Thermal stress induces glycolytic beige fat formation via a myogenic state

Yong Chen, Kenji Ikeda, Takeshi Yoneshiro, Annarita Scaramozza, Kazuki Tajima, Qiang Wang, Kyeongkyu Kim, Kosaku Shinoda, Carlos Henrique Sponton, Zachary Brown, Andrew Brack, Shingo Kajimura

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

151 Scopus citations

Abstract

Environmental cues profoundly affect cellular plasticity in multicellular organisms. For instance, exercise promotes a glycolytic-to-oxidative fibre-type switch in skeletal muscle, and cold acclimation induces beige adipocyte biogenesis in adipose tissue. However, the molecular mechanisms by which physiological or pathological cues evoke developmental plasticity remain incompletely understood. Here we report a type of beige adipocyte that has a critical role in chronic cold adaptation in the absence of β-adrenergic receptor signalling. This beige fat is distinct from conventional beige fat with respect to developmental origin and regulation, and displays enhanced glucose oxidation. We therefore refer to it as glycolytic beige fat. Mechanistically, we identify GA-binding protein α as a regulator of glycolytic beige adipocyte differentiation through a myogenic intermediate. Our study reveals a non-canonical adaptive mechanism by which thermal stress induces progenitor cell plasticity and recruits a distinct form of thermogenic cell that is required for energy homeostasis and survival.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)180-185
Number of pages6
JournalNature
Volume565
Issue number7738
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 10 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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