Slimming with a leaner enzyme

Article Abstract:

The RII-beta, an encoding gene that regulates cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), is more functional than other genes, such as RI-alpha, RII-alpha and RI-beta in brain and white and brown adipocytes. However, loss of RII-alpha in mice results in increased PKA activity in brown adipocytes, implying that these genes are functionally different. The PKA overactivity in RII-beta knockout mice leads to the activation of whole-body energy expenditure and loss of fat even while maintaining normal food intake. The consequent leanness in these rats suggests the potential of PKA in regulating obesity.

Protein kinases, Genetics, Fat cells, Adipocytes

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Leptin activates anorexigenic POMC neurons through a neural network in the arcuate nucleus

Article Abstract:

Research is presented describing electrophysiological recordings of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons and how they are activated by leptin in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. When leptin is administered to mice or humans, it can reduce hyperphagia and obesity.

Leptin

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Glucose sensing by POMC neurons regulates glucose homeostasis and is impaired in obesity

Article Abstract:

The importance of glucose sensing in glucose-excited pro-opiomclanocortin (POMC) neurons via transgenic expression is being analyzed. The technique is found to be very useful for the regulation of glucose homeostasis and is impaired in obesity in humans.

Science & research, Health aspects, Homeotic genes

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