Proteomics-based comparative mapping of the human brown and white adipocyte secretome reveals EPDR1 as a novel batokine

Secreted proteins from adipose tissue play a role in metabolic cross-talk and homeostasis. We performed high sensitivity mass spectrometry-based proteomics on the cell media of in vitro differentiated, non-immortalized brown adipocytes derived from supraclavicular adipose of adult humans and white adipocytes derived from subcutaneous adipose of adult humans. We identified 471 potentially secreted proteins covering interesting protein categories such as hormones, growth factors, growth factor binding proteins, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins, and proteins of the complement system, which were differentially regulated in brown and white adipocytes. A total of 101 proteins were exclusively quantified in brown adipocytes, among these ependymin-related protein 1 (EPDR1). Ablation of EPDR1 impaired the induction of thermogenic transcripts in response to norepinephrine in brown adipocytes, while EPDR1-treated mice increased their energy consumption, suggesting a role in brown fat commitment and activation. Our work reveals substantial differences between the secretomes of brown and white human adipocytes and identifies novel candidate batokines.