Brown and beige fat: From molecules to physiology and pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Metabolic research
• Adipose tissue biology
• Therapeutic target identification

Background:

• The adipose organ contains white, brown, and beige adipocytes, each with unique functions including nutrient storage, insulation, and heat generation.
• Thermogenic adipocytes are key targets for anti-obesity and anti-diabetic therapies due to their role in energy dissipation.
• Understanding the development, progenitors, niche, and activation stimuli of thermogenic adipocytes is essential for therapeutic application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight structural and cellular differences between human and rodent brown adipose tissue.
• To discuss the impact of obesity and metabolic complications on brown and beige adipocytes.
• To explore strategies for targeting these cells to improve activation and metabolic homeostasis.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of human and rodent brown adipose tissue.
• Review of current research models and emerging approaches.
• Discussion of stimuli and molecules influencing adipocyte differentiation and activation.

Main Results:

• Obesity and metabolic complications negatively affect brown and beige adipocyte function.
• Targeting thermogenic adipocytes can potentially improve metabolic homeostasis.
• Differences exist in the structure and cellular composition of human versus rodent brown adipose tissue.

Conclusions:

• Thermogenic adipocytes represent a promising therapeutic target for metabolic diseases.
• Further investigation into the origins, differentiation, and activation of these cells is warranted.
• Improved research models are needed to advance therapeutic strategies for obesity and diabetes.