Intrinsic expression of viperin regulates thermogenesis in adipose tissues.

Viperin is an interferon (IFN)-inducible multifunctional protein. Recent evidence from high-throughput analyses indicates that most IFN-inducible proteins, including viperin, are intrinsically expressed in specific tissues; however, the respective intrinsic functions are unknown. Here we show that the intrinsic expression of viperin regulates adipose tissue thermogenesis, which is known to counter metabolic disease and contribute to the febrile response to pathogen invasion. Viperin knockout mice exhibit increased heat production, resulting in a reduction of fat mass, improvement of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced glucose tolerance, and enhancement of cold tolerance. These thermogenic phenotypes are attributed to an adipocyte-autonomous mechanism that regulates fatty acid ß-oxidation. Under an HFD, viperin expression is increased, and its function is enhanced. Our findings reveal the intrinsic function of viperin as a novel mechanism regulating thermogenesis in adipose tissues, suggesting that viperin represents a molecular target for thermoregulation in clinical contexts.

Targeting ODC1 inhibits tumor growth through reduction of lipid metabolism in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), a metabolic enzyme critically involved in the polyamine biosynthesis, is commonly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its altered expression in human HCC tissues, the molecular mechanism by which ODC1 alters the course of HCC progression and functions in HCC cell survival is unknown. Here we identified that silencing of ODC1 expression with small interfering (si) RNA causes inhibition of HCC cell growth through blockade of cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis. Next, to obtain insights into the molecular changes in response to ODC1 knockdown, global changes in gene expression were examined using RNA sequencing. It revealed that 119 genes show same directional regulation (76 up- and 43 down-regulated) in both Huh1 and Huh7 cells and were considered as a common ODC1 knockdown signature. Particularly, we found through a network analysis that KLF2, which is known to inhibit PPARγ expression and adipogenesis, was commonly up-regulated. Subsequent Western blotting affirmed that the downregulation of ODC1 was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of PPARγ as well as of PARP-1, cyclin E1 and pro-caspase 9 delaying cell cycle progression and accelerating apoptotic signaling. Following the down-regulation of PPARγ expression, ODC1 silencing resulted in a strong inhibition in the expression of important regulators of glucose transport and lipid biogenesis, and caused a marked decrease in lipid droplet accumulation. In addition, ODC1 silencing significantly inhibited the growth of human HCC xenografts in nude mice. These findings indicate that the function of ODC1 is correlated with HCC lipogenesis and suggest that targeting ODC1 could be an attractive option for molecular therapy of HCC.

Whole-transcriptome analysis of mouse adipose tissue in response to short-term caloric restriction.

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to extend the lifespan of many species by improving cellular function and organismal health. Additionally, fat reduction by CR may play an important role in lengthening lifespan and preventing severe age-related diseases. Interestingly, CR induced the greatest transcriptome change in the epididymal fat of mice in our study. In this transcriptome analysis, we identified and categorized 446 genes that correlated with CR level. We observed down-regulation of several signaling pathways, including insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (insulin/IGF-1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), and canonical wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (Wnt). Many genes related to structural features, including extracellular matrix structure, cell adhesion, and the cytoskeleton, were down-regulated, with a strong correlation to the degree of CR. Furthermore, genes related to the cell cycle and adipogenesis were down-regulated. These biological processes are well-identified targets of insulin/IGF-1, EGF, TGF-ß, and Wnt signaling. In contrast, genes involved in specific metabolic processes, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport chain were up-regulated. We performed in silico analysis of the promoter sequences of CR-responsive genes and identified two associated transcription factors, Paired-like homeodomain 2 (Pitx2) and Paired box gene 6 (Pax6). Our results suggest that strict regulation of signaling pathways is critical for creating the optimal energy homeostasis to extend lifespan.

