Fig. 6. Graphical abstract depicting the role of SERT in human BAT.
RNA-seq of human primary brown and white adipocytes identified the SERT as a top DEG in brown adipocytes. We have shown that serotonin suppresses brown adipocyte thermogenesis and decreases UCP1 expression through the 5-HT2B receptor. We have also determined that SERT functions to scavenge extracellular serotonin in human brown adipocytes, and that inhibition of SERT by SSRIs augments the suppressive effect of serotonin on BAT thermogenesis.