Hidden Switch in Brown Fat Could Boost Heat and Strengthen Bones

Scientists have identified a molecular on-switch in brown fat that activates a hidden heat-producing pathway called the futile creatine cycle when glycerol binds to the TNAP enzyme in a glycerol pocket. In mice, this switch not only drives heat production but also influences bone mineralization, since TNAP is essential for calcification, suggesting new approaches to treat bone diseases such as hypophosphatasia by boosting TNAP activity. The findings, published in Nature, build on prior work and point to potential drug candidates for future testing.