Figure 5. Slug deficiency in LepRb cells enhances adipose thermogenesis.

(A) Representative BAT images (n = 4 mice per group). BAT sections were stained with H&E (HFD for 15 weeks) or antibodies to Ucp1 and TH (HFD for 12 weeks). Scale bar: 200 μm. (B) Ucp1 and TH areas were quantified and normalized to total areas. Slug^fl/fl, n = 6; Slug^ΔLepRb, n = 4. a.u., arbitrary units. (C) Male BAT Ucp1 mRNA levels (normalized to 36B4 expression, HFD for 12 weeks). Slug^fl/fl, n = 3; Slug^ΔLepRb, n = 4. (D) Gene expression in iWAT (normalized to 36B4 levels). Male mice (10 weeks) were exposed to cold (8°C for 2 hours) daily for 5 days. Slug^fl/fl, n = 4; Slug^ΔLepRb, n = 4. (E) Cold tolerance test at 19 weeks of age on chow diet. Male Slug^fl/fl, n = 4; male Slug^ΔLepRb, n = 4; female Slug^fl/fl, n = 4; female Slug^ΔLepRb, n = 5. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. *P < 0.05, 2-tailed unpaired Student’s t test (B–D) and 2-way ANOVA (E).