The main focus of the lab of J.G. Bogner-Strauss is the investigation of white and brown fat cell development and energy homeostasis. Using different white/brown adipogenic cells and various mutant mouse models, we want to uncover the molecular circuits that control fat cell development and function. Two types of adipose tissue are found in mammals: white adipose tissue (WAT) exclusively stores excess of energy, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized to dissipate energy as heat. Active BAT has recently been found in adult humans. Due to its high oxidative capacity to dissipate excess energy, altering the amount and activity of BAT could provide a novel therapeutic strategy to combat obesity and its associated metabolic disorders.