Recent research has demonstrated a remarkable cellular and metabolic plasticity of adipose tissues (brown and white) that might be exploited for therapeutic benefit.  This seminar will present research into origins and fates of adipocytes in mouse models, and detail how adrenergic activation alters metabolic phenotypes of brown and white adipocytes. In addition, data will be presented on a novel mechanism for promoting fat oxidation and thermogenesis by direct pharmacological activation of adipocyte lipolysis.