new Protein Discovery Offers Potential Obesity Treatment by Boosting Brown fat Activity
A novel international study suggests activating brown fat through a newly identified protein could offer a promising strategy to combat obesity without requiring dietary restriction.
Researchers at the Biomedicine Research Institute (IRB) in Barcelona recently published their findings in Nature Communications, detailing the role of a protein called neurotine 1 in stimulating energy expenditure. While previously known for its function in the nervous system, the study reveals neurotine 1 is also produced in brown fat – a specialized type of adipose tissue that generates heat by burning calories, a process known as thermogenesis.
The research team, led by Dr. Antonio Zorzano, professor at the university of Barcelona adn researcher at Cyberm, observed that increasing neurotine 1 levels in brown fat significantly increased energy consumption in animal models. “By increasing the level of neurotine 1 in the brown fat, we observed that the animals burned more energy, wich prevented the accumulation of fat,” Dr. Zorzano explained, as quoted in an IRB statement.
This increased metabolic activity translated into tangible benefits. Animals fed high-calorie diets experienced reduced weight gain, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased liver inflammation. The team achieved this by utilizing a viral vector to enhance neurotine 1 protein expression specifically within brown fat cells, resulting in sustained metabolic increases without altering food intake or exercise levels.
dr.Manuela Sánchez-Feutrie of IRB highlighted the potential therapeutic implications, stating, “The results indicate neurotine 1 as a possible therapeutic candidate for the treatment of obesity and associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and liver steatosis, through a different mechanism of current drugs.” Current medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide primarily work by suppressing appetite,whereas neurotine 1 directly stimulates calorie burning.
Further supporting the importance of this discovery, analysis of human genetic data revealed a correlation between neurotine 1 levels and an individual’s predisposition to obesity, suggesting a strong relevance to human health.
The researchers are now focused on developing therapeutic strategies based on thes findings.However, they emphasize that the study represents an initial step, and further research is necessary before this approach can be safely and effectively tested in humans. The current research is considered preliminary, requiring continued investigation to validate its potential for clinical request.
