The Great Roundleaf Bat (Hipposideros armiger) as a Good Model for Cold-Induced Browning of Intra-Abdominal White Adipose Tissue

Background

Inducing beige fat from white adipose tissue (WAT) is considered to be a shortcut to weight loss and increasingly becoming a key area in research into treatments for obesity and related diseases. However, currently, animal models of beige fat are restricted to rodents, where subcutaneous adipose tissue (sWAT, benign WAT) is more liable to develop into the beige fat under specific activators than the intra-abdominal adipose tissue (aWAT, malignant WAT) that is the major source of obesity related diseases in humans.

Methods

Here we induced beige fat by cold exposure in two species of bats, the great roundleaf bat (Hipposideros armiger) and the rickett''s big-footed bat (Myotis ricketti), and compared the molecular and morphological changes with those seen in the mouse. Expression of thermogenic genes (Ucp1 and Pgc1a) was measured by RT-qPCR and adipocyte morphology examined by HE staining at three adipose locations, sWAT, aWAT and iBAT (interscapular brown adipose tissue).

Results

Expression of Ucp1 and Pgc1a was significantly upregulated, by 729 and 23 fold, respectively, in aWAT of the great roundleaf bat after exposure to 10°C for 7 days. Adipocyte diameters of WATs became significantly reduced and the white adipocytes became brown-like in morphology. In mice, similar changes were found in the sWAT, but much lower amounts of changes in aWAT were seen. Interestingly, the rickett''s big-footed bat did not show such a tendency in beige fat.

Conclusions

The great roundleaf bat is potentially a good animal model for human aWAT browning research. Combined with rodent models, this model should be helpful for finding therapies for reducing harmful aWAT in humans.     

PEX13 is required for thermogenesis of white adipose tissue in cold-exposed mice

Non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) is a heat generating process controlled by the mitochondria of brown adipose tissue (BAT). In the recent decade, ‘functionally’ acting brown adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) has been identified as well: the so-called process of the ‘browning’ of WAT. While the importance of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-oriented mitochondrial activation has been intensely studied, the role of peroxisomes during the browning of white adipocytes is poorly understood. Here, we assess the change in peroxisomal membrane proteins, or peroxins (PEXs), during cold stimulation and importantly, the role of PEX13 in the cold-induced remodeling of white adipocytes. PEX13, a protein that originally functions as a docking factor and is involved in protein import into peroxisome matrix, was highly increased during cold-induced recruitment of beige adipocytes within the inguinal WAT of C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, beige-induced 3 T3-L1 adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells by exposure to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist rosiglitazone showed a significant increase in mitochondrial thermogenic factors along with peroxisomal proteins including PEX13, and these were confirmed in SVF cells with the beta 3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR)-selective agonist CL316,243. To verify the relevance of PEX13, we used the RNA silencing method targeting the Pex13 gene and evaluated the subsequent beige development in SVF cells. Interestingly, siPex13 treatment suppressed expression of thermogenic proteins such as UCP1 and PPARγ coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α). Overall, our data provide evidence supporting the role of peroxisomal proteins, in particular PEX13, during beige remodeling of white adipocytes.     

Deficiency of heat shock protein A12A promotes browning of white adipose tissues in mice

Browning of white adipose tissues (WAT) is critical for a variety of physiological and pathophysiological events. Given the limited understanding in molecular control of WAT browning, further research is needed. Heat shock protein A12A (HSPA12A) is a new member of multigene Hsp70 family. This study investigated the effect of HSPA12A on the browning of WAT. WAT Browning in mice was induced by cold exposure for 5 days. We observed that nuclear HSPA12A content was increased in WAT after cold exposure, while deficiency of HSPA12A (Hspa12a^−/−) promoted the cold-induced browning of WAT in mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates. Accordingly, Hspa12a^−/− mice showed attenuation of body temperature drop and increase of thermogenic gene expression compared to WT mice after cold exposure. However, in vitro experiments demonstrated that HSPA12A deficiency in primary white adipocytes did not affect their browning and thermogenic gene expression. Further loss- and gain-of-HSPA12A functional studies revealed that HSPA12A deficiency promoted whereas HSPA12A overexpression impeded M2 macrophage polarization. Importantly, the conditioned medium (CM) from Hspa12a^−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) enhanced the browning of primary white adipocytes when compared to the CM from WT BMDMs. The data identified macrophage HSPA12A as a novel regulator of WAT browning through a paracrine mechanism. Targeting HSPA12A might provide meaningful advances for the management of browning-associated physiological events such as hypothermia adaptation and pathophysiological disorders such as obesity and cancer-related cachexia.     

