Large retrospective studies have revealed that individuals with metabolically active human brown adipose tissue (hBAT) have a significantly lower prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Enhancing hBAT metabolic capacity has also been linked to improved glycaemic control and whole-body insulin sensitivity, making it a promising target for novel therapies in metabolic dysfunction, including obesity. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating hBAT activity remain poorly understood. In this groundbreaking proposal, we will characterize, for the first time, the diverse cell populations, spatial organization, cell-cell interactions, and key metabolic pathways within hBAT from patients with metabolically active versus non-active tissue. By leveraging cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo approaches, we will generate a comprehensive hBAT atlas that will serve as a critical resource for identifying cell types and candidate genes associated with enhanced metabolic capacity. The discovery of these specific markers will open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting metabolic disorders.

2025

2026