Exp Mol Med.  2017 Jul;49(7):e353. 10.1038/emm.2017.70.

Induction of thermogenic adipocytes: molecular targets and thermogenic small molecules

• Song NJ
• Chang SH
• Li DY
• Villanueva CJ
• Park KW

• KMID: 2388351
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2017.70

Abstract

Adipose tissue is a central metabolic organ that controls energy homeostasis of the whole body. White adipose tissue (WAT) stores excess energy in the form of triglycerides, whereas brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy in the form of heat through mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1). A newly identified adipose tissue called "˜beige fat' (BAT-like) is produced through a process called WAT browning. This tissue mainly resides in WAT depots and displays intermediate characteristics of both WAT and BAT. Since the recent discovery of BAT in the human body, along with the identification of molecular targets for BAT activation, stimulating energy expenditure has been considered as a great strategy to treat human obesity and metabolic diseases. Here we summarize recent findings regarding molecular targets and thermogenic small molecules that can stimulate BAT and increase energy expenditure, with an emphasis on possible therapeutic applications in humans.

MeSH Terms

Adipocytes*
Adipose Tissue
Adipose Tissue, Brown
Adipose Tissue, White
Energy Metabolism
Homeostasis
Hot Temperature
Human Body
Humans
Metabolic Diseases
Obesity
Triglycerides
Triglycerides