MiR-22 modulates brown adipocyte thermogenesis by synergistically activating the glycolytic and mTORC1 signaling pathways

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates chemical energy as heat and has the potential to be a protective strategy to prevent obesity. microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important posttranscriptional factors affecting the thermogenic function of BAT. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying miRNA-mediated energy metabolism in BAT is not fully understood. Here, we explored the roles of miR-22 in BAT thermogenesis and energy metabolism. Methods: Using global and conditional knockout mice as in vivo models and primary brown adipocytes as an in vitro system, we investigated the function of miR-22 in BAT thermogenesis in vivo and in vitro . Results: miR-22 expression was upregulated in BAT in response to cold exposure and during brown preadipocyte differentiation. Both global and conditional knockout mice displayed BAT whitening, impaired cold tolerance, and decreased BAT thermogenesis. Moreover, we found that miR-22 deficiency impaired BAT glycolytic capacity, which is critical for thermogenesis. The mechanistic results revealed that miR-22 activated the mTORC1 signaling pathway by directly suppressing Tsc1 and concomitantly directly suppressing Hif1an, an inhibitor of Hif1α, which promotes glycolysis and maintains thermogenesis. Conclusions: Our findings identify miR-22 as a critical regulator in the control of thermogenesis in BAT and as a potential therapeutic targe

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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