A long noncoding RNA transcriptional regulatory circuit drives thermogenic adipocyte differentiation

Mol Cell. 2014 Aug 7;55(3):372-82. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2014.06.004. Epub 2014 Jul 4.

Abstract

Brown and beige/brite fats generate heat via uncoupled respiration to defend against cold. The total mass and activity of thermogenic adipose tissues are also tightly linked to systemic energy and nutrient homeostasis. Despite originating from distinct progenitors, brown and beige adipocytes acquire remarkably similar molecular and metabolic characteristics during differentiation through the action of a network of transcription factors and cofactors. How this regulatory network interfaces with long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), an emerging class of developmental regulators, remains largely unexplored. Here, we globally profiled lncRNA gene expression during thermogenic adipocyte formation and identified Brown fat lncRNA 1 (Blnc1) as a nuclear lncRNA that promotes brown and beige adipocyte differentiation and function. Blnc1 forms a ribonucleoprotein complex with transcription factor EBF2 to stimulate the thermogenic gene program. Further, Blnc1 itself is a target of EBF2, thereby forming a feedforward regulatory loop to drive adipogenesis toward thermogenic phenotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis*
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism*
  • Ribonucleoproteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • Ribonucleoproteins

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE55551
  • GEO/GSE57540
  • GEO/GSE57643