Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/11375/19890
Title: | The in vivo role of AMP-activated protein kinase in the metabolic function of brown and beige adipose tissue |
Authors: | Desjardins, Eric |
Advisor: | Steinberg, Gregory |
Department: | Medicine |
Keywords: | AMPK, Brown Adipose Tissue, Mitochondria, Beta3-adrenergic receptor, Metabolism, Non-shivering thermogenesis, Autophagy |
Publication Date: | 2016 |
Abstract: | Brown (BAT) and white (WAT) adipose tissues are significant contributors to whole-body energy homeostasis. A disturbance in their metabolic function could result in the development of obesity and subsequent metabolic complications. The energy-sensing enzyme of the cell, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), has been vastly studied in skeletal muscle and liver, but its role in BAT and WAT metabolism is elusive. We generated an inducible, adipocyte-specific knockout mouse model for the two AMPK β subunits (iβ1β2AKO) and found that iβ1β2AKO mice were intolerant to cold, and resistant to β3-adrenergic activation of BAT and browning of WAT. These defects in BAT activity were not due to the AMPK-ACC axis, but instead were due to compromised integrity of mitochondria. Mitochondrial morphology, function, and autophagy were all distorted in iβ1β2AKO mice, measured via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respiration, and immunoblotting, respectively. These findings provide strong evidence that adipocyte AMPK regulates a fine-tuned program that responds to environmental and pharmacological inputs by maintaining mitochondrial integrity through autophagy and subsequent mitochondrial biogenesis in chronic settings. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/19890 |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Desjardins_Eric_M_2016June_MSc.pdf | Complete Thesis | 109.12 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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