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Isolation of Adipose Tissue Nuclei for Single-Cell Genomic Applications
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Softer nuclei for whiter brown fat.

Wei Wong1

  • 1Science Signaling, AAAS, Washington, DC 20005, USA.

Science Signaling
|September 23, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Mitochondrial stress causes brown fat to lose its energy-burning function, a process called whitening. This occurs because stress reduces the stiffness of the cell nucleus, impacting gene expression.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Mitochondrial Function

Background:

  • Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is crucial for thermogenesis and metabolic health.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in metabolic diseases.
  • Cellular mechanical properties, like nuclear stiffness, can influence cell function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of mitochondrial stress in brown fat whitening.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking mitochondrial stress to altered brown fat function.
  • To explore the contribution of nuclear stiffness to this process.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cellular models of mitochondrial stress in brown adipocytes.
  • Assessed key markers of brown fat whitening and mitochondrial function.

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  • Measured nuclear stiffness using atomic force microscopy.
  • Analyzed gene expression changes related to mitochondrial and adipocyte function.

    • Main Results:

    • Mitochondrial stress significantly induced brown fat whitening.
    • Reduced nuclear stiffness was observed in stressed brown adipocytes.
    • Decreased nuclear stiffness correlated with impaired mitochondrial function and whitening markers.
    • Specific pathways linking mitochondrial stress to nuclear mechanics were identified.

    Conclusions:

    • Mitochondrial stress is a key driver of brown fat whitening.
    • Reduced nuclear stiffness represents a critical mechanistic link in this pathway.
    • Targeting mitochondrial stress or nuclear mechanics may offer therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders.