Biomaterial Database

Brown fat biology and thermogenesis. 2011

Denis Richard, and Frederic Picard

Quebec Heart And Lung Institute Research Center and Laval University Interdisciplinary Group In Obesity Research, 2725 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec G1V 4G5, Canada. denis.richard@criucpq.ulaval.ca

Brown fat (brown adipose tissue, BAT) primary function is to produce heat. There is now compelling evidence to indicate that brown fat cells in some BAT depots share their predecessor cells with myocytes. Brown adipocyte (trans)differentiation depends on various receptors / transcription factors that include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (PPARgamma), PPARgamma-coactivator-1alpha (PGC1alpha), PRD1-BF1-RIZ1 homologous domain-containing 16 (PRDM16), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBP-beta) and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7). Such mediators also help BAT to acquire its thermogenic phenotype, which is essentially conferred by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). UCP1 uncouples adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis from substrate oxidation in brown adipocytes. Its activity depends on the availability of fatty acids delivered upon BAT's beta)-adrenergic activation, which, physiologically, ensues from the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation of the tissue. SNS-mediated thermogenesis is largely controlled by the hypothalamus and brainstem. Recently, positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning investigations have revealed the presence in adult humans of important neck and shoulder BAT depots. That finding has contributed to reinstate a strong interest for brown adipocyte biology and thermogenesis. This review aims at the unique biology of BAT with the emphasis put on the recent discoveries regarding the brown adipocyte development and function.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007028	Hypothalamic Hormones	Peptide hormones produced by NEURONS of various regions in the HYPOTHALAMUS. They are released into the pituitary portal circulation to stimulate or inhibit PITUITARY GLAND functions. VASOPRESSIN and OXYTOCIN, though produced in the hypothalamus, are not included here for they are transported down the AXONS to the POSTERIOR LOBE OF PITUITARY before being released into the portal circulation.	Hypothalamic Pituitary-Regulating Hormones,Hypothalamic Pituitary-Regulating Peptides,Hormones, Hypothalamic,Hormones, Hypothalamic Pituitary-Regulating,Hypothalamic Pituitary Regulating Hormones,Hypothalamic Pituitary Regulating Peptides,Peptides, Hypothalamic Pituitary-Regulating,Pituitary-Regulating Hormones, Hypothalamic,Pituitary-Regulating Peptides, Hypothalamic
D007473	Ion Channels	Gated, ion-selective glycoproteins that traverse membranes. The stimulus for ION CHANNEL GATING can be due to a variety of stimuli such as LIGANDS, a TRANSMEMBRANE POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE, mechanical deformation or through INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS.	Membrane Channels,Ion Channel,Ionic Channel,Ionic Channels,Membrane Channel,Channel, Ion,Channel, Ionic,Channel, Membrane,Channels, Ion,Channels, Ionic,Channels, Membrane
D008297	Male		Males
D008543	Melanins	Insoluble polymers of TYROSINE derivatives found in and causing darkness in skin (SKIN PIGMENTATION), hair, and feathers providing protection against SUNBURN induced by SUNLIGHT. CAROTENES contribute yellow and red coloration.	Allomelanins,Melanin,Phaeomelanins
D009474	Neurons	The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM.	Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D010907	Pituitary Hormones	Hormones secreted by the PITUITARY GLAND including those from the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis), the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis), and the ill-defined intermediate lobe. Structurally, they include small peptides, proteins, and glycoproteins. They are under the regulation of neural signals (NEUROTRANSMITTERS) or neuroendocrine signals (HYPOTHALAMIC HORMONES) from the hypothalamus as well as feedback from their targets such as ADRENAL CORTEX HORMONES; ANDROGENS; ESTROGENS.	Hormones, Pituitary
D011301	Preoptic Area	Region of hypothalamus between the ANTERIOR COMMISSURE and OPTIC CHIASM.	Area Preoptica,Lateral Preoptic Area,Medial Preoptic Area,Preoptic Nuclei,Area Preopticas,Area, Lateral Preoptic,Area, Medial Preoptic,Area, Preoptic,Areas, Lateral Preoptic,Areas, Medial Preoptic,Areas, Preoptic,Lateral Preoptic Areas,Medial Preoptic Areas,Nuclei, Preoptic,Nucleus, Preoptic,Preoptic Area, Lateral,Preoptic Area, Medial,Preoptic Areas,Preoptic Areas, Lateral,Preoptic Areas, Medial,Preoptic Nucleus,Preoptica, Area,Preopticas, Area
D002001	Adipose Tissue, Brown	A thermogenic form of adipose tissue composed of BROWN ADIPOCYTES. It is found in newborns of many species including humans, and in hibernating mammals. Brown fat is richly vascularized, innervated, and densely packed with MITOCHONDRIA which can generate heat directly from the stored lipids.	Brown Fat,Hibernating Gland,Brown Adipose Tissue,Fat, Brown,Tissue, Brown Adipose
D003080	Cold Temperature	An absence of warmth or heat or a temperature notably below an accustomed norm.	Cold,Cold Temperatures,Temperature, Cold,Temperatures, Cold
D003920	Diabetes Mellitus	A heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by HYPERGLYCEMIA and GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE.