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Author Spotlight: Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator
Published on: May 19, 2023
Genetic Mouse Models: The Powerful Tools to Study Fat Tissues
Xingxing Kong1, Kevin W Williams2, Tiemin Liu3
1Division of Endocrinology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with a variety of comorbidities that contribute to mortality around the world. Although significant effort has been expended in understanding mechanisms that mitigate the consequences of this epidemic, the field has experienced limited success thus far. The potential ability of brown adipose tissue (BAT) to counteract obesity and metabolic disease in rodents (and potentially in humans) has been a topical realization. Recently, there is also another thermogenic fat cell called beige adipocytes, which are located among white adipocytes and share similar activated responses to cyclic AMP as classical BAT. In this chapter, we review contemporary molecular strategies to investigate the role of adipose tissue depots in metabolism. In particular, we will discuss the generation of adipose tissue-specific knockout and overexpression of target genes in various mouse models. We will also discuss how to use different Cre (cyclization recombination) mouse lines to investigate diverse types of adipocytes.
Insights
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipocytes offer potential for combating obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This review explores molecular strategies, including mouse models, to understand their metabolic roles.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Adipose tissue biology
- Molecular endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are global health issues with significant mortality.
- Current strategies to mitigate these metabolic diseases have limited success.
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipocytes show promise in counteracting obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review contemporary molecular strategies for investigating adipose tissue depots in metabolism.
- To highlight the role of thermogenic adipocytes in metabolic health.
- To discuss the application of genetic manipulation in studying adipose tissue function.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing adipose tissue-specific knockout and overexpression of target genes in mouse models.
- Employing Cre-lox recombination systems for precise genetic manipulation.
- Investigating diverse adipocyte types and their metabolic contributions.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue manipulation in mice provides insights into metabolic regulation.
- Genetic models allow for the study of specific gene functions in adipocytes.
- Understanding adipocyte diversity is crucial for metabolic interventions.
Conclusions:
- Molecular strategies, particularly in mouse models, are vital for advancing our understanding of adipose tissue metabolism.
- Targeting BAT and beige adipocytes represents a promising avenue for treating obesity and T2D.
- Further research using advanced genetic tools will elucidate the complex roles of different adipocyte populations.
