MicroRNA networks regulate development of brown adipocytes

•MicroRNAs play central roles in cold-induced brown fat differentiation.•Cold exposure-mediated downregulation of miRNA-133 promotes brown and beige adipogenesis.•Increased expression of miR-193b-365 and miR-196a enhances brown adipogenesis.•MiR-155 negatively regulates beige adipogenesis.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized for heat generation and energy expenditure as a defense against cold and obesity; in both humans and mice increased amounts of BAT are associated with a lean phenotype and resistance to development of the metabolic syndrome and its complications. Here we summarize recent research showing that several BAT-expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating differentiation and metabolism of brown and beige adipocytes; we discuss the key mRNA targets downregulated by these miRNAs and show how these miRNAs affect directly or indirectly transcription factors important for BAT development. We suggest that these miRNAs could be part of novel therapeutics to increase BAT in humans.