Prof. Kye Won Park's research paper was published in Nature Chemical Biology
- Biotech.
- Hit2353
- 2016-08-19
Prof. Kye Won Park's research paper was published in
Nature Chemical Biology
Increasing the thermogenic activity of adipocytes holds promise as an approach to combating human obesity and related metabolic diseases. We identified induction of mouse PR domain containing 4 (Prdm4) by the small molecule butein as a means to induce expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), increase energy expenditure, and stimulate the generation of thermogenic adipocytes. This study highlights a Prdm4-dependent pathway, modulated by small molecules, that stimulates browning of white adipose tissue. In conclusion, we showed that Prdm4 knockdown in adipose tissue exacerbated diet-induced obesity, revealing adipose-specific effects of Prdm4 in obesity and thermogenesis. On the basis of this study, we expect that Prdm4 regulation by natural or synthetic compounds could be an alternative therapeutic approach for obesity and metabolic diseases.