Figure 1. Metabolic programming in the presence and absence of Mfn2 in brown adipocytes.

(Left) Mfn via its interaction with perilipin (PLIN) 1 ensures proper lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation (FAOX) in response to adrenergic or dietary stimuli, thereby ensuring cold‐/diet‐induced thermogenesis and cold tolerance in mice. (Right) Mfn2 loss of function (LOF) leads to intra‐adipose metabolic re‐wiring as indicated by a diminished lipolytic response but enhanced glucose uptake and glycolytic breakdown. As a result, systemic glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and hepatic steatosis are improved while cold tolerance is diminished.