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

Aim: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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 Pgc-1α expression. Conclusion: These data suggest a novel role for SMYD1 as a positive regulator of energy control in adipose tissue.