Guanylyl cyclase-B plays an important role in adipogenesis and 'browning' of white fat

Background Obesity, the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, is the result of an imbalance in energy intake and output. Two functionally distinct types of adipose tissue are present in mammals: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Beside its role as energy storage, WAT is also a metabolic active organ involved in inflammatory response, glucose metabolism and blood pressure by secreting adipokines. In contrast to WAT, BAT dissipates energy as heat. Previously, we have demonstrated essential role of the cGMP/PKGI in brown and white adipogenesis.