Orai1-mediated Ca2+ Entry Regulates Lipolysis and Mitochondrial Activation in Brown Adipose Thermogenesis

Abstract

Cold-induced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis, yet the Ca2+-dependent mechanisms underlying this process remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify Orai1, a component of the store-operated Ca2+ entry pathway, as a regulator of thermogenic activation in BAT. Using a brown adipocyte-specific Orai1 knockout mouse model, we demonstrate that cold exposure is associated with Orai1-dependent Ca2+ influx through a non-canonical mechanism. Orai1 deficiency leads to impaired cAMP-PKA signaling, reduces the expression of lipolytic enzymes and thermogenic genes, and diminished mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and uncoupling. These defects culminate in cold intolerance, lipid accumulation, and decreased energy expenditure. Mechanistically, Orai1 facilitates Ca2+-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase 3, linking membrane Ca2+ entry to cAMP production, and promotes mitochondrial remodeling and oxidative metabolism. These findings support a key role for Orai1 in coordinating Ca2+ entry to lipolytic and mitochondrial pathways in brown adipocytes and highlight its potential therapeutic target in metabolic diseases characterized by impaired energy metabolism. HIGHLIGHTSO_LIOrai1 mediates Ca2+ influx in brown adipocytes through a non-canonical, partially STIM1-independent mechanism. C_LIO_LIOrai1-mediated Ca2+ influx promotes both cAMP-PKA-driven lipolysis and mitochondrial oxidative activation. C_LIO_LIOrai1-dependent Ca2+ entry promotes cAMP-PKA signaling and lipolytic activation I nbrown adipocytes. C_LIO_LIOrai1 coordinates mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake to support thermogenic function in brown adipocytes. C_LI