Perirenal adipose tissue contains a subpopulation of cold-inducible adipocytes derived from brown-to-white conversion.

Zhang, Houyu; Li, Yan; Ibáñez, Carlos F; Xie, Meng · Elife · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) is a unique visceral depot that contains a mixture of brown and white adipocytes. The origin and plasticity of such cellular heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we combine single-nucleus RNA sequencing with genetic lineage tracing to reveal the existence of a distinct subpopulation of <i>Ucp1</i><sup>-</sup>&<i>Cidea</i><sup>+</sup> adipocytes that arises from brown-to-white conversion during postnatal life in the periureter region of mouse PRAT. Cold exposure restores <i>Ucp1</i> expression and a thermogenic phenotype in this subpopulation. These cells have a transcriptome that is distinct from subcutaneous beige adipocytes and may represent a unique type of cold-recruitable adipocytes. These results pave the way for studies of PRAT physiology and mechanisms controlling the plasticity of brown/white adipocyte phenotypes.

Medical subject headings