About this Research Topic
Brown and beige adipocytes are known to mediate thermogenesis via the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) that uncouples the electron transport chain producing heat instead of ATP. Under the influence of an external stimulus like cold exposure, the sympathetic nervous system is activated which results in the release of norepinephrine, which acts via β3 adrenergic receptors to activate the cAMP-PKA pathway leading to increased availability of thermogenic UCP1+ mitochondria. Recent advances have indicated the presence of UCP1 independent thermogenesis mechanisms in these adipocytes. This research topic aims to unravel novel molecular mechanisms that drive the increased thermogenesis in brown and beige adipocytes.
This research topic intends to provide its readers with a better understanding of brown and beige adipocyte-mediated thermogenesis. We welcome original research, review, mini-review, short communications, and perspectives articles that are related, but not limited to the following subtopics:
• Mechanisms concerning the differentiation of white, brown, and beige adipocytes
• Fatty acid uptake and lipolysis in brown and beige adipocytes
• Mitochondrial function in brown and beige adipocytes
• Factors affecting improved thermogenesis in brown and beige adipocytes
• Potential therapeutic strategies aiming to improve thermogenesis in these adipocytes
Keywords: obesity, brown adipocytes, beige adipocytes, UCP1, thermogenesis, beiging, browning
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