BMP4 gene therapy enhances insulin sensitivity but not adipose tissue browning in obese mice

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) adeno-associated viral vectors of serotype 8 (AAV8) gene therapy targeting the liver prevents the development of obesity in initially lean mice by browning the large subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) and enhancing energy expenditure. Here, we examine whether this approach could also reduce established obesity. Dietary-induced obese C57BL6/N mice received AAV8 BMP4 gene therapy at 17–18 weeks of age. They...