[Frontiers in Bioscience S3, 1180-1195, June 1, 2011]

Nitric oxide and thermogenesis - challenge in molecular cell physiology

Vesna Otasevic1, Aleksandra Korac2, Biljana Buzadzic1, Ana Stancic1, Aleksandra Jankovic1, Bato Korac1

1Department of Physiology, Institute for Biological Research, "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade, Serbia, 2 Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Brown adipose tissue: structure and function
3.1. Overview of mitochondrial physiology
4. Insights into redox regulation
4.1. ROS, RNS and oxidation products as redox mediators
4.2. Cellular sources and regulation of ROS level
4.3. Signaling by oNO: role of oNO/O2o─ system in redox regulation
4.4. oNO-producing system
4.5. NOS isoforms in BAT
4.6. Expression profiles of NOS isoforms in BAT during cold acclimation
5. oNO in BAT thermogenesis
5.1. oNO and BAT hyperplasia
5.2. BAT uncoupling: role of oNO
5.2.1. Transcriptional control of UCP1 gene
5.2.2. Whether UCP1 is uniquely expressed in brown adipocytes?
5.3. oNO and mitochondria
5.3.1. oNO as mitochondrial substrate supplier
5.3.2. oNO and mitochondrial biogenesis
5.3.3. oNO, ROS production and mitochondrial respiration
5.4. oNO and BAT capillary network
6. BAT regression: implication of oNO-mediated apoptosis
7. Comments and Perspectives
8. Acknowledgements
9. References

1. ABSTRACT

Only recently we can link thermogenesis, mitochondria, nitric oxide, and redox regulation in biochemical terms. Currently, we are discussing these processes from the aspect of fundamental principles of molecular physiology. Thus, the present article highlights both cell physiology and the principles of the maintenance of energy homeostasis in organisms. Energy homeostasis means much more than simple combustion; adipose tissues at this point of evolution development are related to a broad spectrum of metabolic disturbances and all aspects of cellular remodeling (i.e. structural, metabolic and endocrine changes). Therefore, this paper addresses not only thermogenesis but also energy homeostasis, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production, proliferation and differentiation of brown adipocytes, their life and death, mitochondriogenesis and angiogenesis. These processes will be united by molecular players of oxidation/reduction reactions, thus creating the principles based on the redox regulation.