BATLAS: Deconvoluting Brown Adipose Tissue

Recruitment and activation of thermogenic adipocytes have received increasing attention as a strategy to improve systemic metabolic control. The analysis of brown and brite adipocytes is complicated by the complexity of adipose tissue biopsies. Here, we provide an in-depth analysis of pure brown, brite, and white adipocyte transcriptomes. By combining mouse and human transcriptome data, we identify a gene signature that can classify brown and white adipocytes in mice and men. Using a machine-learning-based cell deconvolution approach, we develop an algorithm proficient in calculating the brown adipocyte content in complex human and mouse biopsies. Applying this algorithm, we can show in a human weight loss study that brown adipose tissue (BAT) content is associated with energy expenditure and the propensity to lose weight. This online available tool can be used for in-depth characterization of complex adipose tissue samples and may support the development of therapeutic strategies to increase energy expenditure in humans

Parameters of Cell-Mediated Immunity in Recurrent Herpes simplex

Cell-mediated immunity was studied by a leukocyte migration inhibition assay, tuberculin, and a DNCB skin test in 32 patients with recurrent herpes simplex infection and in 34 healthy individuals who served as controls. Migration inhibition was found to be significantly reduced in patients who had suffered from recurrences for more than 1 year as compared to the controls. DNCB and tuberculin sensitivity were also found to be impaired in the group with infections of long duration. The data presented suggest a functional defect in cell-mediated immunity in individuals suffering from recurrent herpes simplex which could be responsible for the relapses.</jats:p

Obesity Due to Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 Deficiency Is Associated With Endocrine and Metabolic Abnormalities

Abstract Context Genetic variants affecting the nuclear hormone receptor coactivator steroid receptor coactivator, SRC-1, have been identified in people with severe obesity and impair melanocortin signaling in cells and mice. As a result, obese patients with SRC-1 deficiency are being treated with a melanocortin 4 receptor agonist in clinical trials. Objective Here, our aim was to comprehensively describe and characterize the clinical phenotype of SRC-1 variant carriers to facilitate diagnosis and clinical management. Methods In genetic studies of 2462 people with severe obesity, we identified 23 rare heterozygous variants in SRC-1. We studied 29 adults and 18 children who were SRC-1 variant carriers and performed measurements of metabolic and endocrine function, liver imaging, and adipose tissue biopsies. Findings in adult SRC-1 variant carriers were compared to 30 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Results The clinical spectrum of SRC-1 variant carriers included increased food intake in children, normal basal metabolic rate, multiple fractures with minimal trauma (40%), persistent diarrhea, partial thyroid hormone resistance, and menorrhagia. Compared to age-, sex-, and BMI-matched controls, adult SRC-1 variant carriers had more severe adipose tissue fibrosis (46.2% vs 7.1% respectively, P = .03) and a suggestion of increased liver fibrosis (5/13 cases vs 2/13 in controls, odds ratio = 3.4), although this was not statistically significant. Conclusion SRC-1 variant carriers exhibit hyperphagia in childhood, severe obesity, and clinical features of partial hormone resistance. The presence of adipose tissue fibrosis and hepatic fibrosis in young patients suggests that close monitoring for the early development of obesity-associated metabolic complications is warranted. </jats:sec

BATLAS: Deconvoluting Brown Adipose Tissue

Summary: Recruitment and activation of thermogenic adipocytes have received increasing attention as a strategy to improve systemic metabolic control. The analysis of brown and brite adipocytes is complicated by the complexity of adipose tissue biopsies. Here, we provide an in-depth analysis of pure brown, brite, and white adipocyte transcriptomes. By combining mouse and human transcriptome data, we identify a gene signature that can classify brown and white adipocytes in mice and men. Using a machine-learning-based cell deconvolution approach, we develop an algorithm proficient in calculating the brown adipocyte content in complex human and mouse biopsies. Applying this algorithm, we can show in a human weight loss study that brown adipose tissue (BAT) content is associated with energy expenditure and the propensity to lose weight. This online available tool can be used for in-depth characterization of complex adipose tissue samples and may support the development of therapeutic strategies to increase energy expenditure in humans. : By combining mouse and human transcriptome data, Perdikari et al. identify a gene signature that can classify brown and white adipocytes. Using a machine-learning-based cell deconvolution approach, they develop an algorithm proficient in calculating the brown adipocyte content in complex biopsies. This web tool allows in-depth characterization of adipose tissue samples. Keywords: pure adipocyte populations, gene signature, deconvolution, BAT conten