Elucidation of the Mechanisms Regulating Brown Adipocyte Differentiation by Mitochondrial Dynamics Factors

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06179
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44010:Cell biology-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science
• Principal Investigator: Nagashima Shun 東京薬科大学, 生命科学部, 講師 (40634465)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ミトコンドリア / 褐色脂肪細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and dyslipidemia, and its prevention is crucial for extending healthy lifespan. Brown adipocytes contribute to the prevention of obesity by converting neutral fats into thermal energy and consuming them. In this study, we found that mitochondrial dynamics factors regulate the activation of transcription factors that control the differentiation of brown adipocytes. Furthermore, we identified the functional domains of mitochondrial dynamics factors that regulate the differentiation of brown adipocytes. This research elucidated part of the mechanism by which mitochondrial dynamics factors control the differentiation of brown adipocytes.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、ミトコンドリア動態制御因子が褐色脂肪細胞の分化を制御する機構の一端を解明し、分化を制御する機能ドメインを同定した。ミトコンドリア動態制御因子の特定の機能ドメインをターゲットとした低分子化合物の開発は、褐色脂肪細胞の活性化を介した肥満に対する予防・治療薬の創薬につながる可能性がある。これにより、肥満や関連する代謝疾患に対する新たな治療アプローチの確立、そして健康寿命の延伸に寄与することが期待できる。