Research Update

New model for in vitro production of human brown fat cells lays groundwork for obesity, diabetes cell therapy

September 22, 2023

Brown adipocytes are specialized cells that can use energy to produce heat. This property makes them attractive tools for the treatment of diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Until recently, this therapeutic potential was constrained by limited understanding of how brown adipocyte tissue (BAT) develops from precursors.

A team led by investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital identified a set of cellular signaling cues that lead up to brown adipocyte formation in mice. They then used these cues to develop a protocol...

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Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation funds research into drugs mimicking the neuroprotective effects of exercise

October 5, 2022

By Alice McCarthy

Physical activity, especially endurance exercise, can improve cognitive function in part by reducing neuroinflammation. Research from HSCI affiliate member Christiane Wrann has shown that the hormone irisin, which is secreted from muscles during exercise, may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease. Her laboratory was awarded a...

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