This work is supported by NIDDK of the NIH under Award Number R01DK116899, USDA/ARS under Award Number 3092-51000-064-000D, and a pilot award from the Baylor College of Medicine Cardiovascular Research Institute. The flowcharts were produced using BioRender.

The animal procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Baylor College of Medicine. All procedures were performed on C57BL/6J male mice aged 3 weeks and 3 months old. Prior to the dissection, all mice were euthanized using the approved rodent carbon dioxide euthanasia procedure. See the Table of Materials for details related to all materials, reagents, and instruments used in this protocol.
1. Dissection of scBAT
<ol>
	<li>Place the mouse carcass on the workbench and clean the surgical scissors and superfine point forceps with 70% ethanol.</li>
	<li>Spray the mouse&#39;s ventral neck with 70% ethanol to wet the fur and minimize fur contamination.</li>
	<li>Make a bilateral incision, approximately 1.5 cm, along the clavicles.</li>
	<li>From the ends of the previous incision, cut longitudinally towards the ears, approximately 1 cm long. This will form a squared U-shaped incision around the neck (Figure 1A,B). 
	NOTE: scBAT lies in the intermediate layer of the neck. The superficial layer, composed of the skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and salivary glands, is exposed during this step. The intermediate layer, along with scBAT, contains the jugular veins and neck muscles. The deep layer of the neck, containing deep neck BAT and artery and jugular veins, is exposed by removing the skeletal muscle.</li>
	<li>Place the mouse under a dissecting microscope and bring the exposed neck into focus (Figure 1C). 
	NOTE: This added step greatly increases the precision of tissue collection, necessary given the small size of scBAT.</li>
	<li>Expose the salivary glands fully by lifting the incised skin sections away with forceps.</li>
	<li>Using surgical scissors and forceps, disconnect the tissue connecting the salivary glands to the tissue around the clavicles and to each other.</li>
	<li>Expose the scBAT depots by lifting the salivary glands. Look for the BAT along the external jugular vein and possibly connected to the underside of the salivary glands. Identify it by its orangish color, which stands out against the surrounding tissue.</li>
	<li>Hold the target adipose tissue with forceps and gently peel it away from the salivary glands.</li>
	<li>Once detached from the salivary glands, continue to disconnect the scBAT from the external jugular vein and the musculature of the neck until the depots on either side of the neck can be removed whole.</li>
	<li>Inspect each dissected scBAT sample under the dissecting microscope (Figure 1D,E), using forceps to remove any remaining connective tissue.</li>
	<li>Place each sample into a glass scintillation vial containing 10 mL of phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) and remove the mouse from under the microscope.</li>
</ol>
2. Processing and hematoxylin and eosin (H&#38;E) staining of scBAT (illustrated in Figure 2A)
<ol>
	<li>Replace the PBS (step 1.12) with 10 mL of cold 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) and place the vial on a nutator, rocking at 4 &#176;C overnight to fix the scBAT. 
	NOTE: Perfusion fixation may be applied in postnatal, especially adult mice, when further processing for immunohistochemistry analysis is needed.</li>
	<li>The next day, remove the PFA solution from the vial with a sterile transfer pipette and replace it with 10-15 mL of PBS. Place the vial on a nutator and rock for 30 min at room temperature. Replace PBS with 0.85% saline solution and continue rocking for another 30 min at room temperature. 
	NOTE: The saline solution is 0.85% saline (NaCl) w/v in DEPC-treated water (RNase-free). PBS can be substituted for the saline solution in this and the following step.</li>
	<li>Remove the 0.85% saline with a transfer pipette and add 10 mL of 70% Ethanol/0.85% saline solution to the vial. Store the vial in a 4 &#176;C fridge overnight or until ready for paraffin embedding. 
	NOTE: PBS can be used if 0.85% saline is not available. scBAT should be processed as soon as possible for easier sectioning and better-preserved tissue morphology.</li>
	<li>Prior to paraffin embedding, dehydrate scBAT through a series of ethanol exchanges to remove water from the tissue.
	<ol>
		<li>To begin, remove 70% ethanol/0.85% saline from the vial with a transfer pipette and add 10-15 mL of 95% Dehydrant Alcohol, rocking the vial on a nutator at room temperature for 1 h. Repeat this step one time. 
		NOTE: Ethanol can be used in place of dehydrant alcohol solutions.</li>
		<li>Next, replace 95% Dehydrant Alcohol with 10-15 mL of 100% Dehydrant Alcohol and continue rocking on a nutator for 1 h. Refill with new 100% Dehydrant Alcohol and continue to rock for several hours or overnight, depending on the quantity of scBAT in the vial.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>To clear scBAT for embedding, add 10 mL of toluene to the vial and continue rocking on a nutator until scBAT is transparent, approximately 6-8 h. 
	NOTE: The duration of time necessary to achieve satisfactory clearing is dependent on the size of the scBAT. It is recommended to begin clearing immediately in the morning so that infiltration and embedding can take place in the afternoon.</li>
	<li>To embed scBAT in paraffin wax, remove toluene and add 10 mL of melted infiltration paraffin wax to the vial. Place the vial in an oven at 65 &#176;C for 1 h. Repeat this step with new wax. 
	NOTE: Begin melting wax pellets in an oven overnight before embedding begins to ensure the wax is fully liquid.</li>
	<li>Replace infiltration paraffin wax with embedding paraffin wax and place the vial at the same temperature for 1 h. Repeat this step once. 
	NOTE: The infiltration stage can be interrupted and continued later. Remove the vial from the oven and store it at room temperature until ready to continue.</li>
	<li>Embed the tissue by first placing it in a tissue embedding mold, add melted embedding wax to the mold, and reorient the tissue under a stereomicroscope. Then, place an embedding cassette on top of the wax and continue to pour embedding wax over the top of it until it is full and the embedding cap is fastened to the wax block. Transfer the block to a 4 &#176;C fridge overnight to let the wax stiffen and shrink before removing the metal mold.</li>
	<li>Section the scBAT with a microtome to a thickness of 5-6 &#181;m18, three to four sections per microscope slide, and place in a warm paraffin section floatation bath at ~42 &#176;C to allow the tissue sections to smooth out.</li>
	<li>Transfer the sections to slides and place the slides upright against the floatation bath to allow water to drip off the slides.</li>
	<li>Transfer the slides to a stainless staining rack and place the rack onto a slide drying bench to dry overnight. 
	NOTE: The paraffin slides can be stored long-term at room temperature before further processing is achieved.</li>
	<li>Perform the H&#38;E staining19. To begin, place the slides in a staining rack, then place the rack in a staining jar with xylene for 40 s. Repeat this step once. 
	NOTE: If paraffin is still visible after the two stages, wait until it has completely dissolved before continuing.</li>
	<li>To rehydrate the tissue, place the slide rack in a staining jar filled with 100% Dehydrant Alcohol for two 20 s stages, followed by a 15 s stage in 95% Dehydrant Alcohol, and a final 15 s rinse in ddH2O.</li>
	<li>Place the slides in a staining dish filled with hematoxylin solution for 75 s to achieve nuclear staining, then rinse the slides in a staining dish with ddH2O for 45 s. 
	NOTE: Time can be adjusted depending on the desired stain color.</li>
	<li>Differentiate the staining by dipping slides in a staining dish filled with HCl-ethanol solution for 15 s, then transfer slides to another ddH2O rinse for 15 s. 
	NOTE: The HCl-ethanol solution is prepared according to a published method19.</li>
	<li>For cytoplasmic staining, place the slide in an Eosin Y counterstain solution for 15 s.</li>
	<li>Dehydrate the tissue by dipping the slides for 15 s each in three sequential 95% Dehydrant Alcohol solution stages, then two sequential 100% Dehydrant Alcohol baths-the first for 15 s and the second for 45 s-to finish dehydration.</li>
	<li>Finally, transfer the slides to a xylene bath for 45 s to reacclimate the tissue to organic solvents. After this step, the staining is completed; remove the tissue from the solution.</li>
