Cell Metabolism
Volume 15, Issue 3, 7 March 2012, Pages 395-404
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Short Article
PPARγ agonists Induce a White-to-Brown Fat Conversion through Stabilization of PRDM16 Protein

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Summary

Brown adipose tissue dissipates energy through heat and functions as a defense against cold and obesity. PPARγ ligands have been shown to induce the browning of white adipocytes; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that PPARγ ligands require full agonism to induce a brown fat gene program preferentially in subcutaneous white adipose. These effects require expression of PRDM16, a factor that controls the development of classical brown fat. Depletion of PRDM16 blunts the effects of the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone on the induced brown fat gene program. Conversely, PRDM16 and rosiglitazone synergistically activate the brown fat gene program in vivo. This synergy is tightly associated with an increased accumulation of PRDM16 protein, due in large measure to an increase in the half-life of the protein in agonist treated cells. Identifying compounds that stabilize PRDM16 protein may represent a plausible therapeutic pathway for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Highlights

► PPARγ full agonists induce a brown fat phenotype in subcutaneous WAT ► PRDM16 is required for the development of PPARγ agonist-inducible brow adipocytes ► PRDM16 and PPARγ agonists synergistically activate the brown fat gene program ► Browning effect is mediated through the enhanced stability of the PRDM16 protein

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