The brown fat-specific overexpression of RBP4 improves thermoregulation and systemic metabolism by activating the canonical adrenergic signaling pathway.

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), the sole specific carrier for retinol (vitamin A) in circulation, is highly expressed in liver and adipose tissues. Previous studies have demonstrated that RBP4 plays a role in cold-mediated adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis. However, the role of RBP4 in brown adipose tissue and its metabolic significance remain unclear.