The histone methyltransferase SMYD1 is induced by thermogenic stimuli in adipose tissue.

To study the expression of histone methyltransferase SMYD1 in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue and during differentiation of preadipocytes to white and beige phenotypes. C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (and exposed to cold) and 3T3-L1 cells stimulated to differentiate into white and beige adipocytes were used. SMYD1 expression increased in WAT of high-fat diet fed mice and in WAT and brown adipose tissue of cold-exposed mice, suggesting its role in thermogenesis. SMYD1 expression was higher in beige adipocytes than in white adipocytes, and its silencing leads to a decrease in mitochondrial content and in expression. These data suggest a novel role for SMYD1 as a positive regulator of energy control in adipose tissue.