METRNL
Description
The METRNL (meteorin like, glial cell differentiation regulator) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.
METRNL, also known as Subfatin and Cometin, is a small (~27kDa) secreted cytokine, protein encoded by a gene called meteorin-like (METRNL).
METRNL, also known as Subfatin, is a hormone that is produced in response to exercise or cold exposure, leading to increased energy expenditure. It is secreted from skeletal muscle after exercise or from adipose tissue following cold exposure, entering the bloodstream. METRNL enhances energy expenditure by promoting the browning of white fat depots, which improves glucose tolerance. While METRNL does not directly activate thermogenic gene programs in adipocytes, it stimulates various immune cells to migrate into adipose tissue, initiating prothermogenic processes. This includes an eosinophil-dependent increase in IL4 expression and the alternative activation of adipose tissue macrophages, both essential for upregulating thermogenic and anti-inflammatory gene programs within fat. METRNL is critical for certain cold-induced thermogenic responses, suggesting a role in metabolic adaptation to cold temperatures.
METRNL is also known as -.
