Differential adrenergic regulation of C/EBPα and C/EBPβ in brown adipose tissue

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Abstract
We investigated the regulation of the expression of two members of the C/EBP family of transcriptional activators, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ, in brown adipose tissue in mice. Less than one hour of cold exposure led to dramatic changes in the expression of both genes. C/EBPα steady-state mRNA and protein levels were drastically and rapidly reduced whereas C/EBPβ mRNA and protein levels were induced severalfold. Also norepinephrine injection affected the expression of the transcription factors. Preconfluent cells in brown fat primary cultures responded to norepinephrine with a decrease in C/EBPα and an increase in C/EBPβ mRNA; in confluent cells the expression of both factors was increased. Thus, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ gene expression is under adrenergic control both in vivo and in vitro but the type of response is directed by the degree of differentiation of the cells.