Activated brown fat tissue disables weight-gain

A study in Finland has shown that removing a certain gene (USF1) in mice, activates brown adipose tissue to rapidly clear circulating fat and sugar from blood. Brown fat is a generator of body heat, and unlike white fat tissue, it is a very beneficial tissue.

Brown adipose tissue "vacuums" energy nutrients from blood circulation. Credit: PP Laurila

The removal of the USF1 gene increased the activity of brown adipose tissue -- which in turn increased metabolism. Even with a high-fat diet, and less physical activity, the test mice that lacked the USF1 gene stayed in shape.

The researchers also found that for humans who have a weaker USF1 gene, a similar effect was visible.

As the activation of brown fat disables weight-gain, it also protects from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which could make the USF1 gene a target in the treatment of metabolic diseases.