MTCH2 modulates CPT1 activity to regulate lipid metabolism of adipocytes

MTCH2 is a protein localized in the outer membrane of mitochondria. It belongs to the solute carrier 25 family, but its substrates or transporter function remains unknown. Previous research links MTCH2 to apoptosis induction, and Alzheimer’s disease, mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics, and MTCH2 has been shown to function as a protein insertase and scramblase. Moreover, MTCH2 is a significant regulator of adipocyte differentiation and lipid homeostasis. Genome-wide association studies have identified MTCH2 variants to be associated with increased body mass index, obesity, and diabetes risk. Thus, MTCH2 emerges as a promising candidate for modulating adipocyte function and whole-body energy metabolism, but its specific metabolic role in mature adipose tissues remains unexplored. In this study, we show that MTCH2 regulates mitochondrial function and whole-body energy expenditure by regulating lipid utilization in adipose tissue.