STAT5 is required for lipid breakdown and beta-adrenergic responsiveness of brown adipose tissue.

Abstract Objective Increasing energy expenditure through activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis is an attractive approach to counteract obesity. Thus, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms that control BAT functions. Until now several members of the Janus kinase (JAK) - signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway have been implicated to be relevant for BAT physiology. Yet, whether the STAT family member STAT5 is important for the thermogenic property of adipose tissues is unknown. Here, we investigate the role of STAT5 in thermogenic fat. Methods Using mice that harbour an adipocyte-specific deletion of Stat5a/b alleles, we performed metabolic and molecular analyses. Results We found that STAT5 is necessary for acute cold-induced temperature maintenance and the induction of lipid mobilization in BAT following β3-adrenergic stimulation. Moreover, mitochondrial respiration of primary differentiated brown adipocytes lacking STAT5 was diminished. Increased sensitivity to cold stress upon STAT5 deficiency was associated with reduced expression of thermogenic markers including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), while decreased stimulated lipolysis was linked to decreased protein kinase A (PKA) activity. In addition, brown remodeling of white adipose tissue was diminished following chronic β3-adrenergic stimulation, which was accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial performance. Conclusion We conclude that STAT5 is essential for the functionality and the β-adrenergic responsiveness of thermogenic adipose tissue.