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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging of Interscapular Brown Adipose Tissue
06:28

Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging of Interscapular Brown Adipose Tissue

Published on: October 7, 2014

Orexin is required for brown adipose tissue development, differentiation, and function.

Dyan Sellayah1, Preeti Bharaj, Devanjan Sikder

  • 1Metabolic Signaling and Disease Program, Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL 32827, USA.

Cell Metabolism
|October 11, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Orexin (OX) deficiency causes obesity by impairing brown adipose tissue (BAT) differentiation and thermogenesis. Restoring OX signaling promotes BAT function and energy expenditure, suggesting a role in weight regulation.

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Published on: February 3, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Metabolic Regulation
  • Adipose Tissue Biology

Background:

  • Orexin (OX) neuropeptides are crucial for feeding and arousal.
  • Orexin deficiency is linked to narcolepsy and paradoxically, obesity despite reduced food intake.
  • The mechanisms linking orexin to obesity, particularly concerning energy expenditure, remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of orexin in regulating brown adipose tissue (BAT) function and thermogenesis.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathways by which orexin influences adipocyte differentiation.
  • To understand the contribution of impaired BAT activity to obesity in orexin-deficient states.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized orexin-null (OX-null) mice to study obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
  • Assessed BAT thermogenesis and preadipocyte differentiation in OX-null mice.
  • Administered OX to OX-null dams and performed in vitro studies on various cell types.

Main Results:

  • Obesity in OX-null mice is characterized by impaired BAT thermogenesis due to defective brown preadipocyte differentiation.
  • OX administration to OX-null dams rescued the differentiation defect in neonates.
  • In vitro, OX promoted differentiation via p38 MAP kinase and BMPR1A-dependent Smad1/5 signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Orexin plays a critical role in adaptive thermogenesis and body weight regulation.
  • Orexin deficiency leads to obesity through impaired BAT differentiation and reduced energy expenditure.
  • Targeting orexin signaling may offer therapeutic strategies for obesity and metabolic disorders.