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 is involved in the regulation of cystogenesis in transgenic mice overexpressing human PKD2 gene.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inheritable and progressive kidney disease featured by the formation of fluid-filled cysts. In a previous study, transgenic mice overexpressing human PKD2 gene were produced as an ADPKD animal model. To select genes controlled by PKD2, 2DE was performed using kidney tissues of 12- and 18-month-old transgenic mice. The protein localization was detected by immunohistochemistry, and 3D culture was utilized to observe in vitro cystogenesis. As a result, N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) was chosen as a candidate regulator gene of cystogenesis. NDRG1 is an intracellular protein involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation. This gene was expressed much higher in the kidney of hPKD2 TG mice. Also, the high level of NDRG1 protein was detected in the cyst lining epithelial cells. The hypothesis that PKD2 gene regulates NDRG1 expression was supported, and NDRG1 knockdown resulted in attenuation of cyst growth in vitro. Furthermore, NDRG1 knockdown suppressed cellular growth in mouse inner medullary collecting duct-3 cells. We found that early growth response 1, a transcription factor that binds to the NDRG1 promoter, was mediated in the NDRG1 expression regulation by PKD2. In this study, we found the novel gene that was involved in cystogenesis, which will provide the new insight in ADPKD.

Enhancement of mitochondrial function correlates with the extension of lifespan by caloric restriction and caloric restriction mimetics in yeast.

Caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs) have been developed to mimic the effects of caloric restriction (CR). However, research reports for the effects of CRMs are often times inconsistent across different research groups. Therefore, in this study, we compared seven identified CRMs which extend the lifespans of various organisms including caffeine, curcumin, dapsone, metformin, rapamycin, resveratrol, and spermidine to CR for mitochondrial function in a single model, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this organism, rapamycin extended chronological lifespan (CLS), but other CRMs failed to extend CLS. Rapamycin enhanced mitochondrial function like CR did, but other CRMs did not. Both CR and rapamycin worked on mitochondrial function, but they worked at different windows of time during the chronological aging process.

Proteomic analysis of kidneys from selenoprotein M transgenic rats in response to increased bioability of selenium.

BACKGROUND: To characterize changes in global protein expression in kidneys of transgenic rats overexpressing human selenoprotein M (SelM) in response to increased bioabivility of selenium (Sel), total proteins extracted from kidneys of 10-week-old CMV/hSelM Tg and wild-type rats were separated by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and measured for changes in expression. RESULTS: Ten and three proteins showing high antioxidant enzymatic activity were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in SelM-overexpressing CMV/hSelM Tg rats compared to controls based on an arbitrary 2-fold difference. Up-regulated proteins included LAP3, BAIAP2L1, CRP2, CD73 antigen, PDGF D, KIAA143 homolog, PRPPS-AP2, ZFP313, HSP-60, and N-WASP, whereas down-regulated proteins included ALKDH3, rMCP-3, and STC-1. After Sel treatment, five of the up-regulated proteins were significantly increased in expression in wild-type rats, whereas there were no changes in CMV/hSelM Tg rats. Only two of the down-regulated proteins showed reduced expression in wild-type and Tg rats after Sel treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the primary novel biological evidences that new functional protein groups and individual proteins in kidneys of Tg rats relate to Sel biology including the response to Sel treatment and SelM expression.

Efficient siRNA delivery into tumor cells by p19-YSA fusion protein.

For the efficient cytoplasmic delivery of siRNA in a receptor-specific fashion, we designed a p19-YSA fusion protein composed of p19 RNA binding protein and ephrin mimetic peptide (YSA peptide). The resulting recombinant protein had the high affinity for EphA2 receptor overexpressed on cancer cells as well as the complexing ability with siRNA, thus leading to tumor-targeted delivery of siRNA. The buried structure of siRNA within p19-YSA/siRNA complexes allowed the bound siRNAs to be protected from the external RNases, resulting in the enhanced stability of siRNA in serum conditions. The p19-YSA carriers could complex with siRNA in a size-dependent and sequence-independent manner and showed the pH-dependent complexing/dissocation behaviors with siRNA. In contrast to electrostatic interaction-mediated siRNA delivery systems such as cationic polymers/siRNA or cationic polypeptides/siRNA complexes, the bound siRNA within p19-YSA/siRNA complexes showed enhanced stability against large polyanions found outside cells, due to the nanomolar levels of affinity. Here, we demonstrated the superior efficiency of p19-YSA/siRNA complexes in RFP gene silencing, compared to untreated cells. These results provide an alternative approach to enhance the stability of siRNA as well as to achieve the targeted siRNA delivery.

