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The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Visualization and Quantification of Brown and Beige Adipose Tissues in Mice using [18F]FDG Micro-PET/MR Imaging
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Published on: July 1, 2021

Autophagy in adipose tissue thermogenic function.

Joan Villarroya1, Albert Blasco-Roset1, Marta Giralt1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEROBN "Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición", Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|June 16, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Brown adipose tissue (BAT), crucial for heat production, is regulated by autophagy. Suppressed autophagy enhances BAT function, while increased autophagy impairs it, offering therapeutic potential for metabolic health.

Keywords:
adipocyteagingautophagybrown adipose tissuechaperone-mediated autophagythermogenesis

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Area of Science:

  • Metabolic research
  • Adipose tissue biology
  • Cellular regulation

Background:

  • Brown adipose tissue (BAT) generates heat (thermogenesis), vital for temperature regulation and energy expenditure.
  • White adipose tissue (WAT) can transform into thermogenic beige adipocytes.
  • BAT's function is linked to its innervation and vascularization, supporting sympathetic nervous system activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of autophagy in regulating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipocyte function.
  • To investigate the impact of autophagic pathways on thermogenesis and metabolic health.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on BAT, beige adipocytes, and autophagy.
  • Analysis of studies investigating autophagic activity during thermogenic activation.
  • Examination of the relationship between autophagy, mitochondrial function, and adipose tissue plasticity.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy, particularly mitophagy, is suppressed during thermogenic activation, promoting mitochondrial accumulation and heat production.
  • Enhanced autophagy leads to BAT whitening and functional decline, associated with obesity and aging.
  • Autophagy modulation influences BAT plasticity and thermogenic capacity.

Conclusions:

  • Autophagy plays a critical role in regulating BAT and beige adipocyte function.
  • Modulating autophagic pathways presents a potential strategy for enhancing thermogenesis and improving metabolic health.
  • Further understanding of BAT plasticity and autophagic regulation could lead to new obesity treatments.