Abstract
Abstract
Cold-induced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis, yet the Ca
2+
-dependent mechanisms underlying this process remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify Orai1, a component of the store-operated Ca
2+
entry pathway, as a regulator of thermogenic activation in brown adipose tissue. Using a brown adipocyte-specific
Orai1
knockout mouse model, we demonstrate that cold exposure is associated with Orai1-dependent Ca
2+
influx through a non-canonical mechanism. Orai1 deficiency impairs cAMP–protein kinase A signalling, reduces the expression of lipolytic enzymes and thermogenic genes, and diminishes mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake and uncoupling. These defects culminate in cold intolerance, lipid accumulation and decreased energy expenditure. Mechanistically, Orai1 facilitates Ca
2+
-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase 3, linking membrane Ca
2+
entry to cAMP production, and promotes mitochondrial remodelling and oxidative metabolism. These findings support a key role for Orai1 in coordinating Ca
2+
entry to lipolytic and mitochondrial pathways in brown adipocytes and highlight Orai1 as a potential therapeutic target in metabolic diseases characterized by impaired energy metabolism.