Human RSPO1 Mutation Represses Beige Adipocyte Thermogenesis and Contributes to Diet‐Induced Adiposity (Adv. Sci. 12/2023)

Thermogenesis Inhibition of fat thermogenesis is associated with obesity. However, few mutations regulating thermogenesis are identified in obese patients. This study found that wild‐type RSPO1 is normally “cocoonized” within the extracellular matrix surrounding fibroblasts. Intriguingly, the p.R219W/Q mutation, identified for the first time in 12 obese subjects, disrupts the “cocoon” and diffuses like a “butterfly” to targeted adipocyte progenitors, blocking thermogenic adipocyte formation and consequently causing obesity. More details can be found in article number 2207152 by Weiqing Wang, Ruixin Liu, Jiqiu Wang, and co‐workers. [Image: see text]