Scientists are tackling society’s growing obesity problem from all angles, with new research identifying a specific protein that controls how fat is burned, which could be a target for weight management drugs. be.
This protein is the MCJ (methylation control J) protein, and it was noticed by a team led by researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Center (CNIO). They also discovered a previously undiscovered mechanism for converting body fat into heat, a process known as. heat generation).
lay the foundation previous link A new study on the relationship between MCJ proteins and metabolism found more MCJ in tissue samples from obese humans and mice. Mice with inhibited MCJ production were better able to stay lean and burn brown fat (adipose tissue) – the type responsible for storing and consuming energy.
“Our results in humans and mice suggest that the reduction in MCJ observed in obese patients appears to act as a compensatory mechanism to increase brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.” write The researchers state in their published paper:
In other words, lower levels of MCJ protein mean brown fat is burned faster as heat, preventing weight gain. Even transplanting MCJ-free brown fat into mice was enough to cause weight loss.
In addition to identifying the important role played by the MCJ protein, the research team also learned more about how brown fat is consumed in the body. MCJ removal was effective even when UCP1, another important thermogenic protein, was unmodified or absent. This suggests that MCJ regulates brown fat independently of UCP1.
“For some time, it has been thought that by making this fat generate heat and use more energy, we could prevent obesity.” say Mr. Guadalupe Savio of CNIO.
“Discovering new mechanisms of thermogenesis in brown fat is one of the most exciting goals in obesity research.”
More research is needed to determine whether blocking the MCJ protein could be a safe treatment option for obesity that is not otherwise damaging to the body, but the initial findings reported here are promising. be.
The researchers are also keen to investigate how their findings may reduce the risk of health conditions associated with obesity. carry excess fat may cause problems It affects the entire body, from heart disease to certain types of cancer.
Future treatments may induce changes in body fat usage that protect health more generally.
“This protection is due to the activation of signaling pathways that are essential for adapting to the stress caused by obesity.” say Beatriz Sicuendez, a biochemist at CNIO.
“This pathway, known as the catabolic pathway, increases intake of fat, sugar, and protein and generates heat in brown fat. This is a mechanism that also occurs in people with highly active brown fat.”
This research nature communications.
