Conclusions
TSK is not a significant regulator of BAT thermogenesis and is unlikely to represent an effective target to prevent obesity and improve glucose homeostasis.
Methods
We measured the expression of thermogenic genes and markers of BAT innervation and activation in TSK-null and TSK-overexpressing mice. Body weight, body temperature, and parameters of glucose homeostasis were also assessed in the context of TSK loss and overexpression.
Results
The loss of TSK did not affect the thermogenic activation of BAT. We found that TSK-null mice were not protected against the development of obesity and did not show improvement in glucose tolerance. The overexpression of TSK also failed to modulate thermogenesis, body weight gain, and glucose homeostasis in mice. Conclusions: TSK is not a significant regulator of BAT thermogenesis and is unlikely to represent an effective target to prevent obesity and improve glucose homeostasis.