualized in the developing mouse neural tube, somites, lung, diaphragm, foregut, and midgut, among other organs. In the stomach, posteriorly biased Hoxa5eGFP expression correlates with a drastic morphological reduction of the corpus in Hox5 paralogous mutants. Expression of Hoxa5eGFP in the lung continues in all lung fibroblast populations through postnatal and adult stages. CONCLUSIONS We identified cell types that express Hoxa5 in postnatal and adult mouse lungs, including various fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. This reporter line will be a powerful tool for studies of the function of Hoxa5 during mouse development, homeostasis, and disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hang Li
- Genetics Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julia M. Kuetemeyer
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Alisha R. Yallowitz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Deneen M. Wellik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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Kwon J, Yeh YS, Kawarasaki S, Minamino H, Fujita Y, Okamatsu-Ogura Y, Takahashi H, Nomura W, Matsumura S, Yu R, Kimura K, Saito M, Inagaki N, Inoue K, Kawada T, Goto T. Mevalonate biosynthesis pathway regulates the development and survival of brown adipocytes. iScience 2023; 26:106161. [PMID: 36895651 PMCID: PMC9988578 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The high thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) has received considerable attention. Here, we demonstrated the role of the mevalonate (MVA) biosynthesis pathway in the regulation of brown adipocyte development and survival. The inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), the rate-limiting enzyme in the MVA pathway and the molecular target of statins, suppressed brown adipocyte differentiation by suppressing protein geranylgeranylation-mediated mitotic clonal expansion. The development of BAT in neonatal mice exposed to statins during the fetal period was severely impaired. Moreover, statin-induced geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) deficiency led to the apoptosis of mature brown adipocytes. Brown adipocyte-specific Hmgcr knockout induced BAT atrophy and disrupted thermogenesis. Importantly, both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of HMGCR in adult mice induced morphological changes in BAT accompanied by an increase in apoptosis, and statin-treated diabetic mice showed worsened hyperglycemia. These findings revealed that MVA pathway-generated GGPP is indispensable for BAT development and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungin Kwon
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Yu-Sheng Yeh
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Satoko Kawarasaki
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Hiroto Minamino
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Fujita
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yuko Okamatsu-Ogura
- Departments of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Haruya Takahashi
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Wataru Nomura
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.,Research Unit for Physiological Chemistry, the Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Matsumura
- Division of Clinical Nutrition, Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 583-0872, Japan
| | - Rina Yu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea
| | - Kazuhiro Kimura
- Departments of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saito
- Departments of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nobuya Inagaki
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Inoue
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.,Research Unit for Physiological Chemistry, the Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Teruo Kawada
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.,Research Unit for Physiological Chemistry, the Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Goto
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.,Research Unit for Physiological Chemistry, the Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Chen D, Lin Y, Zhao N, Wang Y, Li Y. Hoxa5 Inhibits the Proliferation and Induces Adipogenic Differentiation of Subcutaneous Preadipocytes in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141859. [PMID: 35883405 PMCID: PMC9311789 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox a5 (Hoxa5) plays considerable roles in the differentiation and lipid metabolism of adipocytes. However, the current knowledge about the mechanistic roles and functions of Hoxa5 in goat subcutaneous preadipocyte remains unclear. Therefore, Hoxa5 loss-of-function and gain-of-function was performed to reveal its functions in adipogenesis. For differentiation, overexpression of Hoxa5 notably increased the expression of adipogenic genes (PPARγ, CEBP/α, CEBP/β, AP2, and SREBP1), as well as promoted goat subcutaneous preadipocyte lipid accumulation. Knockdown of Hoxa5 mediated by siRNA technique significantly inhibited its differentiation and suppressed the accumulation of lipid droplets. Regarding proliferation, overexpression of Hoxa5 reduced the number of cells stained with crystal violet, and inhibited mRNA expression of the marker genes including CCNE1, PCNA, CCND1, and CDK2, and also significantly reduced EdU-positive rates. Consistently, knockdown of Hoxa5 demonstrated the opposite tendency. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that Hoxa5 promotes adipogenic differentiation of goat subcutaneous preadipocyte and inhibits its proliferation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingshuang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.C.); (Y.L.); (N.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yaqiu Lin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.C.); (Y.L.); (N.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.C.); (Y.L.); (N.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.C.); (Y.L.); (N.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.C.); (Y.L.); (N.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence:
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Human Brown Adipose Tissue and Metabolic Health: Potential for Therapeutic Avenues. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113030. [PMID: 34831253 PMCID: PMC8616549 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities comprise a cluster of conditions including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that has affected more than 650 million people all over the globe. Obesity results from the accumulation of white adipose tissues mainly due to the chronic imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. A variety of approaches to treat or prevent obesity, including lifestyle interventions, surgical weight loss procedures and pharmacological approaches to reduce energy intake and increase energy expenditure have failed to substantially decrease the prevalence of obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT), the primary source of thermogenesis in infants and small mammals may represent a promising therapeutic target to treat obesity by promoting energy expenditure through non-shivering thermogenesis mediated by mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Since the confirmation of functional BAT in adult humans by several groups, approximately a decade ago, and its association with a favorable metabolic phenotype, intense interest on the significance of BAT in adult human physiology and metabolic health has emerged within the scientific community to explore its therapeutic potential for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases. A substantially decreased BAT activity in individuals with obesity indicates a role for BAT in the setting of human obesity. On the other hand, BAT mass and its prevalence correlate with lower body mass index (BMI), decreased age and lower glucose levels, leading to a lower incidence of cardio-metabolic diseases. The increased cold exposure in adult humans with undetectable BAT was associated with decreased body fat mass and increased insulin sensitivity. A deeper understanding of the role of BAT in human metabolic health and its interrelationship with body fat distribution and deciphering proper strategies to increase energy expenditure, by either increasing functional BAT mass or inducing white adipose browning, holds the promise for possible therapeutic avenues for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
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