Aging leads to a programmed loss of brown adipocytes in murine subcutaneous white adipose tissue

Insulin sensitivity deteriorates with age, but mechanisms remain unclear. Age‐related changes in the function of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) are less characterized than those in visceral WAT. We hypothesized that metabolic alterations in sWAT, which in contrast to epididymal WAT, harbors a subpopulation of energy‐dissipating UCP1+ brown adipocytes, promote age‐dependent progression toward insulin resistance. Indeed, we show that a predominant consequence of aging in murine sWAT is loss of ‘browning’. sWAT from young mice is histologically similar to brown adipose tissue (multilocular, UCP1+), but becomes morphologically white by 12 months of age. Correspondingly, sWAT expression of ucp1 precipitously declines (~300‐fold) between 3 and 12 months. Loss continues into old age (24 months) and is inversely correlated with the development of insulin resistance. Additional age‐dependent changes in sWAT include lower expression of adbr3 and higher expression of maoa, suggesting reduced local adrenergic tone as a potential mechanism. Indeed, treatment with a β3‐adrenergic agonist to compensate for reduced tone rescues the aged sWAT phenotype. Age‐related changes in sWAT are not explained by the differences in body weight; mice subjected to 40% caloric restriction for 12 months are of body weight similar to 3‐month‐old ad lib fed mice, but display sWAT resembling that of age‐matched ad lib fed mice (devoid of brown adipose‐like morphology). Overall, findings identify the loss of ‘browning’ in sWAT as a new aging phenomenon and provide insight into the pathogenesis of age‐associated metabolic disease by revealing novel molecular changes tied to systemic metabolic dysfunction.     

The Role of Thermogenic Fat Tissue in Energy Consumption

Mammalian adipose tissues are broadly divided into white adipose tissue (WAT) and thermogenic fat tissue (brown adipose tissue and beige adipose tissue). Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is the central protein in thermogenesis, and cells that exhibit induced UCP1 expression and appear scattered throughout WAT are called beige adipocytes, and their induction in WAT is referred to as “beiging”. Beige adipocytes can differentiate from preadipocytes or convert from mature adipocytes. UCP1 was thought to contribute to non-shivering thermogenesis; however, recent studies demonstrated the presence of UCP1-independent thermogenic mechanisms. There is evidence that thermogenic fat tissue contributes to systemic energy expenditure even in human beings. This review discusses the roles that thermogenic fat tissue plays in energy consumption and offers insight into the possibility and challenges associated with its application in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.     

免疫细胞在棕色脂肪产热及白色脂肪棕色化过程中的功能研究进展

肥胖已经成为威胁人类健康的全球性问题,棕色脂肪(Brown adipose tissue,BAT)及米色脂肪因其能够通过产热作用增加能量消耗这一特性,已成为一种备受关注的潜在肥胖治疗方法。近年来的研究发现M2型巨噬细胞(Alternatively activated macrophages,M2 type)能够促进BAT产热和白色脂肪(White adipose tissue,WAT)的棕色化(即米色脂肪的形成过程),但随后的一些研究却得到了相反的结论。到目前为止,M2型巨噬细胞是否参与促进WAT的棕色化过程仍是一个备受争议的话题。主要对M2型巨噬细胞、II型固有淋巴细胞(Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells,ILC2s)和嗜酸性粒细胞(Eosinophils)对BAT产热和WAT的棕色化的促进作用,以及M2型巨噬细胞不参与/抑制WAT棕色化这两个方面的研究状况做一综述。     

N-butylidenephthalide ameliorates high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice and promotes browning through adrenergic response/AMPK activation in mouse beige adipocytes

