Taking a BAT to the Chains of Diabetes

This article explores the link between elevated branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and insulin resistance in diabetes, highlighting the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in BCAA catabolism. A study by Yoneshiro et al. (2019) demonstrated that cold exposure activates BAT to lower plasma BCAA levels, improving insulin sensitivity. The mitochondrial transporter SLC25A44 was identified as critical for BCAA metabolism in BAT. Mice lacking BCAA catabolizing enzymes in BAT developed insulin resistance and obesity, suggesting BAT's dual role in thermogenesis and glycemic control. These findings propose BAT activation as a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetes, targeting both BCAA clearance and energy expenditure.

This article explores the link between elevated branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and insulin resistance in diabetes, highlighting the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in BCAA catabolism. A study by Yoneshiro et al. (2019) demonstrated that cold exposure activates BAT to lower plasma BCAA levels, improving insulin sensitivity. The mitochondrial transporter SLC25A44 was identified as critical for BCAA metabolism in BAT. Mice lacking BCAA catabolizing enzymes in BAT developed insulin resistance and obesity, suggesting BAT's dual role in thermogenesis and glycemic control. These findings propose BAT activation as a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetes, targeting both BCAA clearance and energy expenditure.