	<li>Apply mounting medium to each slide and coverslip it inside a chemical fume hood. Dry overnight before imaging. Imaging results are shown in Figure 2B.</li>
</ol>
3. Gene expression analysis of scBAT
<ol>
	<li>Tissue Collection (grinding)
	<ol>
		<li>After dissecting scBAT, immediately put the tissue into a microcentrifuge tube, poke a hole in the top of the tube with a sterile needle, and snap freeze in liquid nitrogen. 
		NOTE: The major steps of the protocol outlined here are illustrated in Figure 3A. Poking a hole in the top of the tube before dropping it into liquid nitrogen prevents the tube from bursting due to the sudden pressure change.</li>
		<li>Fill a plastic beaker with liquid nitrogen and leave a pestle and thin spatula to soak. 
		NOTE: It is important to keep the temperature of all tools and tissue samples as cold as possible, close to the temperature of liquid nitrogen, during the entire procedure to prevent the tissue from thawing. Thawed adipose tissue is very adherent and makes the powdering more challenging. Only remove tools and samples from liquid nitrogen baths immediately before use.</li>
		<li>Take one snap-frozen tissue sample at a time and pour it from its microcentrifuge tube into the mortar.</li>
		<li>Add a small amount of liquid nitrogen to the mortar, then use the pestle to grind the frozen tissue until it is completely pulverized. 
		NOTE: If the tissue starts becoming soft or sticky at any point, it is thawing; pour more liquid nitrogen into the mortar.</li>
		<li>Use the thin spatula to carefully scrape and transfer the pulverized tissue back into the microcentrifuge tube. Pour liquid nitrogen into the mortar while scraping to gather leftover bits of tissue before transferring with a spatula. Repeat the transfer steps until all the tissue is removed from the mortar.</li>
		<li>Clean the mortar with a light-duty tissue wiper and 70% ethanol before dumping the next sample to grind. Store the powdered tissue in a -80 &#176;C freezer long-term.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Total RNA isolation
	<ol>
		<li>Preparation
		<ol>
			<li>Clean the workbench, pipettes, tip holders, and tube racks with both 70% ethanol and surface decontaminant to remove RNase.</li>
			<li>Run the centrifuge machine to reach 4 &#176;C.</li>
			<li>Warm the elution solution to 70 &#176;C.</li>
			<li>Dilute the DNase I by mixing 5 &#956;L of reconstituted DNase I with 75 &#956;L of DNase dilution solution per sample. Place the DNase I solution on ice until use.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Procedure
		<ol>
			<li>For each sample, label two microcentrifuge tubes, two column holding tubes (two capless graduated microcentrifuge tubes), and one binding mini column.</li>
			<li>Add 500 &#956;L of RNA isolation solution to each sample and sonicate using a pellet pestle motor for 30 s.</li>
			<li>Get a syringe for each sample and pipet up and down 10x to further lyse the tissue. Ensure that no solids are visible after syringing.</li>
			<li>Add 250 &#956;L of chloroform and vortex occasionally while waiting 5 min for the samples to incubate at room temperature.</li>
			<li>Centrifuge at 21,000 &#215; g for 20 min at 4 &#176;C.</li>
			<li>Transfer the top aqueous portion to a new microcentrifuge tube and add an equivalent amount of 70% ethanol (~500 &#956;L). 
			NOTE: The top aqueous portion should be clear, the bottom should be the red RNA isolation solution, and between the two layers should be some unwanted solids.</li>
			<li>Transfer 500 &#956;L of the new lysate into the binding column. Centrifuge at 18,000 &#215; g for 60 s and then discard the filtrate.</li>
			<li>Repeat the previous step with the remaining lysate to get all the RNA into the binding column.</li>
			<li>Add 700 &#956;L of low-stringency wash to the binding column, centrifuge for 30 s, and discard the filtrate.</li>
			<li>Add 80 &#956;L of diluted DNase I to each binding column. Incubate for 15 min at room temperature.</li>
			<li>Add 700 &#956;L of high stringency wash, centrifuge for 30 s, and discard the filtrate.</li>
			<li>Add 700 &#956;L of low stringency wash, centrifuge for 60 s, and discard the filtrate.</li>
			<li>Move the binding columns into the 2nd new capless column holding tube and centrifuge for 2 min to ensure all liquids are removed from the binding column.</li>
