Development of obesity in transgenic mice after genetic ablation of brown adipose tissue

Experimental analysis of two mice cell lines, uncoupling protein-diphtheria toxin A-chain (UCP-DTA) and attenuated mutant UCP-176, using immunoblotting techniques and UCP antisera, elucidated the correlation between brown adipose tissue (BAT) ablation and development of obesity in mice with genetically ablated BAT. BAT, which is a center of activity during thermogenesis, controls energy balance in mice and potentiates uncoupled mitochondrial respiration. Brown fat deficiency in mice leads to enhanced metabolic activity and is characterized by progressive obesity in the absence of hyperphagia.