Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP , TRPM , TRPM8

Title: Human white adipocytes express the cold receptor TRPM8 which activation induces UCP1 expression, mitochondrial activation and heat production.

Authors: Marco Rossato, Marnie Granzotto, Veronica Macchi, Andrea Porzionato, Lucia Petrelli, Alessandra Calcagno, Juri Vencato, Diego De Stefani, Valentina Silvestrin, Rosario Rizzuto, Franco Bassetto, Raffaele De Caro, Roberto Vettor

Journal, date & volume: Mol. Cell. Endocrinol., 2014 Mar 5 , 383, 137-46

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24342393

Abstract
Mammals possess two types of adipose tissue, white (WAT) and brown (BAT). The uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a hallmark of BAT, being the pivotal player for cold-induced thermogenesis. WAT can acquire BAT characteristics with up-regulation of UCP1 after cold exposure or adrenergic stimulation. In the present study we demonstrated that human white adipocytes express the cold-sensing receptor TRPM8 which activation by menthol and icilin induced a rise in [Ca²⁺](i) and UCP1 expression, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, glucose uptake and heat production. The induction of "brown-like" phenotype in human white adipocytes after TRPM8 activation was supported by ultrastructural morphological changes of mitochondrial morphology and of their intracellular localization, with no modifications of the genes regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. In conclusion human white adipocytes express the cold receptor TRPM8 which activation induces their "browning" supporting a possible role of this receptor in the control of adipose tissue metabolism and body energy balance.