			<li>Move the binding columns to a new microcentrifuge tube and add 30 &#956;L of warmed elution solution. Incubate at room temperature for 1 min.</li>
			<li>Centrifuge for 2 min to collect the eluted RNA at the bottom of the microcentrifuge tube.</li>
			<li>Measure the total RNA concentration using a spectrophotometer. 
			NOTE: If total RNA purity is low, indicated by a 260/280 value below 2.0 or 260/230 value below 1.8, then after step 3.2.2.12., the samples can be washed once more with low stringency wash followed by being washed with 80% ethanol before continuing with step 3.2.2.13.</li>
			<li>Store the RNA in a -80 &#176;C freezer.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Reverse transcription (RT)
		<ol>
			<li>In a PCR tube strip, add 0.5-1 &#956;g of total RNA diluted in DEPC-treated water to a total of 8 &#956;L for each RNA sample to a different well. 
			NOTE: The amount of RNA used for reverse transcription can be scaled up or down according to the manufacturer&#39;s instructions.</li>
			<li>Add 1 &#956;L Oligo dT and 1 &#956;L of dNTPs to each sample in the PCR tube. Ensure that the total volume is 10 &#956;L per sample.</li>
			<li>Place the PCR tube strip in a thermocycler and set it to 65 &#176;C for 5 min followed by 4 &#176;C indefinitely.</li>
			<li>After 5 min at 65 &#176;C, take out the PCR tube strip and place the tube on ice for at least 2 min. After incubation on ice, add five reagents: 4 &#956;L of 5x First-Strand buffer, 2 &#956;L of 25 mM MgCl2, 2 &#956;L of 0.1 M DTT, 1 &#956;L of RNase inhibitor, and 1 &#956;L of reverse transcriptase to each sample. Ensure that the total volume is now 20 &#956;L per sample.</li>
			<li>Place the PCR tube strip back into the thermocycler and set the program to 50 &#176;C for 50 min, then 85 &#176;C for 5 min, then 4 &#176;C indefinitely.</li>
			<li>Once the program reaches 4 &#176;C, take out the strip and add 1 &#956;L of Ribonuclease H (RNase H). 
			NOTE: RNase H is used to remove any remaining RNA template in the RT reaction; by this step, the desired RNA should already be converted to cDNA.</li>
			<li>Place the strip back into the thermocycler and run 37 &#176;C for 20 min and then 4 &#176;C indefinitely.</li>
			<li>Reverse transcription is complete; measure cDNA concentration using a spectrophotometer.</li>
			<li>Dilute the cDNA to 250 ng/&#956;L; store the cDNA in either a -80 &#176;C or -20 &#176;C freezer.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
		<ol>
			<li>Make a spreadsheet to organize the position of every primer and sample on the 96-well qPCR plate. 
			NOTE: One of the primers needs to be a reference gene to normalize the expression of all other genes of interest, such as 36B4.</li>
			<li>Make a primer master mix for each &#34;primer + sample&#34; combination. To each qPCR reaction well, add 3 &#956;L of Molecular Biology Grade Water, 5 &#956;L of qPCR enzyme master mixture, 0.5 &#956;L of forward primer, and 0.5 &#956;L of reverse primer, which adds up to 9 &#956;L per reaction. Add 1 &#956;L of cDNA per reaction to make a total of 10 &#956;L per reaction well. 
			NOTE: The standard is to have three technical replicates for each &#34;primer + sample&#34; combination, so each master mix should be 4x of the above quantities.</li>
			<li>Add 1 &#956;L of cDNA for each replicate to each primer master mix. If each master mix is 4x, then pipet 4 &#956;L of each sample cDNA into their own labeled tube.</li>
			<li>Finally, pipet 10 &#956;L of each reaction mix into the 96-well qPCR plate in the positions determined by the spreadsheet.</li>
			<li>Seal the plate with a thick adhesive seal, and then centrifuge the 96-well plate at 450 &#215; g at 20 &#176;C for 2 min. 
			NOTE: It is critical that the plate is fully sealed to avoid samples evaporating during thermocycling. Use light-duty tissue wipers to press the seal down onto the plate, especially the edges.</li>
			<li>Run the plate in a real-time PCR instrument. Program the PCR reaction according to the manufacturer&#39;s instructions: 2 min at 50 &#176;C, followed by another 2 min at 95 &#176;C, and finally 40 cycles of 15 s at 95 &#176;C and 30 s at 60 &#176;C. The results of qPCR gene expression analysis are shown in Figure 3B.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of the scBAT in Mice

