Mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipose tissue mediated by JMJD1A-PGC-1 axis limits age-related metabolic disease

Highlights•JMJD1A catalytic activity is pivotal for mitochondrial biogenesis in beiging•Pgc-1 in white adipose is increased by JMJD1A-mediated histone demethylation•Cold-induced Pgc-1 levels in brown adipose is independent of histone demethylation•JMJD1A catalytic activity protects from obesity and related metabolic disordersSummaryMitochondria play a vital role in non-shivering thermogenesis in both brown and subcutaneous white adipose tissues (BAT and scWAT, respectively). However, specific regulatory mechanisms driving mitochondrial function in these tissues have been unclear. Here we demonstrate that prolonged activation of β-adrenergic signaling induces epigenetic modifications in scWAT, specifically targeting the enhancers for the mitochondria master regulator genes Pgc1a/b. This is mediated at least partially through JMJD1A, a histone demethylase that in response to β-adrenergic signals, facilitates H3K9 demethylation of the Pgc1a/b enhancers, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and the formation of beige adipocytes. Disruption of demethylation activity of JMJD1A in mice impairs activation of Pgc1a/b driven mitochondrial biogenesis and limits scWAT beiging, contributing to reduced energy expenditure, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. Notably, JMJD1A demethylase activity is not required for Pgc1a/b dependent thermogenic capacity of BAT especially during acute cold stress, emphasizing the importance of scWAT thermogenesis in overall energy metabolism.Graphical abstract