It was previously believed that beige fat could only be obtained from stem cells. Now scientists have found that it is enough to limit the production of a certain protein to turn white fat into a beige color.
Mammals have three types of fat cells: white, brown, and beige. White fat stores energy, while brown fat burns it for heat. Beige fat combines these characteristics. Scientists have tried to create beige fat from stem cells, but they are few and far between.
Researchers studied the protein KLF-15, which affects the metabolism and function of fat cells, and found that it was very low in white fat and high in brown and beige fat.
In mice lacking KLF-15 in their white fat cells, they automatically turned beige. Scientists studied the effects of KLF-15 on human fat cells and found that it regulates the Adrb1 receptor, which is responsible for energy balance.
Drugs targeting a similar receptor, Adrb3, have failed in trials. Scientists say a drug targeting Adrb1 may be more effective.
The new approach may prevent side effects because its effect is limited to fat cells.
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Source: Ferra
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