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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice
Published on: November 11, 2021
Epigenomic Control of Thermogenic Adipocyte Differentiation and Function
Xu Peng1, Qiongyi Zhang2,3, Cheng Liao4
1Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore. xpeng@imcb.a-star.edu.sg.
Epigenetic mechanisms regulate thermogenic adipocytes, which burn fat to increase energy expenditure and combat obesity. Understanding these epigenomic regulators offers new therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders and obesity research
- Epigenetics and cellular metabolism
Background:
- Obesity is a global epidemic driven by caloric imbalance.
- Increased energy expenditure is a key strategy for weight management.
- Thermogenic adipocytes dissipate energy as heat, aiding in weight control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the epigenomic regulation of thermogenic adipocytes.
- To explore the role of epigenetics in the development and function of thermogenic adipocytes.
- To highlight insights into the pathogenesis of human metabolic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Genome-level profiling of chromatin signatures (histone modifications, DNA methylation, accessibility, interactions) in thermogenic adipocytes.
- Investigation of epigenetic "writers," "erasers," and "readers" in thermogenic fat cells.
- Analysis of data from murine and human thermogenic fat cell systems.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in identifying epigenetic mechanisms governing thermogenic adipocyte function.
- Genomic tools have elucidated the roles of various epigenetic regulators in thermogenesis.
- Insights into epigenomic regulation provide a foundation for understanding metabolic disease.
Conclusions:
- Epigenomic regulation is crucial for the thermogenic program in adipocytes.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform therapeutic strategies for obesity and metabolic disorders.
- Further research into epigenetics holds promise for combating the obesity epidemic.
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