A Distinct Subpopulation of Adipocytes in Adult Perirenal Adipose Tissue Arises Through Brown-to-white Conversion but Reverts to a Thermogenic Phenotype Upon Cold Exposure

Perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) is a unique visceral depot that contains a mixture of brown and white adipocytes. The origin and plasticity of such cellular heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we combine single-nucleus RNA sequencing with genetic lineage tracing to reveal the existence of a distinct subpopulation of Ucp1 -/ Cidea + adipocytes that arises from brown-to-white conversion during postnatal life in the peri-ureter region of mouse PRAT. Cold exposure restores Ucp1 expression and a thermogenic phenotype in this subpopulation. These cells have a transcriptome that is distinct from subcutaneous beige adipocytes and may represent a unique type of cold-recruitable adipocytes. These results pave the way for studies of PRAT physiology and mechanisms controlling the plasticity of brown/white adipocyte phenotypes.### Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.