Guertin Lab Provides New Insights into Brown Fat Metabolism
A newly published study in Nature Metabolism from the laboratory of David Guertin, PhD, contributed to understanding brown fat metabolism and could potentially lead to new approaches for managing metabolic disorders. The research, led by graduate student Ekaterina (Kate) Korobkina, provides new insights into the role of ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) in mitigating mitochondrial stress and the connection between dietary carbohydrates and heat production in brown adipocytes (brown fat). They also explored the seemingly paradoxical process where brown fat simultaneously synthesizes and breaks down fatty acids.
ACLY is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in promoting thermogenesis (heat production) in brown fat and this research investigated that process.
“It turns out that ACLY is essential for brown fat function on a carbohydrate-rich diet. Losing ACLY results in a striking phenotype and tissue reprogramming,” said Korobkina. “By keeping the fatty acid cycle going through citrate utilization, ACLY helps brown fat produce more heat without stressing the mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis. It ensures proper brown fat function, that can keep us warm and potentially help burn extra calories.”
Brown fat ATP-citrate lyase links carbohydrate availability to thermogenesis and guards against metabolic stress
Nature Metabolism - published online October 14, 2024
Cytosolic acetyl-CoA synthesis shields mitochondria from stress in brown adipocytes
Nature Metabolism Briefing - published online October 15, 2024
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