Gene Expression Profiles Reveal Effect of a High-fat Diet on the Development of White and Brown Adipose Tissues

Because of the recent discovery of brown adipose tissues tissue in adult humans, brown adipose tissues have garnered additional attention. Many studies have attempted to transform the precursor cells within the white adipocyte cultures to Brite (brown-in-white) cells by using genomic modification or pharmacological activation in order to determine the therapeutic effect of obesity. However, genome-scale analysis of the genetic factors governing the development of white and brown adipose tissues remains incomplete. In order to identify the key genes that regulate the development of white and brown adipose tissues in mice, a transcriptome analysis was performed on the adipose tissues. Network analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated that Trim30 and Ucp3 play pivotal roles in energy balance and glucose homeostasis. In addition, it was discovered that identical biological processes and pathways in the white and brown adipose tissues might be regulated by different genes. Trim30 and Ucp3 might be used as genetic markers to precisely represent the stage of obesity during the early and late stages of adipose tissue development, respectively. These results may provide a stepping-stone for future obesity-related studies.