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

In this protocol, we present in detail the procedures for dissecting and processing scBAT for H&#38;E and gene expression analyses. Because scBAT resides in the intermediate layer of the neck and lies along the large veins, the isolation of this depot requires precise technique. Specifically, to gain a clear view of the depot, we recommend placing the mouse under a dissecting microscope after the neck has been opened. Using a pair of superfine point forceps to peel scBAT off the salivary gland and surrounding veins, care...

The increasing prevalence of obesity in the U.S. and worldwide has ignited great interest in understanding its etiology and identifying potential treatments1,2. Adipose tissue plays a vital role in metabolism, and dysregulation of the adipose tissue can lead to the development of obesity. Generally, there are two types of adipose tissues, white and brown adipose tissue. While white adipose tissue (WAT) can store chemical energy and secrete endocrine factors, brown adipose tissue (BAT) can use chemical energy to generate heat and maintain body temperature in the cold3,4. Because of this unique ability, activation of BAT can also increase energy expenditure and improve insulin sensitivity5.
BAT exerts its function through non-shivering thermogenesis, a process mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)6. Mammals, including mice and humans, possess varying amounts of BAT. The classical view of BAT is that these adipose tissues are more abundant in mice and infants than in adult humans. iBAT, located in the upper dorsal flank between the scapulae, is the most studied BAT depot in mice. By applying radioisotope imaging and biopsy tests, recent studies identified several BAT depots in adult humans. Some of them, including the depots found in the deep neck and supraclavicular region, had not previously been identified in mice or other model animals7,8,9,10,11. Among these BAT depots, the scBAT is the most frequently seen depot in adult humans. To better understand the origin and molecular contribution of these newly found BAT depots in humans, it is essential to identify equivalent depots in mice that allow genetic and molecular manipulations to trace and test the functional role of these depots. Thus, we and others identified a few previously unknown BAT depots in different anatomical locations in mice, including scBAT12,13, thoracic perivascular BAT14,15, perirenal BAT16, and periaortic BAT17. Mouse scBAT anatomically resembles human scBAT and morphologically resembles classical iBAT, expressing high levels of UCP112.
Unlike mouse iBAT, which can be readily dissected, scBAT is situated in the intermediate layer of the mouse neck, beneath the salivary glands and along the external jugular vein. Isolation of this depot for histological and molecular analyses can be challenging. Here, we describe in detail the procedure for dissecting scBAT from postnatal and adult mice and processing this depot for histology and gene expression analysis.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>95% Dehydrant Alcohol (Flex 95)</td>
			<td>Epredia</td>
			<td>8201</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>100% Dehydrant Alcohol (Flex 100)</td>
			<td>Epredia</td>
			<td>8101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well PCR plate</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>MLL9601</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aurum Binding Mini Column</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>7326826</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aurum High Stringency Wash</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>7326803</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aurum Low Stringency Wash</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>7326804</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Base Molds (for embedding)</td>
			<td>Tissue-Tek</td>
			<td>4122</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BD PrecisionGlide Needle 21g x 1 1/2&#34;</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
			<td>305167</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>1840148</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Capless Microcentrifuge Tubes 2 mL</td>
			<td>Fisherbrand</td>
			<td>02-681-453</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Centrifuge&#160;</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>5430R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR Instrument</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>12011319</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chloroform</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific Chemicals</td>
			<td>383760010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cytoseal 60 Low-viscosity mounting medium</td>
			<td>Epredia</td>
			<td>83104</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DEPC-Treated Water</td>
			<td>Ambion</td>
			<td>AM 9906</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissecting Microscope</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>SMZ1500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DNase Dilution Solution</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>7326805</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DNase I</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>7326828</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>dNTPs</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>18427013</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Elution solution</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>7326801</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EM 400 embedding medium paraffin</td>
			<td>Leica Biosystems</td>
			<td>3801320</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eosin Y (0.5% w/v)</td>
			<td>RICCA</td>
			<td>2858-16</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formula R Infiltration medium paraffin</td>
			<td>Leica Biosystems</td>
			<td>3801470</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Genemark Nutator Gyromixer 349</td>
			<td>Bio Express</td>
			<td>S-3200-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gill #3 Hematoxylin</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>GHS332-1L</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HCl (for HCL-Ethanol)</td>
			<td>Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td>A142212</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IP VI Embedding Cassettes</td>
			<td>Leica Biosystems</td>
