TGFBI remodels adipose metabolism by regulating the Notch-1 signaling pathway

Fat metabolism: protecting against obesity-related metabolic disorders Studying a protein called TGFBI, which regulates adipose expansion, may help the development of new approaches to protect against obesity and related metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes. White adipose tissue (body fat) stores energy, and brown adipose tissue generates heat. Promoting “browning” of adipose tissue may help protect against obesity. Proteins that influence adipose microenvironment can be involved in metabolic diseases, so Seul Gi Lee and Ju-Ock Nam at Kyungpook National University, Taeg Kyu Kwon at Keimyung University, both in Daegu, South Korea, and co-workers investigated how TGFBI affects adipose metabolism in a mouse model. Deleting TGFBI in mice promoted the transformation of white adipose tissue to brown, protecting mice against weight gain and increase in adipose tissue. These results offer insights into potential therapies for obesity and related disorders via TGFBI regulation.