Obesity represents a major risk factor for the development of several of our most common medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers. Although increased fat mass is the main feature of obesity, not all fat depots are created equal. Adipocytes found in white adipose tissue contain a single large lipid droplet and play well-known roles in energy storage. By contrast, brown adipose tissue is specialized for thermogenic energy expenditure. Owing to its significant capacity to dissipate energy and regulate triacylglycerol (triglyceride) and glucose metabolism, and its demonstrated presence in adult humans, brown fat could be a potential target for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Undoubtedly, fundamental knowledge about the formation of brown fat and regulation of its activity is imperatively needed to make such therapeutics possible. In the present review, we integrate the recent advancements on the regulation of brown fat formation and activity by developmental and hormonal signals in relation to its metabolic function.
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Review Article|
June 28 2013
Brown adipose tissue: development, metabolism and beyond
Tim J. Schulz;
Tim J. Schulz
*Research Group Adipocyte Development, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Nuthetal 14558, Germany
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Yu-Hua Tseng
Yu-Hua Tseng
1
†Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, U.S.A.
‡Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A.
1To whom correspondence should be addressed (email yu-hua.tseng@joslin.harvard.edu).
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Biochem J (2013) 453 (2): 167–178.
Article history
Received:
March 28 2013
Revision Received:
May 01 2013
Accepted:
May 08 2013
Citation
Tim J. Schulz, Yu-Hua Tseng; Brown adipose tissue: development, metabolism and beyond. Biochem J 15 July 2013; 453 (2): 167–178. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BJ20130457
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