Lipid Regulators of Thermogenic Fat Activation. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Park, Hongsuk; He, Anyuan; Lodhi, Irfan J.
• Is Part Of: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism. Volume 30:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 710
• Page End: 723
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: obesity -- mitochondria -- brown adipose tissue -- beige fat -- plasmalogen -- thermogenesis; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Metabolism; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.07.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-2760

Abstract

Abstract : The global prevalence of obesity continues to increase, suggesting a need for alternative treatment approaches. Targeting brown fat function to promote energy expenditure represents one such approach. Brown adipocytes and the related beige adipocytes oxidize fatty acids and glucose to generate heat and are activated by cold exposure or consumption of high-calorie diets. Alternative, more practical means to activate thermogenic fat are needed. Here, we review emerging data suggesting new roles for lipids in activating thermogenesis that extend beyond their serving as a fuel source for heat generation. Lipids have also been implicated in mediating interorgan communication, crosstalk between organelles, and cellular signaling regulating thermogenesis. Understanding how lipids regulate thermogenesis could identify innovative therapeutic interventions for obesity. Highlights: Targeting brown and beige fat activity to stimulate energy expenditure and reduce adiposity could be therapeutically attractive to treat obesity. Lipids mediate interorgan communication, organelle crosstalk, and cellular signaling to impact adipose tissue thermogenesis. Free fatty acids derived from WAT lipolysis, acylcarnitines produced by the liver, and lipids metabolized by the gut microbiota impinge on BAT to regulate thermogenesis. Cardiolipins and plasmalogens – lipids present in mitochondrial membranes and required for thermogenesis – are at the center of crosstalk between mitochondria and other organelles, including the nucleus and peroxisomes. Signaling lipids affect thermogenesis through a variety of mechanisms, including regulation of fatty acid transport into BAT, post-translational modification of factors involved in thermogenic gene expression, and control of beige fat development.