Thermogenesis pathway

The **thermogenesis pathway** refers broadly to a collection of biological processes and molecular mechanisms by which organisms generate heat, primarily through specialized tissues like brown and beige adipose tissue. This process involves multiple proteins and signaling cascades—including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), β3 adrenergic receptors, thyroid hormone pathways, and others—that regulate mitochondrial function and energy expenditure. The main physiological roles include maintaining body temperature in response to cold exposure ("non-shivering thermogenesis") and regulating systemic energy balance. Dysregulation or impairment in these pathways is implicated in obesity and metabolic diseases. However, "thermogenesis pathway" is not itself a discrete therapeutic target but rather an umbrella term for interconnected molecular events involving many potential drug targets.

Other names

Thermogenic pathwayThermogenesis signalingThermogenic mechanismsAdipose thermogenesis