Myocardin-related transcription factor A regulates conversion of progenitors to beige adipocytes.

ABSTRACT: Adipose tissue is an essential regulator of metabolic homeostasis. In contrast with white adipose tissue, which stores excess energy in the form of triglycerides, brown adipose tissue is thermogenic, dissipating energy as heat via the unique expression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein UCP1. A subset of UCP1+ adipocytes develops within white adipose tissue in response to physiological stimuli; however, the developmental origin of these "brite" or "beige" adipocytes is unclear. Here, we report the identification of a BMP7-ROCK signaling axis regulating beige adipocyte formation via control of the G-actin-regulated transcriptional coactivator myocardin-related transcription factor A, MRTFA. White adipose tissue from MRTFA(-/-) mice contains more multilocular adipocytes and expresses en

SUBMITTER: McDonald ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4384505 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature