Usage Information
Abstract
A dynamically regulated microenvironment, which is mediated by crosstalk between adipocytes and neighboring cells, is critical for adipose tissue homeostasis and function. However, information on key molecules and/or signaling pathways regulating the crosstalk remains limited. In this study, we identify adipocyte miRNA-182-5p (miR-182-5p) as a crucial antiobesity molecule that stimulated beige fat thermogenesis by promoting the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages. miR-182-5p was highly enriched in thermogenic adipocytes, and its expression was markedly stimulated by cold exposure in mice. In contrast, miR-182-5p expression was significantly reduced in adipose tissues of obese humans and mice. Knockout of miR-185-5p decreased cold-induced beige fat thermogenesis whereas overexpression of miR-185-5p increased beiging and thermogenesis in mice. Mechanistically, miR-182-5p promoted FGF21 expression and secretion in adipocytes by suppressing nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (Nr1d1) at 5′-UTR, which in turn stimulates acetylcholine synthesis and release in macrophages. Increased acetylcholine expression activated the nicotine acetylcholine receptor in adipocytes, which stimulated PKA signaling and consequent thermogenic gene expression. Our study reveals a key role of the miR-182-5p/FGF21/acetylcholine/acetylcholine receptor axis that mediates the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages to promote beige fat thermogenesis. Activation of the miR-182-5p–induced signaling pathway in adipose tissue may be an effective approach to ameliorate obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
Authors
Wen Meng, Ting Xiao, Xiuci Liang, Jie Wen, Xinyi Peng, Jing Wang, Yi Zou, Jiahao Liu, Christie Bialowas, Hairong Luo, Yacheng Zhang, Bilian Liu, Jingjing Zhang, Fang Hu, Meilian Liu, Lily Q. Dong, Zhiguang Zhou, Feng Liu, Juli Bai
Usage data is cumulative from June 2025 through June 2026.
| Usage | JCI | PMC |
|---|---|---|
| Text version | 1,825 | 117 |
| 263 | 49 | |
| Figure | 631 | 0 |
| Supplemental data | 106 | 4 |
| Citation downloads | 217 | 0 |
| Totals | 3,042 | 170 |
| Total Views | 3,212 | |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.
