Type II Transmembrane Serine Proteases as Modulators in Adipose Tissue Phenotype and Function

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Metabolic research
• Cell biology

Background:

• Adipose tissue is vital for energy homeostasis and thermoregulation.
• Type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) are cell-surface enzymes involved in diverse physiological processes.
• Emerging evidence implicates TTSPs in lipid metabolism and adipose tissue regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of specific TTSPs (hepsin, matriptase-2, corin) in adipose tissue.
• To discuss their impact on cellular phenotype, energy metabolism, and thermogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on TTSPs and adipose tissue.
• Analysis of studies involving genetic deficiencies of hepsin, matriptase-2, and corin in mouse models.

Main Results:

• Hepsin deficiency enhances adipose browning and protects against diet-induced metabolic dysfunction.
• Matriptase-2 deficiency promotes lipolysis and reduces obesity and hepatic steatosis.
• Corin deficiency increases white adipose tissue mass, impairs browning, and reduces thermogenic capacity.

Conclusions:

• TTSPs significantly influence adipose tissue phenotype and function.
• Hepsin, matriptase-2, and corin play distinct roles in regulating energy metabolism and thermogenesis.