# Ucp1-independent functions in brown and beige adipocytes

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2024 · $554,009

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Uncoupling protein 1/Ucp1-mediated adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue/BAT is essential for
thermoregulation and energy balance. Increasing adaptive thermogenesis in human brown fat has been
considered as an alternative strategy to increase energy expenditure, and ultimately to improve metabolic health,
since brown fat activity gradually declines with aging and metabolic diseases.
Our previous work identified a unique phenomenon that brown adipocyte-specific Lrpprc knockout mice can
trade off mitochondria-fueled Ucp1-dependent thermogenesis in BAT for systemic metabolic fitness. This
proposal will use this new mouse model to investigate Ucp1-independent functions. Aim 1 will investigate the
underlying mechanisms of the ATF4-driven thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. Aim 2 will determine the
physiological regulation of this process. Aim 3 will address its metabolic contributions to systemic metabolism.
Collectively, this proposal will reveal novel functions of brown (and/or beige) adipocytes beyond Ucp1-dependent
thermogenesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10746792
- **Project number:** 5R01DK128459-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Biao Wang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $554,009
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-12-01 → 2025-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10746792

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10746792, Ucp1-independent functions in brown and beige adipocytes (5R01DK128459-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10746792. Licensed CC0.

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