Abstract:

White adipose cells(WAC) store energy through fat deposition in the form of triacylglycerol, whereas brown adipose cells(BAC) consume energy by transforming fat into heat through nonshivering heat production. BAC burn excess fat and sugar into heat, thereby preventing obesity. Beige adipose cells are brown-like WAC. Human BAC consist of beige adipose cells. Thus, the human BAC model is important to underst and the physiology and functions of BAC. Current studies on human BAC models are mainly derived from PAZ6 cells, BAC primary culture, human pluripotent stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. An ideal human BAC model contributes information on adipocytes and their metabolic mechanisms. This study established cell models derived from embryonic or adult fat or nonfat cells that can differentiate into BAC or beige adipose cells in adipose-induced media. The established BAC models lay the foundation on the prevention and treatment of obesity and related diseases.

Key words: white adipose cell, brown adipose cell, beige adipose cell, cellular model