Thermogenesis (non-exercise activity) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) promotes energy expenditure because of its higher number of mitochondria than white adipose tissue (WAT). The main function of thermogenesis in BAT can counteract obesity through the dissipation of calories as heat. N-butylidenephthalide (BP) is a natural derivative from Angelica sinensis, a Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years. In this report, we demonstrated that BP improved the metabolic profiles of mice with high fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) by preventing weight gain, improving serum blood parameters, enhancing energy expenditure, stimulating white fat browning, and reversing hepatic steatosis. Further investigations demonstrated that BP administration upregulated the mRNA expression of beige (CD137, TMEM26) and brown fat selected genes (UCP1, PRDM16, PGC-1α, PPARγ) in white adipose tissues. In vitro studies, BP treatment increased multilocular lipid droplet levels, induced β-adrenergic receptor (cAMP/PKA) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling (AMPK/acetyl-CoA carboxylase/SIRT1), and increased oxygen consumption in murine differentiated beige adipocytes, and the effects of BP were blocked by an AMPK inhibitor. BP promoted the interaction of AMPK with PGC-1α in beige adipocytes. Our findings provide novel insights into the application of BP in regulating energy metabolism and suggest its utility for clinical use in the treatment of obesity and related diseases.     

MicroRNA 34a Inhibits Beige and Brown Fat Formation in Obesity in Part by Suppressing Adipocyte Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Signaling and SIRT1 Function

Brown fat generates heat through uncoupled respiration, protecting against hypothermia and obesity. Adult humans have brown fat, but the amounts and activities are substantially decreased in obesity, by unknown mechanisms. Here we show that elevated microRNA 34a (miR-34a) in obesity inhibits fat browning in part by suppressing the browning activators fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and SIRT1. Lentivirus-mediated downregulation of miR-34a in mice with diet-induced obesity reduced adiposity, improved serum profiles, increased the mitochondrial DNA copy number, and increased oxidative function in adipose tissue in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Remarkably, downregulation of miR-34a increased coexpression of the beige fat-specific marker CD137 and the browning marker UCP1 in all types of white fat, including visceral fat, and promoted additional browning in brown fat. Mechanistically, downregulation of miR-34a increased expression of the FGF21 receptor components, FGFR1 and βKL, and also that of SIRT1, resulting in FGF21/SIRT1-dependent deacetylation of PGC-1α and induction of the browning genes Ucp1, Pgc-1α, and Prdm16. Importantly, anti-miR-34a-mediated beneficial effects, including decreased adiposity, are likely from multiple tissues, since downregulation of miR-34a also improves hepatic FGF21 signaling and lipid oxidation. This study identifies miR-34a as an inhibitor of beige and brown fat formation, providing a potential target for treating obesity-related diseases.     

Enalapril and treadmill running reduce adiposity,but only the latter causes adipose tissue browning in mice

This study investigated whether regulation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) by enalapril and/or aerobic exercise training (AET) causes browning of the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT). C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard chow or a high‐fat (HF) diet for 16 weeks. At Week 8, HF‐fed animals were divided into sedentary (HF), enalapril (HF‐E), AET (HF‐T), and enalapril plus AET (HF‐ET) groups. Subsequently, sWAT was extracted for morphometry, determination of RAS expression, and biomarkers of WAT browning. The HF group displayed adipocyte hypertrophy and induction of the classical RAS axis. Conversely, all interventions reduced adiposity and induced the counterregulatory RAS axis. However, only AET raised plasma irisin, increased peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α, and uncoupling protein‐1 levels, and the expression of PR‐domain containing 16 in sWAT. Therefore, we concluded that AET‐induced sWAT browning was independent of the counterregulatory axis shifting of RAS in HF diet‐induced obesity.     