Systemic delivery of siRNA by chimeric capsid protein: tumor targeting and RNAi activity in vivo.

Recently, we reported that a chimeric capsid protein assembled into a macromolecular container-like structure with capsid shell and the resulting siRNA/capsid nanocarrier complexes efficiently suppressed RFP gene expression in the cell culture system. To extend RNAi to the in vivo applications, we here demonstrated that the siRNA/capsid nanocarrier complexes could have tumor-specific targeting ability in vivo as well as the increased stability of siRNA during body circulation. When systemically administered, our siRNA/capsid nanocarrier complexes delivered siRNA to tumor tissues and efficiently suppressed RFP gene expression in tumor-bearing mice. The enhanced longevity of siRNA in vivo could be explained by shielding effect derived from the capsid shell, where the encapsulated siRNAs are protected from nucleases in plasma. The multivalent RGD peptides on shell surface, as a result of self-assembling of capsid protein subunits, showed efficient delivery of siRNA to the tumor tissues in vivo, due to the RGD-mediated binding to integrin receptors overexpressed on tumor cells. Moreover, the prolonged in vivo circulation time of our siRNA/capsid nanocarrier complexes increased the potential to serve as siRNA carriers for optimal in vivo RNAi. These results provide an alternative approach to systemically deliver siRNA to the tumor sites as well as to enhance the stability of siRNA in vivo. Therefore, our results revealed the promising potential of our capsid nanocarrier system as a therapeutic siRNA carrier for cancer treatment.

CFTR regulates brown adipocyte thermogenesis via the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by reduced growth and lower body weight, which are multifactorial. CF mouse models lack key disease characteristics that predispose to a negative energy balance, such as pulmonary infections or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and yet they still exhibit a growth defect and an abnormally increased energy expenditure. Whether adipocyte thermogenesis contributes to the elevated resting energy expenditure in CF mice is unknown. METHODS: We examined the expression of CFTR in thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT) and investigated a functional role for CFTR using BAT-specific CFTR null mice (CFTRBATKO). RESULTS: The CFTR protein is expressed in mouse BAT at levels comparable to those in the lungs. BAT-specific inactivation of CFTR in mice increases whole-body energy expenditure associated with sympathetic stimulation by cold exposure. Weight gain on a high-fat diet is attenuated in these mice. However, CFTR-deficient brown adipocytes themselves have impaired, rather than enhanced, thermogenic responses. These cells feature decreased lipolysis and blunted activation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in response to adrenergic stimulation. This suggests that compensatory heat production in other tissues likely accounts for the increased systemic energy expenditure seen in CFTRBATKO mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal a new role for CFTR in the regulation of adipocyte thermogenesis.

Customized small-sized clinostat using 3D printing and gas-permeable polydimethylsiloxane culture dish.

Over the past few decades, research on life in space has increased. Owing to the expensive nature of and the challenges associated with conducting experiments in real space, clinostats, which continuously randomize the gravity vector by using motors, have been used to generate simulated microgravity (SMG) on Earth. Herein, by using a 3D printing method, we develop a customized small-sized clinostat (CS clinostat) that is easy to manufacture, inexpensive, and robust. Moreover, we develop and fabricate a gas-permeable polydimethylsiloxane culture dish that fits inside the CS clinostat. To validate SMG generation, ovarian cancer cells (OV- 90, TOV-21G, and Caov-3) were applied to demonstrate a significant reduction in caveolin-1 expression, a biomarker of SMG, indicating SMG generation. The proposed CS clinostat system has good accessibility for SMG research, which makes it useful as a tool for biologists, who are unfamiliar with conventional clinostat equipment, to conduct preliminary studies in the space environment.

Regulation of beige adipocyte thermogenesis by the cold-repressed ER protein NNAT.

OBJECTIVE: Cold stimuli trigger the conversion of white adipose tissue into beige adipose tissue, which is capable of non-shivering thermogenesis. However, what process drives this activation of thermogenesis in beige fat is not well understood. Here, we examine the ER protein NNAT as a regulator of thermogenesis in adipose tissue. METHODS: We investigated the regulation of adipose tissue NNAT expression in response to changes in ambient temperature. We also evaluated the functional role of NNAT in thermogenic regulation using Nnat null mice and primary adipocytes that lack or overexpress NNAT. RESULTS: Cold exposure or treatment with a ß3-adrenergic agonist reduces the expression of adipose tissue NNAT in mice. Genetic disruption of Nnat in mice enhances inguinal adipose tissue thermogenesis. Nnat null mice exhibit improved cold tolerance both in the presence and absence of UCP1. Gain-of-function studies indicate that ectopic expression of Nnat abolishes adrenergic receptor-mediated respiration in beige adipocytes. NNAT physically interacts with the ER Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) in adipocytes and inhibits its activity, impairing Ca2+ transport and heat dissipation. We further demonstrate that NHLRC1, an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase implicated in proteasomal degradation of NNAT, is induced by cold exposure or ß3-adrenergic stimulation, thus providing regulatory control at the protein level. This serves to link cold stimuli to NNAT degradation in adipose tissue, which in turn leads to enhanced SERCA activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study implicates NNAT in the regulation of adipocyte thermogenesis.

Adipose Mitochondrial Complex I Deficiency Modulates Inflammation and Glucose Homeostasis in a Sex-Dependent Manner.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue has been associated with type 2 diabetes, but it is unclear whether it is a cause or the consequence. Mitochondrial complex I is a major site of reactive oxygen species generation and a therapeutic target. Here we report that genetic deletion of the complex I subunit Ndufs4 specifically in adipose tissue results in an increased propensity to develop diet-induced weight gain, glucose intolerance, and elevated levels of fat inflammatory genes. This outcome is apparent in young males but not in young females, suggesting that females are relatively protected from the adverse consequences of adipose mitochondrial dysfunction for metabolic health. Mutant mice of both sexes exhibit defects in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) signaling in adipose tissue is selectively blunted in male mutant mice relative to wild-type littermates, consistent with sex-dependent regulation of its autocrine/paracrine action in adipocytes. Together, these findings support that adipocyte-specific mitochondrial dysfunction is sufficient to induce tissue inflammation and can cause systemic glucose abnormalities in male mice.

The interferon-inducible protein viperin controls cancer metabolic reprogramming to enhance cancer progression.

Metabolic reprogramming is an important cancer hallmark. However, the mechanisms driving metabolic phenotypes of cancer cells are unclear. Here, we show that the interferon-inducible (IFN-inducible) protein viperin drove metabolic alteration in cancer cells. Viperin expression was observed in various types of cancer and was inversely correlated with the survival rates of patients with gastric, lung, breast, renal, pancreatic, or brain cancer. By generating viperin knockdown or stably expressing cancer cells, we showed that viperin, but not a mutant lacking its iron-sulfur cluster-binding motif, increased lipogenesis and glycolysis via inhibition of fatty acid ß-oxidation in cancer cells. In the tumor microenvironment, deficiency of fatty acids and oxygen as well as production of IFNs upregulated viperin expression via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α and JAK/STAT pathways. Moreover, viperin was primarily expressed in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and functioned to promote metabolic reprogramming and enhance CSC properties, thereby facilitating tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. Collectively, our data indicate that viperin-mediated metabolic alteration drives the metabolic phenotype and progression of cancer.

