Emerging debates and resolutions in brown adipose tissue research.

ABSTRACT: Until two decades ago, brown adipose tissue (BAT) was studied primarily as a thermogenic organ of small rodents in the context of cold adaptation. The discovery of functional human BAT has opened new opportunities to understand its physiological role in energy balance and therapeutic applications for metabolic disorders. Significantly, the role of BAT extends far beyond thermogenesis, including glucose and lipid homeostasis, by releasing mediators that communicate with other cells and organs. The field has made major advances by using new model systems, ranging from subcellular studies to clinical trials, which have also led to debates. In this perspective, we identify six fundamental issues that are currently controversial and comprise dichotomous models. Each side presents supporting evi

SUBMITTER: Cypess AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11710994 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature