1
Laboratories of Apoptosis Regulation, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 30 Medical Dr., Singapore 117609, Singapore.
2
Laboratories of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 30 Medical Dr., Singapore 117609, Singapore.
3
Laboratories of Membrane Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 30 Medical Dr., Singapore 117609, Singapore.
4
Laboratories of In Vivo Model Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 30 Medical Dr., Singapore 117609, Singapore.
5
Department of Biology, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Correspondence should be addressed to Peng Li bolipeng@ust.hk
The thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), important for adaptive thermogenesis and energy expenditure, is mediated by the mitochondrial uncoupling protein1 (Ucp1) that uncouples ATP generation and dissipates the energy as heat. We show here that Cidea, a protein of unknown function sharing sequence similarity with the N-terminal region of DNA fragmentation factors Dffb and Dffa, is expressed at high levels in BAT. Cidea-null mice had higher metabolic rate, lipolysis in BAT and core body temperature when subjected to cold treatment. Notably, Cidea-null mice are lean and resistant to diet-induced obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the role of Cidea in regulating thermogenesis, lipolysis and obesity may be mediated in part through its direct suppression of Ucp1 activity. Our data thus indicate a role for Cidea in regulating energy balance and adiposity.
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