Molecular Regulation of Thermogenic Mechanisms in Beige Adipocytes

Abstract

Adipose tissue is conventionally recognized as a metabolic organ responsible for storing energy. However, a proportion of adipose tissue also functions as a thermogenic organ, contributing to the inhibition of weight gain and prevention of metabolic diseases. In recent years, there has been significant progress in the study of thermogenic fats, particularly brown adipose tissue (BAT). Despite this progress, the mechanism underlying thermogenesis in beige adipose tissue remains highly controversial. It is widely acknowledged that beige adipose tissue has three additional thermogenic mechanisms in addition to the conventional UCP1-dependent thermogenesis: Ca2+ cycling thermogenesis, creatine substrate cycling thermogenesis, and triacylglycerol/fatty acid cycling thermogenesis. This paper delves into these three mechanisms and reviews the latest advancements in the molecular regulation of thermogenesis from the molecular genetic perspective. The objective of this review is to provide readers with a foundation of knowledge regarding the beige fats and a foundation for future research into the mechanisms of this process, which may lead to the development of new strategies for maintaining human health.