http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674%2812%2900507-7
SUMMARY
Thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is
fundamental to energy balance and is also relevant
for humans. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)
regulate adipogenesis, and, here, we describe a
role for BMP8B in the direct regulation of thermogen-
esis. BMP8B is induced by nutritional and thermo-
genic factors in mature BAT, increasing the response
to noradrenaline through enhanced p38MAPK/CREB
signaling and increased lipase activity. Bmp8bÀ/À
mice exhibit impaired thermogenesis and reduced
metabolic rate, causing weight gain despite hypo-
phagia. BMP8B is also expressed in the hypothal-
amus, and Bmp8bÀ/À mice display altered neuropep-
tide levels and reduced phosphorylation of
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), indicating
an anorexigenic state. Central BMP8B treatment
increased sympathetic activation of BAT, dependent
on the status of AMPK in key hypothalamic nuclei.
Our results indicate that BMP8B is a thermogenic
protein that regulates energy balance in partnership
with hypothalamic AMPK. BMP8B may offer a
mechanism to specifically increase energy dissipa-
tion by BAT.
= new reply since forum marked as read