Immune cells can promote the thermogenic phenotype of white adipocytes during cold exposure, in a process known as ‘browning’ or ‘beiging’. Wang et al. now reveal a potential mechanism whereby alternatively activated macrophages prompt adipose sympathetic nerve fibres to release norepinephrine and promote adipocyte beiging.
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The author gratefully acknowledges excellent discussions on this topic with laboratory members and relevant funding from the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (grants DK030898 and DK116056).
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Czech, M.P. Macrophage ROBOcalls rattle adipose nerves. Nat Metab 3, 1441–1442 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-021-00484-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-021-00484-7
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