DKK3, Downregulated in Invasive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Is Associated with Chemoresistance and Enhanced Paclitaxel Susceptibility via Inhibition of the ß-Catenin-P-Glycoprotein Signaling Pathway.

Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), a tumor suppressor, is frequently downregulated in various cancers. However, the role of DKK3 in ovarian cancer has not been evaluated. This study aimed to assess aberrant DKK3 expression and its role in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. DKK3 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry with tissue blocks from 82 patients with invasive carcinoma, and 15 normal, 19 benign, and 10 borderline tumors as controls. Survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Paclitaxel-resistant cells were established using TOV-21G and OV-90 cell lines. Protein expression was assessed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Cell viability was assessed using the MT assay and 3D-spheroid assay. Cell migration was determined using a migration assay. DKK3 was significantly downregulated in invasive carcinoma compared to that in normal, benign, and borderline tumors. DKK3 loss occurred in 56.1% invasive carcinomas and was significantly associated with disease-free survival and chemoresistance in serous adenocarcinoma. DKK3 was lost in paclitaxel-resistant cells, while ß-catenin and P-glycoprotein were upregulated. Exogenous secreted DKK3, incorporated by cells, enhanced anti-tumoral effect and paclitaxel susceptibility in paclitaxel-resistant cells, and reduced the levels of active ß-catenin and its downstream P-glycoprotein, suggesting that DKK3 can be used as a therapeutic for targeting paclitaxel-resistant cancer.

CD4+/CD8+ Ratio and Growth Differentiation Factor 8 Levels in Peripheral Blood of Large Canine Males Are Useful Parameters to Build an Age Prediction Model.

PURPOSE: To build an age prediction model, we measured CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and humoral components in canine peripheral blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Large Belgian Malinois (BGM) and German Shepherd Dog (GSD) breeds (n=27), aged from 1 to 12 years, were used for this study. Peripheral bloods were obtained by venepuncture, then plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated immediately. Six myokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-15, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), and GDF11 were measured from plasma and CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocytes ratio were measured from PBMC. These parameters were then tested with age prediction models to find the best fit model. RESULTS: We found that the T-lymphocyte ratio (CD4+/CD8+) was significantly correlated with age (r=0.46, p=0.016). Among the six myokines, only GDF8 showed a significant correlation with age (r=0.52, p=0.005). Interestingly, these two markers showed better correlations in male dogs than females, and BGM breed than GSD. Using these two age biomarkers, we could obtain the best fit in a quadratic linear mixed model (r=0.77, p=3×10-6). CONCLUSIONS: Age prediction is a challenging task because of complication with biological age. Our quadratic linear mixed model using CD4+/CD8+ ratio and GDF8 level showed a meaningful age prediction.

Caloric restriction improves efficiency and capacity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Caloric restriction (CR) is known to extend lifespan in a variety of species; however, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that CR potentiated the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Indeed, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was increased by CR, and, regardless of ages, overall reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was decreased by CR. With these changes, overall growth rate of cells was maintained under various CR conditions, just like cells under a non-restricted condition. All of these data support increased efficiency and capacity of the ETC by CR, and this change might lead to extension of lifespan.

Murine immune responses to a Plasmodium vivax-derived chimeric recombinant protein expressed in Brassica napus.

