BMP4-mediated brown fat-like changes in white adipose tissue alter glucose and energy homeostasis

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1215236110
• Publication Date: 2013-02-07T03:54:38Z
• Authors: Shu-Wen Qian; Yan Tang; Xi Li; Yuan Liu; You-You Zhang; Hai-Yan Huang; Rui-Dan Xue; Hao-Yong Yu; Liang Guo; Hui-Di Gao; Yan Liu; Xia Sun; Yi-Ming Li; Wei-Ping Jia; Qi-Qun Tang
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 2. Zero hunger; Activating Transcription Factor 2; Adipose Tissue, White; Adipocytes, White; Mice, Transgenic; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; Diet, High-Fat; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Mitochondria; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Adipocytes, Brown; Glucose; Adipose Tissue, Brown; Gene Expression Regulation; 3T3-L1 Cells; Animals; Homeostasis; Humans; Insulin; Energy Metabolism

Expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in adipocytes white adipose tissue (WAT) produces “white adipocytes” with characteristics brown fat and leads to a reduction adiposity its metabolic complications. Although BMP4 is known induce commitment pluripotent stem cells the adipocyte lineage by producing that possess preadipocytes, effects on mature phenotype function were unknown. Forced expression transgene mice gives rise reduced WAT mass size along an increased number cell types comparable those beige or brite adipocytes. These changes correlate closely energy expenditure, improved insulin sensitivity, protection against diet-induced obesity diabetes. Conversely, BMP4-deficient exhibit enlarged morphology impaired sensitivity. We identify peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC1α) as target BMP signaling required for these fat-like WAT. This effect appears extend human tissue, because level correlates inversely body index. findings provide genetic basis BMP4’s role altering sensitivity affecting development.