Acute and chronic cold exposure differentially affects the browning of porcine white adipose tissue

Piglets are characteristically cold intolerant and thus susceptible to high mortality. However, browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can induce non-shivering thermogenesis as a potential strategy to facilitate the animal’s response to cold. Whether cold exposure can induce browning of subcutaneous WAT (sWAT) in piglets in a similar manner as it can in humans remains largely unknown. In this study, piglets were exposed to acute cold (4°C, 10 h) or chronic cold exposure (8°C, 15 days), and the genes and proteins of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-dependent and independent thermogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, lipogenic and lipolytic processes were analysed. Interestingly, acute cold exposure induced browning of porcine sWAT, smaller adipocytes and the upregulated expression of UCP1, PGC1α, PGC1β, C/EBPβ, Cidea, UCP3, CKMT1 and PM20D1. Conversely, chronic cold exposure impaired the browning process, reduced mitochondrial numbers and the expression of browning markers, including UCP1, PGC1α and PRDM16. The present study demonstrated that acute cold exposure (but not chronic cold exposure) induces porcine sWAT browning. Thus, browning of porcine sWAT could be a novel strategy to balance the body temperature of piglets, and thus could be protective against cold exposure.     

Distinction of white,beige and brown adipocytes derived from mesenchymal stem cells简

Adipose tissue is a major metabolic organ, and it has been traditionally classified as either white adipose tissue (WAT) or brown adipose tissue (BAT). WAT and BAT are characterized by different anatomical locations, morphological structures, functions, and regulations. WAT and BAT are both involved in energy balance. WAT is mainly involved in the storage and mobilization of energy in the form of triglycerides, whereas BAT specializes in dissipating energy as heat during cold- or diet-induced thermogenesis. Recently, brown-like adipocytes were discovered in WAT. These brown-like adipocytes that appear in WAT are called beige or brite adipocytes. Interestingly, these beige/brite cells resemble white fat cells in the basal state, but they respond to thermogenic stimuli with increased levels of thermogenic genes and increased respiration rates. In addition, beige/brite cells have a gene expression pattern distinct from that of either white or brown fat cells. The current epidemic of obesity has increased the interest in studying adipocyte formation (adipogenesis), especially in beige/brite cells. This review summarizes the developmental process of adipose tissues that originate from the mesenchymal stem cells and the features of these three different types of adipocytes.     

Activation of hypothalamic RIP‐Cre neurons promotes beiging of WAT via sympathetic nervous system

Activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige fat by cold increases energy expenditure. Although their activation is known to be differentially regulated in part by hypothalamus, the underlying neural pathways and populations remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that activation of rat‐insulin‐promoter‐Cre (RIP‐Cre) neurons in ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) preferentially promotes recruitment of beige fat via a selective control of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow to subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT), but has no effect on BAT. Genetic ablation of APPL2 in RIP‐Cre neurons diminishes beiging in sWAT without affecting BAT, leading to cold intolerance and obesity in mice. Such defects are reversed by activation of RIP‐Cre neurons, inactivation of VMH AMPK, or treatment with a β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist. Hypothalamic APPL2 enhances neuronal activation in VMH RIP‐Cre neurons and raphe pallidus, thereby eliciting SNS outflow to sWAT and subsequent beiging. These data suggest that beige fat can be selectively activated by VMH RIP‐Cre neurons, in which the APPL2–AMPK signaling axis is crucial for this defending mechanism to cold and obesity.     

Reversine promotes browning of white adipocytes by suppressing miR-133a

Brown adipocytes are characterized by a high number of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-positive mitochondrial content and increased thermogenic capacity. As UCP1-enriched cells can consume lipids by generating heat, browning of white adipocytes is now highlighted as a promising approach for the prevention of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic diseases. Upon cold exposure or β-adrenergic stimuli, downregulation of microRNA-133 (miR-133) elevates the expression levels of PR domain containing 16 (Prdm16), which has been shown to be a brown adipose determination factor, in brown adipose tissue and subcutaneous white adipose tissues (WAT). Here, we show that treatment of reversine to white adipocytes induces browning via suppression of miR-133a. Reversine treatment promoted the expression of brown adipocyte marker genes, such as Prdm16 and UCP1, increasing the mitochondrial content, while decreasing the levels of miR-133a and white adipocyte marker genes. Ectopic expression of miR-133a mimic reversed the browning effects of the reversine treatment. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of reversine in mice upregulated thermogenesis and resulted in resistance to high-fat diet-mediated weight gain as well as browning of subcutaneous and epididymal WAT. Taken together, we found a novel way to promote browning of white adipocytes through downregulation of miR-133a followed by activation of Prdm16, with a synthetic chemical, reversine.     

