KMT5c modulates adipocyte thermogenesis by regulating Trp53 expression

Significance The thermogenic function of adipocytes relies on the activation of the thermogenic program that is coordinately modulated by an array of unique transcriptional and epigenetic regulators. Histone methylations represent an essential epigenetic mode of regulation in the establishment of tissue-specific gene expression. However, the role of H4K20 methylation in thermogenic adipocytes is not completely elucidated. Our paper revealed Kmt5c is involved in regulating the thermogenic program in adipose tissues. Adipocyte-specific Kmt5c KO mice demonstrate decreased expression of thermogenic genes and are prone to diet-induced obesity. The findings indicate that activation of methyltransferase activity of KMT5c might be a potential strategy for metabolic diseases.