Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Browning of Adipocytes in Metabolic Health and Disease
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cellular Pathology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2025) | Viewed by 293
Special Issue Editors
Interests: adipocyte differentiation; adipose stromal vascular fraction; adipose tissue remodeling; obesity; aging; molecular endocrinology
Interests: hibernation/torpor; metabolic syndrome; cell proliferation; thermolegulation; brown adipose tissue; adipocyte; obesity; metabolism
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Adipose tissue is a central and dynamic organ in the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis and metabolism. Therefore, metabolic health is closely linked to the balance between energy-storing white adipose tissue (WAT) and energy-burning brown adipose tissue (BAT). Following the identification of metabolically active BAT in adult humans in 2009, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the dynamics of BAT. Given its metabolic efficacy, the expansion of BAT and the activation of existing BAT has attracted considerable interest as a potential therapeutic strategy to promote energy expenditure and counteract complications associated with metabolic disorders. Studies have demonstrated that mature adipocytes can undergo transdifferentiation into a brown-like phenotype (i.e., beige adipocytes) in response to specific stimuli, including cold exposure, dietary change, exercise, hormonal regulation, and drug treatment. This process, known as the browning of white adipocytes, involves a complex series of cellular and molecular events, including the activation of the thermogenic pathway, mitochondrial biogenesis, increased lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, and the expression of BAT-specific transcription factors.
The aim of this Special Issue is to present the current understanding of BAT metabolism and its regulation, based on studies conducted in humans, animal models, or in vitro models. Particular emphasis will be placed on the molecular mechanisms by which the dysfunctional BAT promotes metabolic disorders such as obesity, aging, and inflammation. We also welcome submissions exploring novel approaches, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cell/gene therapies aimed at enhancing BAT activity. Both original research articles and comprehensive reviews are encouraged to contribute to this Special Issue.
Dr. You Lee Son
Dr. Yuko Okamatsu-Ogura
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- brown and white adipose tissue, BAT, and WAT
- brown, beige, and white adipocyte
- browning of white adipocyte
- adipocyte differentiation
- adipose tissue remodeling
- adipose hyperplasia and hypertrophy
- metabolic disorders
- obesity
- aging
- inflammation
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