Recent advances in brown adipose tissue biology

In mammals, white adipose tissue （WAT） store energy, whereas brown adipose tissue （BAT） burns energy. As a thermogenic organ, BAT can help maintain body temperature during cold exposure. Owing to its important roles in energy metabolism and regulating triacylglycerol levels, BAT has received great attention in treating obesity and its related diseases. Recent studies have suggested that BAT may secrete factor（s）—batokines—to regulate whole- body energy metabolism. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the formation and function of BAT, as well as molecules that regulate the activity of BAT and beige fat.