BAT: a new target for human obesity?

Area of Science:

• Adipose tissue biology
• Metabolic regulation
• Obesity research

Background:

• White adipose tissue (WAT) stores energy, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) produces heat.
• Human BAT was believed to involute shortly after birth.
• Recent evidence shows metabolically active BAT in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and function of adult brown adipose tissue.
• To explore the potential of BAT as a target for obesity interventions.

Main Methods:

• Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to detect metabolically active BAT.
• Identification of molecular determinants (PRDM16, BMP7) involved in brown adipogenesis.

Main Results:

• PET scans confirmed the presence of metabolically active BAT depots in adults.
• These BAT depots can be activated by cold and sympathetic nervous system stimuli.
• Key molecular factors like PRDM16 and BMP7 were identified as activators of brown adipogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Adult humans retain functional brown adipose tissue.
• Targeting BAT presents a promising strategy for combating obesity through pharmacological or gene expression manipulation.