Brown and beige fat in humans: thermogenic adipocytes that control energy and glucose homeostasis

Brown adipose tissue (BAT), a specialized fat that dissipates energy to produce heat, plays an important role in the regulation of energy balance. Two types of thermogenic adipocytes with distinct developmental and anatomical features exist in rodents and humans: classical brown adipocytes and beige (also referred to as brite) adipocytes. While classical brown adipocytes are located mainly in dedicated BAT depots of rodents and infants, beige adipocytes sporadically reside with white adipocytes and emerge in response to certain environmental cues, such as chronic cold exposure, a process often referred to as "browning" of white adipose tissue. Recent studies indicate the existence of beige adipocytes in adult…

• AD
  American Diabetes Association

  Award: 14-TS-35
• SH
  Shriners Hospitals for Children

  Awards: 84090, 85310, UL1TR000071, P50-GM60338
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: P50-GM60338, DK087853, 84090, UL1TR000071, DK97441, GM60338