Adipose tissue is one of the most dynamic tissues in the body and is vital for metabolic homeostasis. In the case of excess nutrient uptake, adipose tissue expands to store excess energy in the form of lipids, and in the case of reduced nutrient intake, adipose tissue can shrink and release this energy. Adipocytes are most functional when the balance between these two processes is intact. To understand the molecular mechanisms that drive insulin resistance or conversely preserve the metabolically healthy state in obese individuals, our laboratory performed a screen for differentially regulated adipocyte genes in insulin resistant versus insulin sensitive subjects who had been matched for BMI. From this screen, we identified the type II transmembrane protein tenomodulin (TNMD), which had been previously implicated in glucose tolerance in gene association studies. TNMD was upregulated in omental fat samples isolated from the insulin resistant patient group compared to insulin sensitive individuals. TNMD was predominantly expressed in primary adipocytes compared to the stromal vascular fraction from this adipose tissue. Furthermore, TNMD expression was greatly increased in human preadipocytes by differentiation, and silencing TNMD blocked adipogenic gene induction and adipogenesis, suggesting its role in adipose tissue expansion. Upon high fat diet feeding, transgenic mice overexpressing Tnmd specifically in adipose tissue developed increased epididymal adipose tissue (eWAT) mass without a difference in mean cell size, consistent with elevated in vitro adipogenesis. Moreover, preadipocytes isolated from transgenic epididymal adipose tissue demonstrated higher BrdU incorporation than control littermates, suggesting elevated preadipocyte proliferation. In TNMD overexpressing mice, lipogenic genes PPARG, FASN, SREBP1c and ACLY were upregulated in eWAT as was UCP-1 in brown fat, while liver triglyceride content was reduced. Transgenic animals displayed improved systemic insulin sensitivity, as demonstrated by decreased inflammation and collagen accumulation and increased Akt phosphorylation in eWAT. Thus, the data we present here suggest that TNMD plays a protective role during visceral adipose tissue expansion by promoting adipogenesis and inhibiting inflammation and tissue fibrosis.

In murine and human brown adipose tissue (BAT), mitochondria are powerful generators of heat. Emerging evidence has suggested that the actions of mitochondria extend beyond this conventional biochemical role. In mouse BAT and cultured brown adipocytes, impaired mitochondrial respiratory capacity is accompanied by attenuated expression of Ucp1, a key thermogenic gene, implying a mitochondrial retrograde signaling. However, few have investigated this association in the context of mitochondria-nucleus communication. Using mice with adipose-specific ablation of LRPPRC, a regulator of respiratory capacity, we show that respiration-dependent retrograde signaling from mitochondria to nucleus contributes to transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming of BAT. Impaired respiratory capacity triggers down-regulation of thermogenic and oxidative genes, promoting a storage phenotype in BAT. This retrograde regulation functions by interfering with promoter-specific recruitment of PPARg. In addition, cytosolic calcium may mediate the retrograde signal from mitochondria to nucleus. These data are consistent with a model whereby BAT connects its respiratory capacity to thermogenic gene expression, which in turn contributes to determining its metabolic commitment. Additionally, we find that augmented respiratory capacity activates the thermogenic gene program in inguinal (subcutaneous) white adipose tissue (IWAT) from adipose-specific LRPPRC transgenic mice. When fed a high-fat diet at thermoneutrality, these mice exhibit metabolic improvements as shown by reduced fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, there is increased recruitment of brown-like adipocytes in IWAT and thus energy expenditure is significantly increased, providing a potential explanation for protection from obesity. These data suggest that augmented respiratory capacity promotes ‘browning’ of IWAT, which has beneficial effects on obesity and diabetes.

