Standardizing In Vitro Human White and Brown Adipocyte Models: New Insights into Metabolism, Endocrine Function, and Obesity Studies
September 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM ETAbstract
Adipose tissue plays a central role in human metabolism, energy balance, and endocrine signaling. While white adipose tissue (WAT) primarily stores energy and brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy through thermogenesis, emerging research continues to reveal broader physiological and metabolic functions for both tissue types. These expanding insights underscore the need for reliable in vitro models for understanding these complex biological processes and translating discoveries into therapeutic advances.
In this webinar, we will explore how hTERT-immortalized White Preadipocyte (WAT; ATCC CRL-4063) and Brown Preadipocyte (BAT; ATCC CRL-4062) models provide robust platforms for studying adipocyte biology and function. When grown according to defined protocols, these in vitro models can be used to address conceptual and mechanistic questions about human adipocytes. Using recent publications as an example, we show how techniques as diverse as qPCR, RNA-seq, immunoblotting, fluorescence microscopy, and bioenergetics were implemented to show how human white adipocytes can be induced into an energy-expending phenotype that could treat obesity-related metabolic disease. We conclude by describing new avenues of investigation with these cellular models that can help discover the roles of WAT and BAT in the efficacy of blockbuster peptide hormone anti-obesity medications.
Key Learnings
- Understand the distinct roles of white and brown adipose tissue in metabolism and endocrine function.
- Learn how ATCC human adipocyte models support physiologically relevant in vitro research.
- Explore analytical methods used to study adipocyte differentiation, function, and energy expenditure.
- Discover emerging applications in obesity research and anti-obesity therapeutic development.
Presenters
Ashley Cox, PhD
Field Application Specialist, ATCC
Ashley Cox is a Field Application Specialist at ATCC where she provides support and technical expertise in toxicology and cell biology. She obtained her Ph.D. from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in biomedical research, with a focus on toxicology. Prior to joining ATCC, Dr. Cox’s research focused on identifying toxicological and cellular stress effects of flavoring aldehydes in vaping products using an in vitro renal model. In addition, her previous experiences as an instructor have helped shape her expertise in science education and communication. Today, she supports ATCC customers in the toxicology research space to help overcome experimental challenges and build robust in vitro workflows.
Aaron M. Cypess, MD, PhD, MMSc
Senior Investigator and Chief, Translational Physiology Section, DEOB, NIDDK, NIH
Aaron M. Cypess, MD, PhD, is a Senior Investigator and Chief of the Translational Physiology Section at the NIH in Washington, DC. He studied chemistry at Princeton University where he graduated with highest honors. He has a medical degree from Cornell University, a doctorate from The Rockefeller University, and a master’s in medical sciences from Harvard University. Prior to his arrival at the NIH, Dr. Cypess was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He trained in the research group of C. Ronald Kahn, where they demonstrated that brown adipose tissue is a functional organ in adult humans. Dr. Cypess’ current research focuses on human brown and white adipose tissue physiology and their utilization to treat obesity-related metabolic disease.
Adrienne Guarnieri, PhD
Post-Doctoral Fellow, National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH
Adrienne Guarnieri, PhD, received her Doctor of Philosophy in Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine from the University of Cincinnati in 2024 and is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health with a research focus in adipose tissue metabolism and obesity pharmacotherapies.
Jurgen Heymann, PhD
Staff Scientist, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH
Jurgen Heymann, PhD, is a Staff Scientist in the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch of the NIDDK at the NIH where he currently investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human adipocyte biology in the lab of Dr. Aaron Cypess. He completed his academic training in organic chemistry and biochemistry at ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute in Martinsried, followed by postdoctoral work on GPCR biogenesis and membrane protein structure at the Johns Hopkins Medical School and NCI. His research leverages his expertise in cell biology, transcriptomics, imaging, and molecular mechanisms to explore human adipocyte thermogenic capacity.