Irisin induces white adipose tissue browning in mice as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging

This study aimed to track and evaluate the effect of low-dose irisin on the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) noninvasively in vivo. Mature white adipocytes extracted from mice were cultured, induced and characterized before being treated by irisin. The volume and fat fraction of WAT were quantified using MRI in normal chow diet and high fat mice after injection of irisin. The browning of cultured white adipocytes and WAT in mice were validated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting for uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and deiodinase type II (DIO2). The serum indexes were examined with high fat diet after irisin intervention. UCP1 and DIO2 in adipocytes showed increases responding to the irisin treatment. The size of white adipocytes in mice receiving irisin intervention was reduced. MRI measured volumes and fat fraction of WAT were significantly lower after Irisin treatment. Blood glucose and cholesterol levels were reduced in high fat diet mice after irisin treatment. Irisin intervention exerted browning of WAT, resulting reduction of volume and fat fraction of WAT as measured by MRI. Furthermore, it improved the condition of mice with diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders.     

Metabolic changes in adipose tissues in response to β3-adrenergic receptor activation in mice

Brown and beige adipocytes dissipate energy as heat. Thus, the activation of brown adipocytes and the emergence of beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) are suggested to be useful for preventing and treating obesity. Although β₃-adrenergic receptor activation is known to stimulate lipolysis and activation of brown and beige adipocytes, fat depot–dependent changes in metabolite concentrations are not fully elucidated. The current study examined the effect of treatment with CL-316,243, a β₃-adrenergic receptor agonist, on the relative abundance of metabolites in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT), inguinal WAT (ingWAT), and epididymal WAT (epiWAT). Intraperitoneal injection of CL-316,243 (1 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days increased the relative abundance of several glycolysis-related metabolites in all examined fat depots. The cellular concentrations of metabolites involved in the citric acid cycle and of free amino acids were also increased in epiWAT by CL-316,243. CL-316,243 increased the expression levels of several enzymes and transporters related to glucose metabolism and amino acid catabolism in ingWAT and iBAT but not in epiWAT. CL-316,243 also induced the emergence of more beige adipocytes in ingWAT than in epiWAT. Furthermore, adipocytes surrounded by macrophages were detected in the epiWAT of mice given CL-316,243. The current study reveals the fat depot–dependent modulation of cellular metabolites in CL-316,243-treated mice, presumably resulting from differential regulation of cell metabolism in different cell populations.     

Distinction of white,beige and brown adipocytes derived from mesenchymal stem cells

Adipose tissue is a major metabolic organ, and it has been traditionally classified as either white adipose tissue(WAT) or brown adipose tissue(BAT). WAT and BAT are characterized by different anatomical locations, morphological structures, functions, and regulations. WAT and BAT are both involved in energy balance. WAT is mainly involved in the storage and mobilization of energy in the form of triglycerides, whereas BAT specializes in dissipating energy as heat during cold- or diet-induced thermogenesis. Recently, brownlike adipocytes were discovered in WAT. These brownlike adipocytes that appear in WAT are called beige or brite adipocytes. Interestingly, these beige/brite cells resemble white fat cells in the basal state, but they respond to thermogenic stimuli with increased levels of thermogenic genes and increased respiration rates. In addition, beige/brite cells have a gene expressionpattern distinct from that of either white or brown fat cells. The current epidemic of obesity has increased the interest in studying adipocyte formation(adipogenesis), especially in beige/brite cells. This review summarizes the developmental process of adipose tissues that originate from the mesenchymal stem cells and the features of these three different types of adipocytes.     

