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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Calcium Imaging of Cortical Neurons using Fura-2 AM
Published on: January 19, 2009
Calcium burns beige.
Jakub Bunk1, Lawrence Kazak1,2
1Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Loss of FNIP1 protein leads to the browning of white adipose tissue. This process is driven by reduced calcium uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), impacting energy metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Metabolism
- Endocrinology
Background:
- White adipose tissue (WAT) primarily stores energy.
- Adipose tissue browning converts WAT to a more energy-dissipating form.
- The molecular mechanisms regulating adipose tissue browning are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of FNIP1 in regulating adipose tissue phenotype.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which FNIP1 influences white adipose tissue browning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetic manipulation to study FNIP1 function in adipocytes.
- Assessed changes in adipose tissue characteristics, including browning markers.
- Investigated cellular processes related to calcium homeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum function.
Main Results:
- Loss of FNIP1 expression was associated with the browning of white adipose tissue.
- FNIP1 deficiency led to decreased calcium uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum.
- This ER calcium dysregulation was identified as a key driver of adipose tissue browning.
Conclusions:
- FNIP1 plays a critical role in maintaining white adipose tissue identity.
- Dysregulation of ER calcium uptake due to FNIP1 loss promotes WAT browning.
- These findings offer new insights into metabolic regulation and potential therapeutic targets.

