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Isolation of Adipose Tissue Nuclei for Single-Cell Genomic Applications
Published on: June 12, 2020
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Single-nucleus transcriptomics identifies separate classes of UCP1 and futile cycle adipocytes
Tongtong Wang1, Anand Kumar Sharma1, Chunyan Wu1
1Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
Cell Metabolism
|July 31, 2024
Summary
Researchers discovered a new type of energy-dissipating cell in fat tissue. These futile cycle (FC)-adipocytes contribute to heat generation independently of UCP1, impacting energy balance and obesity resistance.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Adipose tissue biology
- Thermogenesis
Background:
- Adipose tissue dissipates energy via UCP1 or futile cycles (FCs).
- Coexistence of these thermogenic pathways is not well understood.
- Both pathways depend on mitochondrial membrane potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heterogeneity of beige adipocytes.
- To identify distinct subpopulations involved in thermogenesis.
- To understand their role in energy homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of mouse and human subcutaneous adipose tissue.
- Deconvolution of adipocyte subpopulations.
- Analysis of metabolic activity and gene expression.
Main Results:
- Identified two distinct beige adipocyte subpopulations: FC-adipocytes and UCP1-beige adipocytes.
- FC-adipocytes dissipate energy via FCs, independent of UCP1.
- FC-adipocytes are linked to improved glucose metabolism and obesity resistance in humans.
Conclusions:
- Discovered a novel, noncanonical thermogenic adipocyte subpopulation (FC-adipocytes).
- FC-adipocytes contribute to energy homeostasis and thermogenesis.
- This finding offers new insights into mammalian energy regulation and obesity resistance.