<p dir="ltr">Adipose tissue is characterized by the dominant presence of adipocytes, specialized cells adept at lipid metabolism. These adipocytes act as critical nodes, coordinating the complex processes of energy storage and mobilization according to the body's metabolic requirements. Within the adipocyte population of mammals, there are three main subtypes: white, beige, and brown adipocytes. White adipocytes are primarily dedicated to the sequestration of energy in the form of triglycerides. Conversely, beige and brown adipocytes are distinguished by their capacity for thermogenesis, the process of dissipating nutritional energy as heat. The contemporary challenge of chronic overnutrition has precipitated a global surge in obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Addressing this issue necessitates the maintenance of white adipocyte homeostasis and the enhancement of the quantity and function of thermogenic adipocytes, which are imperative for mitigating the global obesity epidemics.</p><p dir="ltr">Mitochondrion, a multifunctional organelle, is integral to a broad spectrum of cellular processes, including anabolic and catabolic metabolism, bioenergetics, and signal transduction, all of which are essential for maintaining cellular functions and homeostasis. The efficacy of mitochondrial operations is intrinsically linked to their membrane dynamics. In this study, transmission electron microscopy and mass spectrometry were employed to investigate the proteins implicated in the cold-induced mitochondrial membrane remodeling in brown adipocytes. Through this approach, a poorly characterized protein, Family with Sequence Similarity 210 Member A (FAM210A), was identified as a mitochondrial inner membrane protein that is induced by cold stimulation. Subsequent loss-of-function experiments were conducted to elucidate the role of FAM210A in adipocytes. Mice with adipose-specific deletion of <i>Fam210a</i> (<i>Fam210a</i>^<em>AKO</em>) exhibited compromised mitochondrial cristae structure and a reduced thermogenic capacity in brown adipose tissue (BAT), resulting in an increased susceptibility to lethal hypothermia during acute cold challenge. Moreover, in mice with inducible ablation of <i>Fam210a</i> in adipocytes (<i>Fam210</i>^{<em>iAKO</em>}), mitochondrial alterations in BAT were negligible at thermoneutral conditions; however, they exhibited defective cold-induced mitochondrial cristae remodeling, culminating in a progressive loss of cristae and diminished mitochondrial density. Mechanistically, it was determined that FAM210A interacts with mitochondrial protease YME1L and modulates its activity toward OMA1 and OPA1 cleavage, thus compromising cold-induced mitochondrial remodeling in BAT.</p><p dir="ltr">Additionally, this research delved into the role of FAM210A in adipocytes in response to dietary stress by feeding mice with high-fat diet (HFD). The study found a consistent correlation between FAM210A expression and OPA1 cleavage in adipocytes under HFD challenge. Mice lacking FAM210A in all adipocytes and subjected to HFD exhibited lipoatrophy in white adipose tissue (WAT) and a downregulation of genes associated with adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. In contrast, mice with a brown adipocyte-specific ablation of <i>Fam210a </i>(<i>Fam210a</i>^<em>UKO</em>) displayed no significant change in WAT mass but had enlarged livers. Crucially, both <i>Fam210a</i>^<em>AKO</em> and <i>Fam210a</i>^<em>UKO</em> mice presented increased WAT inflammation, deteriorated glucose tolerance, and exacerbated insulin resistance. These findings underscore the pivotal role of FAM210A in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the preservation of WAT homeostasis and the regulation of systemic glucose clearance in diet-induced obesity.</p><p dir="ltr">In summary, these studies characterize the mitochondrial dynamics in brown adipocytes in response to cold stress, identify a new cold-induced mitochondrial protein, FAM210A, and uncover its functions in adipocytes under cold and dietary stresses. These findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial remodeling in the adaptive response of adipocytes to evolving metabolic demands. This work establishes FAM210A as a key regulator of mitochondrial cristae remodeling, shedding light on the mechanisms that govern mitochondrial plasticity in adipocytes.</p>

No description available.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A modulação do tecido adiposo marrom (TAM) e do tecido adiposo branco (TAB) está associada à prevenção ou redução do ganho de massa corporal. O óleo de peixe possui diversos efeitos benéficos que podem estar relacionados a esses tecidos. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos antiobesogênicos de diferentes dietas hiperlipídicas com óleo de peixe na termogênese do TAM e na lipogênese e beta-oxidação do TAB. Para isso, foram utilizados camundongos machos C57BL/6, com três meses de idade, que foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: um que recebeu dieta standard-chow (SC, 10% kcal de lipídios) e outros três que receberam dieta hiperlipídica (HL, 50% kcal de lipídios). Obtivemos os grupos HL com banha de porco (HL-B), HL com banha de porco mais óleo de peixe (HL-B+Px) e HL com óleo de peixe (HL-Px). As dietas foram administradas por um período de oito semanas, sendo que a ingestão alimentar foi avaliada diariamente e a massa corporal, semanalmente. Na última semana de experimento, realizou-se a calorimetria indireta e o teste oral de tolerância à glicose. No sacrifício, a glicemia foi aferida, o sangue foi puncionado para obtenção do plasma e o TAM interescapular e o TAB epididimário foram dissecados e armazenados. A leptina, os triglicerídeos e a insulina foram mensurados no plasma. O índice de adiposidade e o HOMA-IR foram calculados. O TAM e o TAB foram avaliados por microscopia confocal e de luz. Realizou-se RT-qPCR e Western blot para avaliação de marcadores termogênicos, da captação e oxidação de ácidos graxos e glicose e de PPAR no TAM, e para a avaliação da lipogênese e beta-oxidação e de PPAR no TAB. Com relação aos resultados, o grupo HL-B apresentou ganho de massa corporal e elevação da adiposidade, associado com hipertrofia dos adipócitos, hiperleptinemia, hipertrigliceridemia, intolerância à glicose e resistência à insulina, reproduzindo um quadro de obesidade e síndrome metabólica. Por outro lado, a ingestão de óleo de peixe nos dois grupos (HL-B+Px e HL-Px) foi capaz de reduzir o ganho de massa corporal e a adiposidade, sem alterar a ingestão alimentar. Essa ingestão também aumentou o gasto energético dos animais, regularizou a leptina e os triglicerídeos plasmáticos, bem como a tolerância à glicose e a resistência à insulina. Esses efeitos foram associados ao aumento de marcadores termogênicos no TAM, bem como da captação e oxidação de ácidos graxos e glicose e da expressão de PPAR nesse tecido. No TAB, houve redução de marcadores da lipogênese e aumento de marcadores da beta-oxidação, juntamente com elevação na expressão de PPAR. Em conclusão, nossos resultados mostram que a ingestão de óleo de peixe tem efeitos antiobesogênicos em camundongos através da modulação benéfica do TAM e do TAB e pode, portanto, representar uma terapia auxiliar alternativa contra a obesidade e suas comorbidades. / Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) modulation is associated with prevention or reduction of body mass gain. Fish oil has several beneficial effects which can be related to these tissues. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of different high-fat diets with fish oil on BAT thermogenesis and WAT lipogenesis and beta-oxidation. For this, we used 3-mo-old C57BL/6 male mice that were divided into four groups: one that received a standard-chow diet (SC, 10% kcal of lipids) and three that received a high-fat diet (HF, 50% kcal of lipids). We obtained the HF with lard group (HF-L), the HF with lard plus fish oil group (HF-L+FO), and the HF with fish oil group (HF-FO). Diets were administrated for eight weeks, and food intake was evaluated daily and the body mass, weekly. At the end of the experiment, we performed indirect calorimetry and an oral glucose tolerance test. At sacrifice, glycemia was assessed, the blood was punctured to obtain plasma and interscapular BAT and epididymal WAT were dissected and stored. Plasmatic leptin, triglycerides and insulin were analyzed. Adiposity index and HOMA-IR were calculated. BAT and WAT were evaluated through confocal and light microscopy. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed for analyses of thermogenic markers, fatty acids and glucose uptake and oxidation, and PPAR in BAT, and lipogenesis, beta-oxidation and PPAR in WAT. In relation to the results, the HF-L group presented elevated body mass gain and adiposity, associated with adipocyte hypertrophy, hyperleptinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, displaying a condition that simulates obesity and metabolic syndrome. On the contrary, fish oil intake in both groups (HF-L+FO and HF-FO) was able to reduce body mass gain and adiposity, without affecting food intake. It also increased energy expenditure, normalized plasmatic leptin and triglycerides as well as glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. These effects were associated with increases in thermogenic markers, in uptake and oxidation of fatty acids and glucose and in PPAR expression in BAT. In WAT, lipogenesis was reduced and beta-oxidation and PPAR expression were increased. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that fish oil intake has anti-obesity effects in mice through beneficial modulation of BAT and WAT and can, therefore, represent an auxiliary alternative therapy against obesity and its comorbidities.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A modulação do tecido adiposo marrom (TAM) e do tecido adiposo branco (TAB) está associada à prevenção ou redução do ganho de massa corporal. O óleo de peixe possui diversos efeitos benéficos que podem estar relacionados a esses tecidos. