Brown adipocytes are a cell type with high mitochondrial content and bioenergetic capacity. A critical means to measure mitochondrial function, macromolecule fuel usage, and other important phenotypes is with a bioenergetic analyzer. Here, we describe how to isolate, culture, and differentiate brown preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. We also explain how to perform a mitochondrial (mito) stress test, using the bioenergetic analyzer. The mito stress test is able to give researchers a plethora of insights into mitochondrial function, including basal respiration, proton leak, ATP production, maximal respiration, and reserve capacity, making it a powerful tool for analyzing brown adipocytes.
Keywords: Brown adipose tissue; Energy metabolism; Mitochondrial function; Seahorse analyzer.