Scientists unveil KLF15 transcription factor's role in white fat cells, opening new paths for obesity therapy

By Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar, PhD.Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Jul 4 2024 In a recent preclinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers in the United States of America investigated the role of the transcription factor KLF15 in maintaining white adipocyte properties in subcutaneous white adipose tissue in mouse models and primary human adipose cells.

Background Adipocytes, key cells in mature adipose tissue, play roles in energy homeostasis and produce various paracrine and endocrine signals. Different adipose tissue depots have unique developmental and metabolic influences. Brown adipose tissue and WAT differ significantly. While WAT matures after birth, BAT is present at birth, aiding the development of heat through β-adrenergic signaling, especially in response to cold.

KLF15 is a zinc finger transcription factor linked to lipid storage, adipogenesis, and BAT regulation. KLF dysregulation is reported to be associated with diseases like obesity and diabetes, highlighting the need for further research on KLFs' role in adipose tissue. Therefore, in the present preclinical study, researchers investigated the potential role of KL15 in maintaining white adipocyte properties, particularly in subcutaneous WAT depots.

Results and discussion Klf15 expression was found to be approximately 75% lower in BAT compared to WAT, suggesting a physiological role for this difference. β-adrenergic stimulation in vivo resulted in the downregulation of Klf15 expression in WAT by about 50%. Among the adrenergic receptors, Adrb1 was the most differentially expressed in BAT compared to WAT, and a similar pattern was observed in human adipocytes.

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