Coordinate Functional Regulation between Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ (PPARγ) in the Conversion of White-to-brown Adipocytes

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor and a master regulator of adipogenesis. Microsomal prostaglandin E (PGE) synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is an inducible enzyme that couples with cyclooxygenase-2 for the biosynthesis of PGE₂. In this study we demonstrate the existence of a coordinate functional interaction between PPARγ and mPGES-1 in controlling the process of pre-adipocyte differentiation in white adipose tissue (WAT). Adipocyte-specific PPARγ knock-out mice carrying an aP2 promoter-driven Cre recombinase transgene showed a blunted response to the adipogenic effects of a high fat diet. Pre-adipocytes from these knock-out mice showed loss of PPARγ and were resistant to rosiglitazone-induced WAT differentiation. In parallel, WAT from these mice showed increased expression of uncoupling protein 1, a mitochondrial enzyme that dissipates chemical energy as heat. Adipose tissue from mice lacking PPARγ also showed mPGES-1 up-regulation and increased PGE₂ levels. In turn, PGE₂ suppressed PPARγ expression and blocked rosiglitazone-induced pre-adipocyte differentiation toward white adipocytes while directly elevating uncoupling protein 1 expression and pre-adipocyte differentiation into mature beige/brite adipocytes. Consistently, pharmacological mPGES-1 inhibition directed pre-adipocyte differentiation toward white adipocytes while suppressing differentiation into beige/brite adipocytes. This browning effect was reproduced in knockdown experiments using a siRNA directed against mPGES-1. The effects of PGE₂ on pre-adipocyte differentiation were not seen in mice lacking PPARγ in adipose tissue and were not mirrored by other eicosanoids (i.e. leukotriene B₄). Taken together, these findings identify PGE₂ as a key regulator of white-to-brown adipogenesis and suggest the existence of a coordinate regulation of adipogenesis between PPARγ and mPGES-1.     

A polyphenolic extract from green tea leaves activates fat browning in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice

Fat browning has emerged as an attractive target for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Its activation leads to increased energy expenditure and reduced adiposity, thus contributing to a better energy homeostasis. Green tea extracts (GTEs) were shown to attenuate obesity and low-grade inflammation and to induce the lipolytic pathway in the white adipose tissue (WAT) of mice fed a high-fat diet. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the antiobesity effect of an extract from green tea leaves was associated with the activation of browning in the WAT and/or the inhibition of whitening in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) in HF-diet induced obese mice. Mice were fed a control diet or an HF diet supplemented with or without 0.5% polyphenolic GTE for 8 weeks. GTE supplementation significantly reduced HF-induced adiposity (WAT and BAT) and HF-induced inflammation in WAT. Histological analysis revealed that GTE reduced the adipocyte size in the WAT and the lipid droplet size in the BAT. Markers of browning were induced in the WAT upon GTE treatment, whereas markers of HF-induced whitening were reduced in the BAT. These results suggest that browning activation in the WAT and whitening reduction in the BAT by the GTE could participate to the improvement of metabolic and inflammatory disorders mediated by GTE upon HF diet. Our study emphasizes the importance of using GTE as a nutritional tool to activate browning and to decrease fat storage in all adipose tissues, which attenuate obesity.     

Aging and β3-adrenergic stimulation alter mitochondrial lipidome of adipose tissue

Mitochondrial abundance and thermogenic capacity are two imperative components that distinguish brown, beige and white adipose tissues. Most importantly, the lipid composition is vital for maintaining the quantity, quality and function of mitochondria. Therefore, we employed quantitative lipidomics to probe the mitochondrial lipidome of adipose tissues. The mitochondrial lipidome reveals β3-adrenergic stimulation and aging drastically altered the levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC)/phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) ratio and acyl chain desaturation. Precisely, PC_36:2 and PE_38:4 levels correlate with the increased brown and beige fat activity in young mice. While aging increased lysoPC species in white adipose tissue (WAT) mitochondria, CL-316,243 administration reduced lysoPC species and increased lyso-PE_{18:1 and 18:2} content during WAT browning. Also, non-thermogenic mitochondria accumulate sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidic acid (PA) and ether-linked PC (ePC). Similarly, enrichment of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL) levels are associated with thermogenic mitochondria. Also, our in vitro experiment supports that blocking the de novo sphingolipid synthesis pathway by myriocin, SPT1 inhibitor increased the thermogenic capacity and oxygen consumption rate in mature adipocytes. Overall, our study suggests mitochondria of brown, beige and white adipose tissues own a unique pattern of lipid molecular species and their levels are altered by aging and CL-316,243 administration.