			<td>39LC-550-5-L</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Koptec&#39;s Pure Ethanol - 200 Proof (for 70% Ethanol)</td>
			<td>Decon Labs</td>
			<td>V1001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MgCl2 (25 mM)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>R0971</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microcentrifuge Tubes 1.7 mL</td>
			<td>Avantor</td>
			<td>87003-294</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microseal &#39;B&#39; Seals (adhseive seals)</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>MSB1001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microtome</td>
			<td>Leica Biosystems</td>
			<td>RM2245</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Molecular Biology Grade Water</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>46-000-CM</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mortar Coors Tek</td>
			<td>Thomas Scientific</td>
			<td>60310</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl (for 0.85% saline)</td>
			<td>Fisher Bioreagents</td>
			<td>BP358-212</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NanoDrop Spectrophotometer</td>
			<td>NanoDrop Technologies</td>
			<td>ND-1000 UV/Vis</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oligo dT</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>18418020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraffin Section Flotation Bath</td>
			<td>Boekel Scientific</td>
			<td>14792V</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde (PFA)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P6148-500G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PCR Tube Strip</td>
			<td>Avantor</td>
			<td>76318-802</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pestle by Coors Tek</td>
			<td>Thomas Scientific</td>
			<td>60311</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pestle Pellet Motor</td>
			<td>Kimble</td>
			<td>749540-0000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>D8537-500ML</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Precision Model 19 Vacuum Oven&#160;</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>CAT# 51221162</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: 36B4&#160; (forward) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#39; TGA AGT GCT CGA CAT CAC AGA GCA 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: 36B4 (reverse) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#39; GCT TGT ACC CAT TGA TGA TGG AGT GT 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Fabp4 (forward) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; ACA CCG AGA TTT CCT TCA AAC TG 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Fabp4 (reverse) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; CCA TCT AGG GTT ATG ATG CTC TTC A 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Glut 4 (forward primer) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; CTG ATT CTG CTG CCC TTC TGT CCT 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Glut 4 (reverse) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; GAC ATT GGA CGC TCT CTC TCC AAC TT 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: PPARg (forward) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; AGG GCG ATC TTG ACA GGA AAG ACA 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: PPARg (reserve) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; AAA TTC GGA TGG CCA CCT CTT TGC 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Ppargc1a (reverse) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#39; ATG TTG CGA CTG CGG TTG TGT ATG 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Ppargc1a(forward) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#39; ACG TCC CTG CTC AGA GCT TCT CA 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Ucp1 (forward) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; AGC CAC CAC AGA AAG CTT GTC AAC 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primer: Ucp1 (reverse) 10 &#956;M 
			5&#8217; ACA GCT TGG TAC GCT TGG GTA CTG 3&#8217;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Chen lab Oligo database</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNA isolation solution (PureZol)</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td>7326880</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNase Away (surface decontaminant)</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>1437535</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNase H</td>
			<td>NEB</td>
			<td>M0297S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rnase inhibitor (RNase Out)</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>10777019</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scintillation Vial (glass)</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>72632</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Slide drying bench&#160;</td>
			<td>Electrothermal (Cole-Parmer)</td>
			<td>MH6616</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless staining rack</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>70312-54</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereo microscope (for embedding)</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>SZ51</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sugical scissors</td>
			<td>McKesson</td>
			<td>43-1-104</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Superfine point Straight Dissecting Forceps</td>
			<td>Avantor</td>
			<td>82027-402</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>12-550-15</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Superscript III Reverse Transcriptase (Includes 5x First-Strand Buffer and 0.1M DTT)&#160;</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>18080044</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SUR-VET syringe with needle 25 G x 5/8&#34;, 1 mL</td>
			<td>Terumo</td>
			<td>100281</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SYBR Green (qPCR enzyme master mixture)</td>
			<td>Applied Biosystems</td>
			<td>A25778</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue-Tek Manual Slide Staining Set (jars)</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>SKU: 62540-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Toluene</td>
			<td>Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td>T324-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Transfer pipette</td>
			<td>Avantor</td>
			<td>414004-005</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylene</td>
			<td>Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td>X3P-1GAL</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

