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Recent research spearheaded by Prof. Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld of the University of Southern Denmark and Prof. Dagmar Wachten of the University Hospital Bonn (Germany) has unearthed a previously unknown aspect of brown fat, shedding light on its effectiveness in combating obesity. Brown fat, distinct from the white fat commonly found around the abdomen and thighs, plays a crucial role in burning calories to generate heat, particularly in response to cold stimuli. This discovery has long intrigued scientists, who are keen to leverage brown fat’s calorie-burning prowess in the fight against obesity.
The study, led by Senior Postdoc Hande Topel, uncovered a protein named ‘AC3-AT’ that acts as a built-in switch, promptly deactivating brown fat shortly after activation. This mechanism, while a natural regulatory process, curtails the efficacy of utilizing brown fat as a potential treatment for obesity. “Blocking the ‘off switch’ represented by AC3-AT could unlock a promising avenue for safely activating brown fat and addressing obesity-related health concerns,” remarked Topel.
Through meticulous investigation, the research team observed that mice lacking the AC3-AT protein exhibited resistance to obesity when subjected to a high-fat diet. Compared to their counterparts, these mice gained less weight and displayed improved metabolic profiles. Ronja Kardinal, a PhD student involved in the study, highlighted the significant implications of these findings for human therapeutics, emphasizing the potential for developing interventions targeting AC3-AT.
Despite the decline in brown fat prevalence with age, its activation remains feasible, particularly through cold exposure. Activated brown fat augments metabolic rates, potentially stabilizing weight loss in individuals with high-calorie intake. The study also uncovered additional protein/gene variants responsive to cold exposure, indicating a broader regulatory network governing brown fat activation.
Prof. Dagmar Wachten underscored the need for further research to elucidate the therapeutic impact of these alternative gene products, emphasizing their relevance in unraveling similar mechanisms in other cellular pathways. Prof. Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld emphasized the broader implications of understanding molecular mechanisms governing brown fat, suggesting its potential in advancing our understanding of various diseases and facilitating the development of novel treatments.
The study was conducted within the framework of the DFG Collaborative Research Center Transregio-SFB 333 “Brown and Beige Fat — Organ Interactions, Signaling Pathways and Energy Balance (BATenergy)” and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Adipocyte Signaling (Adiposign), aiming to deepen comprehension of adipose tissue dynamics and metabolic diseases.
This groundbreaking research not only unveils a critical aspect of brown fat regulation but also offers a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against obesity and related metabolic disorders.
