Study Identifies Immune Proteins That Diminish Brown Fat Heat Production in Aging Mice
Researchers at City of Hope Medical Center identified why older individuals often feel colder: immune cells produce proteins that keep brown fat cells in a low-activity state. In mice, these proteins remained elevated with age, preventing efficient heat generation. The team successfully reversed this effect using the drug mifepristone, suggesting potential future therapies for age-related metabolic issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes, though direct application to humans requires further study.
Key points
- Brown fat cells, which regulate body temperature, become less active in older mice due to persistent high levels of specific immune proteins.
- These proteins typically decrease in cold environments to allow heat production but remain high in older subjects, blocking the thermogenic response.
- The drug mifepristone suppressed the pathway activated by these proteins, restoring heat-burning capacity in the mice.
- While mifepristone is not a practical treatment for cold sensitivity due to its broad side effects, the findings offer a foundation for developing targeted therapies.
- Restoring brown fat activity could potentially address age-related metabolic problems, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to senior author Qiong Wang.
Background
Previous research by the same team established that different types of brown fat cells vary in their ability to generate heat. This new study builds on that foundation by investigating the regulatory mechanisms that control the availability of these highly active cells, specifically focusing on how immune signals influence their state over time.
Why it matters
Understanding the biological basis for increased cold sensitivity in aging populations could lead to interventions that improve comfort and potentially treat metabolic disorders. The discovery highlights a link between immune signaling and thermogenic fat, opening new avenues for research into age-related health declines.
What to watch
Further research is needed to confirm whether this regulatory system functions similarly in humans as it does in mice. Scientists will likely explore alternative drugs or interventions that can safely boost brown fat potency without the broad side effects associated with mifepristone.
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