dissection, histological processing, and gene expression analysis of murine supraclavicular brown adipose tissue

Brown adipose tissue (BAT)-mediated thermogenesis plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism, and its morphology and function can be greatly impacted by environmental stimuli in mice and humans. Currently, murine interscapular BAT (iBAT), which is located between two scapulae in the upper dorsal flank of mice, is the main BAT depot used by research laboratories to study BAT function. Recently, a few previously unknown BAT depots were identified in mice, including one analogous to human supraclavicular brown adipose tissue. Unlike iBAT, murine supraclavicular brown adipose tissue (scBAT) is situated in the intermediate layer of the neck and thus cannot be accessed as readily.
To facilitate the study of newly identified mouse scBAT, presented herein is a protocol detailing the steps to dissect intact scBAT from postnatal and adult mice. Due to scBAT&#39;s small size relative to other adipose depots, procedures have been modified and optimized specifically for processing scBAT. Among these modifications is the use of a dissecting microscope during tissue collection to increase the precision and homogenization of frozen scBAT samples to raise the efficiency of subsequent qPCR analysis. With these optimizations, the identification of, morphological appearance of, and molecular characterization of the scBAT can be determined in mice.

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue Extraction for Genetic Analysis

Dissection, Histological Processing, and Gene Expression Analysis of Murine Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue

1 Our lab is focused on establishing<v>2 supraclavicular brown adipose tissue 3 or SCBAT as a valuable depot 4 for brown fat analysis due to its anatomical similarities 5 to human brown adipose tissue. 6 This protocol is aimed at increasing accessibility<v>7 of SCBAT research. 8 This depot may be intimidating due to its small size 9 and proximity to large veins in the neck, 10 so it is imperative to provide 11 a simple method of extracting and processing SCBAT.12 Our methodology stands out<v>13 firstly by the use of a dissecting microscope 14 when extracting SCBAT. 15 This increases the precision 16 and extracting efficiency, 17 which are both critical when working 18 with such a small tissue depot. 19 Secondly, we homogenized the frozen SCBAT samples 20 before doing gene expression analysis 21 to increase the RNA yield to compensate 22 for such a low quantity of available tissue.23 We are currently focus on defining<v>24 the genetic lining edge of SCBAT, 25 identifying the transfiguration networks 26 regulating its development, 27 and developing a cerebral model 28 for exploring its physiological function in humans.

Unlike iBAT, which is situated in the subcutaneous layer of the back between two scapulae, scBAT is situated in the intermediate layer of the neck, extending deep between layers of skeletal muscle and the salivary gland as it grows along the external jugular vein (Figure 1A). Dissecting scBAT is not as straightforward as iBAT. Here, we provide a detailed procedure including crucial steps for dissecting intact scBAT from postnatal and adult mice (<strong class...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Author Spotlight: Optimizing Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue Extraction for Genetic Analysis at JoVE.com

Here, we provide a practical procedure for dissecting and performing histological and gene expression analyses of murine supraclavicular brown adipose tissue.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT)-mediated thermogenesis plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism, and its morphology and function can be greatly ...

dissection-histological-processing-gene-expression-analysis-murine

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Dissection of Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue in Mice

1 To begin, place the mouse carcass<v>2 on the work bench. 3 Spray the ventral neck of the mouse with 70%ethanol 4 to minimize fur contamination, 5 make an approximately 1.5 centimeter long bilateral incision 6 along the clavicles. 7 From the ends of bilateral incisions, 8 cut about one centimeter longitudinally towards the ears, 9 creating a squared U-shaped incision around the neck.10 Place the mouse under a dissecting microscope 11 and bring the exposed neck into the focus. 12 Using forceps, lift the incised skin sections 13 to expose the salivary glands. 14 Now using surgical scissors 15 and forceps, disconnect the tissue connecting 16 the salivary glands to the surrounding clavicle area 17 and each other.18 Lift the salivary glands to expose 19 the supraclavicular brown adipose tissue or SC bat depots. 20 Observe the bat along the external jugular vein, 21 which is possibly connected to the underside 22 of the salivary glands. 23 Hold the target adipose tissue with forceps 24 and gently peel it away from the salivary glands.25 After removing adipose tissue, 26 continue detaching the SC bat from the external jugular vein 27 and the neck musculature until the deposes on either side 28 of the neck are fully removed. 29 Inspect the dissected SC bat sample 30 and use forceps to remove any remaining connective tissue.

Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue Processing for Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining

1 Begin by placing<v>2 the glass scintillation vial containing 3 the mouse's scBAT in PBS onto the workbench. 4 Replace the PBS with 10 milliliters of cold, 5 4%paraformaldehyde. 6 Place the vial on a nutator, 7 rocking at four degrees Celsius overnight 8 to fix the scBAT.9 The next day, replace the paraformaldehyde solution 10 with 10 to 15 milliliters of PBS. 11 Place the vial on a nutator 12 and rock for 30 minutes at room temperature. 13 Replace the PBS with 0.85%saline 14 and continue rocking for another 30 minutes.15 Then replace the saline with 10 milliliters 16 of 70%ethanol, 0.85%saline solution. 17 Store the vial in a four degree refrigerator overnight 18 or until ready for paraffin embedding. 19 The next day, remove the 70%ethanol saline mixture 20 from the vial and add 10 to 15 milliliters 21 of 95%dehydrant alcohol.22 Rock the vial on a nutator at room temperature 23 for one hour. 24 After the second wash, add 10 to 15 milliliters 25 of 100%dehydrant alcohol 26 and continue rocking on a nutator for one hour. 27 To clear scBAT for embedding, add 10 milliliters of toluene 28 to the vial and continue rocking on a nutator 29 until scBAT is transparent.30 Then embed the scBAT in paraffin wax. 31 Section the scBAT with a microtome 32 and proceed for hematoxylin and eosin staining. 33 Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed 34 that scBAT comprises tissue structures characteristic 35 of brown adipose tissue, 36 including numerous small multilocular adipocytes 37 in both postnatal and adult mice.

Total RNA Isolation from Supraclavicular Brown Adipose Tissue for Gene Expression Analysis

1 After dissecting scBAT<v>2 from the euthanized mouse, 3 immediately put the tissue into a micro centrifuge tube. 4 Poke a hole in the top of the tube with a sterile needle 5 and snap freeze in liquid nitrogen. 6 Soak a pestle and thin spatula in liquid nitrogen.7 Pour the snap frozen tissue sample 8 from the micro centrifuge tube into the mortar. 9 Add a small amount of liquid nitrogen to the mortar 10 and thoroughly grind the tissue with the pestle 11 until completely pulverized. 12 Use the thin spatula to scrape and transfer 13 the pulverized tissue back into the micro centrifuge tube.14 Once all tissue is transferred, 15 add 500 microliters of RNA isolation solution to the tube 16 and sonicate for 30 seconds using a pellet pestle motor. 17 Next, use a syringe to pipette up and down 10 times 18 to further lice the tissue, 19 ensuring no solid particles are visible. 20 Add 250 microliters of chloroform and vortex occasionally 21 during a five minute, room temperature incubation.22 Centrifuge the samples at 21, 000 G for 20 minutes 23 at four degrees Celsius. 24 Transfer the top aqueous layer into a new tube 25 and add an equivalent amount of 70%ethanol. 26 Transfer 500 microliters of the lysate 27 into a binding column.28 Centrifuge at 18, 000 G for 60 seconds 29 and discard the filtrate. 30 For reverse transcription, add 0.5 to one microgram 31 of RNA diluted in DEPC treated water to a PCR tube strip. 32 Then dilute the CDNA to 250 nanograms per microliter 33 using DEPC treated water and set up the quantitative PCR.34 The expression levels of marker genes involved 35 in mediating scBAT function were relatively similar 36 between scBAT and interscapular bat.

999 Views.  Baylor College of Medicine.  Here, we provide a practical procedure for dissecting and performing histological and gene expression analyses of murine supraclavicular brown adipose tissue.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of the scBAT in Mice

Summary