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos antiobesogênicos de diferentes dietas hiperlipídicas com óleo de peixe na termogênese do TAM e na lipogênese e beta-oxidação do TAB. Para isso, foram utilizados camundongos machos C57BL/6, com três meses de idade, que foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: um que recebeu dieta standard-chow (SC, 10% kcal de lipídios) e outros três que receberam dieta hiperlipídica (HL, 50% kcal de lipídios). Obtivemos os grupos HL com banha de porco (HL-B), HL com banha de porco mais óleo de peixe (HL-B+Px) e HL com óleo de peixe (HL-Px). As dietas foram administradas por um período de oito semanas, sendo que a ingestão alimentar foi avaliada diariamente e a massa corporal, semanalmente. Na última semana de experimento, realizou-se a calorimetria indireta e o teste oral de tolerância à glicose. No sacrifício, a glicemia foi aferida, o sangue foi puncionado para obtenção do plasma e o TAM interescapular e o TAB epididimário foram dissecados e armazenados. A leptina, os triglicerídeos e a insulina foram mensurados no plasma. O índice de adiposidade e o HOMA-IR foram calculados. O TAM e o TAB foram avaliados por microscopia confocal e de luz. Realizou-se RT-qPCR e Western blot para avaliação de marcadores termogênicos, da captação e oxidação de ácidos graxos e glicose e de PPAR no TAM, e para a avaliação da lipogênese e beta-oxidação e de PPAR no TAB. Com relação aos resultados, o grupo HL-B apresentou ganho de massa corporal e elevação da adiposidade, associado com hipertrofia dos adipócitos, hiperleptinemia, hipertrigliceridemia, intolerância à glicose e resistência à insulina, reproduzindo um quadro de obesidade e síndrome metabólica. Por outro lado, a ingestão de óleo de peixe nos dois grupos (HL-B+Px e HL-Px) foi capaz de reduzir o ganho de massa corporal e a adiposidade, sem alterar a ingestão alimentar. Essa ingestão também aumentou o gasto energético dos animais, regularizou a leptina e os triglicerídeos plasmáticos, bem como a tolerância à glicose e a resistência à insulina. Esses efeitos foram associados ao aumento de marcadores termogênicos no TAM, bem como da captação e oxidação de ácidos graxos e glicose e da expressão de PPAR nesse tecido. No TAB, houve redução de marcadores da lipogênese e aumento de marcadores da beta-oxidação, juntamente com elevação na expressão de PPAR. Em conclusão, nossos resultados mostram que a ingestão de óleo de peixe tem efeitos antiobesogênicos em camundongos através da modulação benéfica do TAM e do TAB e pode, portanto, representar uma terapia auxiliar alternativa contra a obesidade e suas comorbidades. / Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) modulation is associated with prevention or reduction of body mass gain. Fish oil has several beneficial effects which can be related to these tissues. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of different high-fat diets with fish oil on BAT thermogenesis and WAT lipogenesis and beta-oxidation. For this, we used 3-mo-old C57BL/6 male mice that were divided into four groups: one that received a standard-chow diet (SC, 10% kcal of lipids) and three that received a high-fat diet (HF, 50% kcal of lipids). We obtained the HF with lard group (HF-L), the HF with lard plus fish oil group (HF-L+FO), and the HF with fish oil group (HF-FO). Diets were administrated for eight weeks, and food intake was evaluated daily and the body mass, weekly. At the end of the experiment, we performed indirect calorimetry and an oral glucose tolerance test. At sacrifice, glycemia was assessed, the blood was punctured to obtain plasma and interscapular BAT and epididymal WAT were dissected and stored. Plasmatic leptin, triglycerides and insulin were analyzed. Adiposity index and HOMA-IR were calculated. BAT and WAT were evaluated through confocal and light microscopy. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed for analyses of thermogenic markers, fatty acids and glucose uptake and oxidation, and PPAR in BAT, and lipogenesis, beta-oxidation and PPAR in WAT. In relation to the results, the HF-L group presented elevated body mass gain and adiposity, associated with adipocyte hypertrophy, hyperleptinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, displaying a condition that simulates obesity and metabolic syndrome. On the contrary, fish oil intake in both groups (HF-L+FO and HF-FO) was able to reduce body mass gain and adiposity, without affecting food intake. It also increased energy expenditure, normalized plasmatic leptin and triglycerides as well as glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. These effects were associated with increases in thermogenic markers, in uptake and oxidation of fatty acids and glucose and in PPAR expression in BAT. In WAT, lipogenesis was reduced and beta-oxidation and PPAR expression were increased. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that fish oil intake has anti-obesity effects in mice through beneficial modulation of BAT and WAT and can, therefore, represent an auxiliary alternative therapy against obesity and its comorbidities.

Abstract Obesity is associated with greater risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene FTO are robustly associated with increased body mass index (BMI) in several age and ethnic groups. Studies with transgenic mice support a mechanistic role for FTO protein in energy metabolism. Fto-deficient mice are leaner than wild-type and overexpression of Fto leads to obese phenotype; however, the precise mechanism of FTO action in the control of BMI has remained obscure. Fto mRNA is most abundant in the brain while high expression is present also in white and brown adipose tissues (WAT and BAT, respectively). WAT stores the nutritional energy and BAT dissipates it to produce heat. Furthermore, these organs participate in a complex endocrine network affecting the whole body metabolism, which is more or less disrupted in obesity. In the browning process, white adipocytes begin to manifest brown characteristics. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small RNA molecules, which fine-tune post-transcriptionally the expression of genes important in several cellular processes, including WAT and BAT differentiation and browning of WAT. FTO has been shown to participate in these processes as well as miRNA regulation. The current study used a new Fto-deficient mouse model to reveal deeper insights into the role of Fto on genes affecting WAT and BAT differentiation and function, as well as WAT browning. Furthermore, the effects of Fto on the miRNA regulation in WAT browning and BAT were investigated. Our results supported a role for Fto in adipose tissue. Fto-deficient mice were resistant to diet-induced obesity and their WAT and BAT adipocytes did not become hypertrophic similar to wild-type on high-fat diet. Furthermore, the expression of genes affecting adipose tissue differentiation and function was altered in Fto-deficient WAT and BAT, especially after high-fat diet, and the changes may be mediated via altered miRNA expression. Fto-deficient WAT was more susceptible to browning, which in part contributed to the lean phenotype of these mice. Current study supported a role for Fto in whole body metabolism and adaptation of adipose tissue to changes in dietary environment. / Tiivistelmä Lihavuus on toistuvasti yhdistetty useisiin liitännäissairauksiin, kuten tyypin 2 diabetekseen ja metaboliseen oireyhtymään. FTO-geenissä (fat mass- and obesity-associated) esiintyvien yhden nukleotidin muutoksien (single nucleotide polymorphia, SNP) on useissa ikä- ja etnisissä ryhmissä raportoitu liittyvän korkeampaan painoindeksiin ihmisillä. Muuntogeenisillä hiirillä tehdyt tutkimukset tukevat FTO:n mekanistista roolia energia-aineenvaihdunnassa, sillä Fto-poistogeeniset hiiret ovat villityypin hiiriä laihempia ja sen yliekspressio johtaa ylipainoon. FTO:n tarkka rooli painon säätelyssä on kuitenkin vielä epäselvä. Fto:ta tuotetaan eniten aivoissa, mutta myös valkoisessa ja ruskeassa rasvassa. Valkoinen rasva varastoi ravinnosta saatavan energian ja ruskea hajottaa sitä lämmöntuotantoon. Näillä kudoksilla on lisäksi tärkeä rooli energia-aineenvaihdunnan monimutkaisessa verkostossa. Valkoisen rasvakudoksen ruskettumisprosessissa valkoiset rasvasolut alkavat muistuttaa ruskeita rasvasoluja. Mikro-RNA:t (miRNA) ovat pieniä RNA-juosteita, jotka hienosäätävät geenien ekspressiota transkription jälkeen ja vaikuttavat useisiin solun tärkeisiin tapahtumiin, myös valkoisen ja ruskean rasvasolun erilaistumiseen ja ruskettumiseen. FTO osallistuu näihin prosesseihin sekä miRNA-säätelyyn. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selventää Fto:n roolia valkoisen ja ruskean rasvakudoksen erilaistumisessa ja toiminnassa Fto-poistogeenisen hiirimallin avulla. Lisäksi selvitettiin Fto:n vaikutuksia valkoisen rasvan ruskettumiseen ja ruskean rasvan toimintaan osallistuvien miRNA:iden säätelyyn. Tulokset tukivat FTO:n roolia rasvakudoksessa. Fto-poistogeeniset hiiret eivät lihoneet rasvaisella ruokavaliolla eivätkä niiden rasvasolut varastoineet rasvaa yhtä paljon kuin villityypin hiirillä rasvaisen ruokavalion jälkeen. Lisäksi Fto-poistogeenisen rasvakudoksen erilaistumiseen ja toimintaan liittyvien geenien esiintyvyys muuttui erityisesti rasvaisella ruokavaliolla. Nämä muutokset voivat osittain selittyä muuttuneella miRNA-säätelyllä. Tulokset viittasivat siihen, että Fto-poistogeeninen valkoinen rasvakudos oli alttiimpaa ruskettumiselle, mikä osaltaan vaikutti Fto-poistogeenisten hiirten laihuuteen. Tutkimus tuki Fto-geenin roolia energia-aineenvaihdunnan säätelyssä sekä rasvakudoksen mukautumisessa ruokavalion muutoksiin.

Le rat Lou/C, issu de la souche Wistar, reste maigre tout au long de sa vie. Le but de ce travail était de caractériser la balance énergétique du rat Lou/C et d’établir quel(s) étai(en)t le(s) tissu(s) thermogène(s) impliqué(s) dans la dissipation de l’énergie alimentaire ingérée en excès. Si la quantité d’énergie ingérée, rapportée par unité de masse corporelle, n’était pas différente entre les deux souches de rats, la dépense énergétique du Lou/C était supérieure au repos, suite à un repas et lors de l’exercice physique. Le rat Lou/C montrait également une hyperactivité locomotrice spontanée volontaire bien supérieure à celle du Wistar. De façon inattendue, le tissu adipeux brun (BAT) des Lou/C était peu actif, comme l'ont montré des approches fonctionnelles in vivo, biochimiques in vitro ou moléculaires. L'absence d'activation du BAT du rat Lou/C n’était pas liée à une déficience du tissu puisqu’il était aisément activable par une exposition prolongée au froid. La forte activité physique spontanée du Lou/C ne s’accompagnait pas de l’activation de processus thermogènes particuliers des mitochondries isolées de BAT ou de muscle squelettique. En revanche, nous avons mis en évidence un mécanisme potentiel de découplage des oxydations phosphorylantes mitochondriales dans le foie des Lou/C. Contre toute attente, le rat Lou/C disposait de capacités de synthèse des acides gras équivalentes à celles du Wistar dans le foie et supérieures dans le tissu adipeux blanc avec de fortes capacités d’oxydation de ces substrats dans ces tissus, suggérant un possible cycle futile entre la synthèse des acides gras et leur oxydation dans le foie et le tissu adipeux blanc. Le rat Lou/C représente donc un modèle original de régulation de la balance énergétique qui n’est pas basé sur l’activité thermogène du BAT. Le muscle squelettique, le foie et le tissu adipeux blanc du Lou/C pourraient participer à un métabolisme actif des lipides et contribuer à la dissipation accrue de l’énergie ingérée en excès. / Lou/C rat, an inbred strain of Wistar origin, remains lean throughout life. Our study aimed to characterize the energy balance of Lou/C rats and determine the tissue(s) that could be implicated in the dissipation of excess energy intake. Food intake, expressed per unit body mass, was not different between the two strains of rats but resting metabolic rate, diet-induced thermogenesis and exercise-associated energy expenditure were higher in the Lou/C strain. Moreover, the spontaneous activity of Lou/C rats was amazingly higher than that of Wistar rats. Unexpectedly, the thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT) of Lou/C rats was not over-stimulated as demonstrated by functional in vivo, biochemical in vitro or molecular approaches. Nevertheless, Lou/C BAT was not deficient as it could easily be stimulated by prolonged cold exposure. The high spontaneous activity of Lou/C rats was not correlated with an activation of specific thermogenic processes in isolated mitochondria of BAT or skeletal muscle. However, oxidation and phosphorylation were partly uncoupled in liver mitochondria of Lou/C rats. Unexpectedly, Lou/C rats displayed similar capacities for fatty acid synthesis in liver but higher capacities in white adipose tissue than Wistar rats, in association with high capacities for oxidation of these substrates in these tissues. These results suggested a possible mechanism of futile cycling between fatty acid synthesis and oxidation in liver and white adipose tissue. Lou/C rats therefore represent an original model of regulation of energy balance that is not based on the thermogenic activity of BAT. Skeletal muscle, liver and white adipose tissue of Lou/C rats could contribute to a higher lipid metabolism and the dissipation of excess energy intake.

Pheochromocytoma and functional paraganglioma (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors characterized by catecholamines overproduction, which give a rise to disorders of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. The role of adipose tissue in these processes remains unclear. Our aim was to determine the gene expression profile in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue of patients with PPGL focusing on endocrine functions of adipose tissue, occurrence of brown (BAT) and beige adipose tissue (BeAT), all in connection with other measured metabolic and energy parameters and levels of circulating adipokines. We demonstrate signs of UCP1-dependent norepinephrine induced thermogenesis connected with overexpression of DIO2 in retroperitoneal VAT of PPGL and higher expression of key transcriptional factors of brown/beige adipogenesis, namely PPARGC1α, CEBPB and PRDM16. However, classic murine BAT or BeAT gene signature in VAT of PPGL was not detected. In subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of PPGL we found signs of possible BeAT transformation, however without simultaneously undergoing UCP1-dependent thermogenesis. We also demonstrate that patients with PPGL have higher serum levels of FGF21 compared to healthy controls and these levels do not differ from obese patients. Furthermore, successful tumor removal...

Recent studies suggest adipose tissue plays a critical role in regulating whole body energy homeostasis in both animals and humans. In particular, activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity is now appreciated as a potential therapeutic strategy against obesity and metabolic disease. However, the signaling circuits that coordinate nutrient uptake and BAT function are poorly understood. Here, I investigated the role of the nutrient-sensing mTOR signaling pathway in BAT by conditionally deleting Rictor, which encodes an essential component of mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2) either in brown adipocyte precursors or mature brown adipocytes. In general, inhibiting BAT mTORC2 reduces glucose uptake and de novo lipogenesis pathways while increases lipid uptake and oxidation pathways indicating a switch in fuel utilization. Moreover, several key thermogenic factors (Ucp1, Pgc1α, and Irf4) are elevated in Rictor-deficient BAT, resulting in enhanced thermogenesis. Accordingly, mice with mTORC2 loss in BAT are protected from HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disease at thermoneutrality. In vitro culture experiments further suggest that mTORC2 cell-autonomously regulates the BAT thermogenic program, especially Ucp1 expression, which depends on FoxO1 activity. Mechanistically, mTORC2 appears to inhibit FoxO1 by facilitating its lysine-acetylation but not through the canonical AKT-mediated phosphorylation pathway. Finally, I also provide evidence that β-adrenergic signaling which normally triggers thermogenesis also induces FoxO1 deacetylation in BAT. Based on these data, I propose a model in which mTORC2 functions in BAT as a critical signaling hub for coordinating nutrient uptake, fuel utilization, and thermogenic gene expression. These data provide a foundation for future studies into the mTORC2-FoxO1 signaling axis in different metabolic tissues and physiological conditions.