Phosphatidylcholine and -ethanolamine metabolism via the Kennedy Pathway and Lands Cycle in differentiation and function of thermogenic adipocytes

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Josef Ecker
• Subject Area: Toxicology, Laboratory Medicine
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575282745

Mammals contain white and brown adipose tissue. While white adipocytes mainly store energy in the form of triglycerides in lipid droplets, brown adipocytes have the ability to convert this chemical energy into heat mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a process called non-shivering thermogenesis. Some white adipose tissue depots contain heterogenous types of adipocytes including brite (also called beige) adipocytes comprising UCP1, which provide an extra thermogenic capacity. Since brown adipose tissue activity correlates with lower adiposity and a reduced risk for cardiometabolic disease, the energy burning capability of thermogenic adipocytes has gathered tremendous interest. Investigation of mechanisms underlying their differentiation and function is not only central to understand fundamental adipocyte biology, but also to identify new therapeutic strategies for cardiometabolic disease. Own and studies from others have indicated a particular relevance of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and -ethanolamine (PE) metabolism for brown adipocytes including UCP1 action. Therefore, this project aims to elucidate the role of PC and PE de novo synthesis via the Kennedy Pathway and their acyl chain remodelling via the Lands Cycle in differentiation and function in thermogenic adipocytes. We anticipate to investigate not only brown, but also brite adipocytes, because the large amount of white adipose tissue in humans is an important, albeit often neglected, source for non-shivering thermogenesis.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants