ADRA1A–Gαq signalling potentiates adipocyte thermogenesis through CKB and TNAP

Noradrenaline (NA) regulates cold-stimulated adipocyte thermogenesis 1 . Aside from cAMP signalling downstream of β-adrenergic receptor activation, how NA promotes thermogenic output is still not fully understood. Here, we show that coordinated α 1 -adrenergic receptor (AR) and β 3 -AR signalling induces the expression of thermogenic genes of the futile creatine cycle 2 , 3 , and that early B cell factors, oestrogen-related receptors and PGC1α are required for this response in vivo. NA triggers physical and functional coupling between the α 1 -AR subtype (ADRA1A) and Gα q to promote adipocyte thermogenesis in a manner that is dependent on the effector proteins of the futile creatine cycle, creatine kinase B and tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase. Combined Gα q and Gα s signalling selectively in adipocytes promotes a continual rise in whole-body energy expenditure, and creatine kinase B is required for this effect. Thus, the ADRA1A–Gα q –futile creatine cycle axis is a key regulator of facultative and adaptive thermogenesis. Rahbani et al. show that the α 1 -adrenergic receptor potentiates thermogenesis in thermogenic adipocytes, acting via Gα q signalling, creatine kinase B and tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase.