BATLAS: Deconvoluting Brown Adipose Tissue

Cell Rep. 2018 Oct 16;25(3):784-797.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.09.044.

Abstract

Recruitment and activation of thermogenic adipocytes have received increasing attention as a strategy to improve systemic metabolic control. The analysis of brown and brite adipocytes is complicated by the complexity of adipose tissue biopsies. Here, we provide an in-depth analysis of pure brown, brite, and white adipocyte transcriptomes. By combining mouse and human transcriptome data, we identify a gene signature that can classify brown and white adipocytes in mice and men. Using a machine-learning-based cell deconvolution approach, we develop an algorithm proficient in calculating the brown adipocyte content in complex human and mouse biopsies. Applying this algorithm, we can show in a human weight loss study that brown adipose tissue (BAT) content is associated with energy expenditure and the propensity to lose weight. This online available tool can be used for in-depth characterization of complex adipose tissue samples and may support the development of therapeutic strategies to increase energy expenditure in humans.

Keywords: BAT content; deconvolution; gene signature; pure adipocyte populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / cytology
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism*
  • Adipose Tissue, White / cytology
  • Adipose Tissue, White / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Computational Biology / methods*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Software*
  • Thermogenesis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers