Obesity results from accumulation of white adipose tissue, whereas brown adipose tissue can counteract these effects through thermogenesis. Ning and colleagues have found that the GPCR family member Lgr4 controls the balance between brown and white adipose tissue. In its absence, mice have reduced adiposity and obesity symptoms, and exhibit an increase in brown-like adipocytes, possibly the result of a decrease in Rb expression.
- Jiqiu Wang
- Ruixin Liu
- Guang Ning