BACKGROUND: To develop a plant-based vaccine against Plasmodium vivax, two P. vivax candidate proteins were chosen. First, the merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), a major asexual blood stage antigen that is currently considered a strong vaccine candidate. Second, the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), a component of sporozoites that contains a B-cell epitope. METHODS: A synthetic chimeric recombinant 516 bp gene encoding containing PvMSP-1, a Pro-Gly linker motif, and PvCSP was synthesized; the gene, named MLC, encoded a total of 172 amino acids. The recombinant gene was modified with regard to codon usage to optimize gene expression in Brassica napus. The Ti plasmid inducible gene transfer system was used for MLC chimeric recombinant gene expression in B. napus. Gene expression was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), beta-glucuronidase reporter gene (GUS) assay, and Western blot. RESULTS: The MLC chimeric recombinant protein expressed in B. napus had a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa. It exhibited a clinical sensitivity of 84.21% (n=38) and a clinical specificity of 100% (n=24) as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Oral immunization of BALB/c mice with MLC chimeric recombinant protein successfully induced antigen-specific IgG1 production. Additionally, the Th1-related cytokines IL-12 (p40), TNF, and IFN-γ were significantly increased in the spleens of the BALB/c mice. CONCLUSIONS: The chimeric MLC recombinant protein produced in B. napus has potential as both as an antigen for diagnosis and as a valuable vaccine candidate for oral immunization against vivax malaria.

Trials for the co-expression of the merozoite surface protein-1 and circumsporozoite protein genes of Plasmodium vivax.

Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), a major asexual blood stage antigen, and circumsporozoite protein (CSP), a component of sporozoites that includes a Plasmodium vivax B-cell epitope, are strong candidates for use in a malaria vaccine. A chimeric recombinant gene containing portions of both msp-1 and csp from P. vivax separated by Pro-Gly linker motif was generated. The construct gene was named mlc (msp-1, linker, and csp). The MLC chimeric recombinant protein had a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa when expressed in Escherichia coli, as determined with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. The purified chimeric protein reacted with the sera of patients infected with P. vivax but not with the sera of uninfected patients according to western blot analysis. The chimeric protein reacted well with sera of malaria patients (109/115, 94.78%) as assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BALB/c mice that were orally immunized with the MLC chimeric recombinant protein successfully produced antigen-specific antibodies. Additionally, levels of the Th1-associated cytokines IL-12(p40), TNF-α, and IFN-γ were significantly increased in the spleens of the BALB/c mice. Therefore, the E. coli-expressed MLC chimeric recombinant protein might be used as a valuable vaccine candidate for oral immunization against vivax malaria.

Molecular cloning and expression of the VK247 circumsporozoite protein for serodiagnosis of variant form Plasmodium vivax.

Plasmodium vivax is classified into two serotypes, VK210 [the dominant form-GDRA(D/A)GQPA repeats] and VK247 [the variant form-ANGA(G/D)(N/D)QPG repeats], based on sequence variation of the repeat region of the circumsporozoite (CS) protein gene. Genomic DNA for the variant CS protein gene was obtained from field isolate strains in Myanmar. The repetitive region has highly 19 immunogenic repeats flanked by non-repeat stretches of amino acids. The sequence including this region (717 bp) was subcloned into the expression vector pQE30 and expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed recombinant protein has a molecular weight of about 50 kDa as analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. Anti-VK247 antibodies were found in malaria patients who have been exposed to variant form of P. vivax in western blot analysis. Therefore, this recombinant protein might be a useful tool in serodiagnosis of malaria patients who have been infected with variant form of P. vivax.

Defective brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and impaired glucose metabolism in mice lacking Letmd1.

Manipulation of energy-dissipating adipocytes has the potential to produce metabolic benefits. To this end, it is valuable to understand the mechanisms controlling the generation and function of thermogenic fat. Here, we identify Letm1 domain containing 1 (Letmd1) as a regulator of brown fat formation and function. The expression of Letmd1 is induced in brown fat by cold exposure and by ß-adrenergic activation. Letmd1-deficient mice exhibit severe cold intolerance concomitant with abnormal brown fat morphology, reduced thermogenic gene expression, and low mitochondrial content. The null mice exhibit impaired ß3-adrenoreceptor-dependent thermogenesis and are prone to diet-induced obesity and defective glucose disposal. Letmd1 was previously described as a mitochondrial protein, and we find that it also localizes to the nucleus and interacts with the transcriptional coregulator and chromatin remodeler Brg1/Smarca4, thus providing a way to impact thermogenic gene expression. Our study uncovers a role for Letmd1 as a key regulatory component of adaptive thermogenesis.