Artist's Representation of the White-To-Beige Fat Cell Epigenetic Changes (IMAGE)

University of Tokyo

Artist's Representation of the White-To-Beige Fat Cell Epigenetic Changes

Caption

Researchers hope to use this signaling pathway to find treatments for diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Environmental signals can change the epigenetic code of white fat cells in a two-step process. Long-term exposure to cold initiates a change in one protein, JMJD1A. The altered JMJD1A then combines with other protein partners to change the epigenetic code on a gene involved in heat production. White fat cells that have undergone this epigenetic change are called beige fat cells and can contribute to keeping the body warm.

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The University of Tokyo

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