In a recent preclinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation , researchers in the United States of America investigated the role of the transcription factor KLF15 (short for Kruppel-like factor 15) in maintaining white adipocyte properties in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) in mouse models and primary human adipose cells. They found that deleting Klf15 induces beige adipocyte properties in WAT and may affect systemic metabolism, thereby opening new avenues for treating obesity. Study: White adipocytes in subcutaneous fat depots require KLF15 for maintenance in preclinical models Adipocytes, key cells in mature adipose tissue, play roles in energy homeostasis and produce various paracrine and endocrine signals.
Different adipose tissue depots have unique developmental and metabolic influences. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and WAT differ significantly. While WAT matures after birth, BAT is present at birth, aiding the development of heat through β-adrenergic signaling, especially in response to cold.
BAT's energy-burning capacity has the potential to treat obesity, but humans have limited BAT, which decreases with age. Interestingly, subcutaneous WAT contains heterogeneous adipocytes, including white and 'beige' adipocytes, which share features with brown adipocytes. The origin of beige adipocytes remains unclear.
Additionally, the factors maintaining white adipocyte properties are poorly understood. Understanding the depot-specific nature and context.
