This tiny protein helps control how hungry you feel: Study

Researchers have identified a previously overlooked protein that helps regulate appetite and energy use in the bodyThis helper protein supports a key system that decides whether the body burns energy or stores it and when it does not function properly appetite signals can weakenNew research suggests that a protein the body relies on to manage appetite and energy levels cannot function on its own Instead it depends on a partner protein to work properlyThis discovery could help scientists better understand how genetic factors contribute to obesityIn a study published in Science Signalling on December 16 an international research team led by scientists at the University of Birmingham examined how a helper protein known as MRAP2 supports an appetiteregulating protein called MC3RMC3R plays a key role in deciding whether the body stores energy or uses itBuilding on earlier hunger researchPrevious studies had already shown that MRAP2 is essential for the activity of a related protein MC4R which is known to control hunger The new research set out to determine whether MRAP2 provides the same kind of support for the closely related protein MC4RTo explore this question the researchers used cell models to observe how the proteins interact They found that when MRAP2 was present in equal amounts with MC3R cellular signaling became strongerThis result suggests that MRAP2 helps MC3R do its job of balancing energy intake with energy use The team also identified specific regions of MRAP2 that are required for supporting signalling through both MC3R and MC4RHow genetic mutations weaken appetite signalsThe researchers then investigated what happens when MRAP2 carries genetic mutations that have been identified in some people with obesity In these experiments mutated versions of the supporter protein MRAP2 failed to boost MC3R signallingAs a result the appetiteregulating protein did not respond as effectivelyThese findings indicate that changes in MRAP2 can interfere with the hormone system that normally helps maintain energy balance When this system does not work as intended appetite regulation may be disruptedNew clues for obesity risk and future treatmentsDr Caroline Gorvin Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study said The findings give us some important insights into whats going on in the hormonal system related to some key functions like energy balance appetite and puberty timingThe identification of this protein MRAP2 as a key aide or supporter to these essential appetiteregulating proteins also gives us new clues for people who have a genetic predisposition to obesity and how MRAP2 mutations are a clear indication of riskBy learning more about how MRAP2 supports appetite related signaling researchers hope to determine whether future drugs could target this protein Such treatments might strengthen feelings of fullness reduce overeating and improve the bodys overall energy balance offering new options for weight loss when dieting alone is not effectiveA collaborative effort in metabolism and cell signalling researchThe research was carried out by a team from the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science and the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors COMPARECOMPARE is a crossuniversity Research Centre involving the Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham focused on studying how cells communicate in both health and diseaseIts goal is to develop new therapies for widespread conditions such as cardiovascular disease diabetes and cancerThe centre is supported by advanced research facilities including the COMPARE Advanced Imaging Facility which is available to researchers from academia and industryThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever