A research by the UT Southwestern Medical Center shows that a particular protein responsible for turning the genes on or off has a prime role in regulating metabolism.
The research conducted on mice models found that over-expression of the gene Xbp1s in mice that were fed a high-fat diet protected them against obesity and diabetes.
The team noted that these mice were 30 percent leaner on average compared to those who were fed the same food. Researchers explained that gene's actions took place in the pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) neurons in the hypothalamic region of the brain. Increased levels of Xbp1s in Pomc neurons impersonated a "fed" signal that led to improved body weight, decreased blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in the liver.
"This study identifies critical molecular mechanisms that link the brain and peripheral endocrine tissues and that ultimately contribute to the regulation of body weight and glucose metabolism," Dr. Kevin Williams, assistant professor of Internal Medicine and study author and Dr. Tiemin Liu, a postdoctoral research fellow in Internal Medicine, wrote in a press release.
"Manipulating this one gene in the brain affected metabolism in the liver. This result shows that the brain is controlling glucose production by the liver," said Dr Joel Elmquist, co-author of the study.
The team said that no drug form of Xbp1s is available at present in order to be used to test whether the gene is a target for the treatment of diabetes or obesity. But, according to Dr Williams, such a drug has potential. He also said that other transcription factors involved in the same metabolic pathway will be studied to see if they have similar effects.
"We have studied one transcription factor out of many that participate in a large, complex cellular process," said Dr. Williams of Xbp1s and its role during times of cellular stress.
The study was published in Cell Metabolism.
