FIG 7.

Model. YY1 recruits PGC-1α and induces classical thermogenesis by activating mitochondrial and canonical thermogenic genes in brown fat. However, YY1 plays a direct suppressor role in the control of alternative thermogenic genes, including Bmp8b and Gdf15, and has indirect control of the genes Fgf21, Angptl6, Neuromedin B, and Nesfatin linked to energy expenditure. With excessive caloric intake and loss of YY1, these factors are secreted from BAT, increase thermogenesis in beige and white fat cells, and protect against diet-induced obesity.