Researchers identify a new regulator of satiety signals
Dr Xavier Wong Hoi Leong and Professor Bian Zhaoxiang of the School of Chinese Medicine at Baptist University of Hong Kong have identified a proteolytic enzyme called MT1-MMP that can control weight gain by intervening the signalling mechanism of GDF15, a hormone that sends out satiety signals.
Wong and Bian conducted tests on obese mice and found that those with fewer MT1-MMP enzyme ate ten per cent less food, gained 50% less weight and exhibited reduced glucose and plasma insulin levels compared to the control group.
The team also noticed that obese mice displayed an increased activity of MT1-MMP in brain regions involved in appetite and weight regulation, suggesting that an increase in this enzyme could be a risk factor causing sustained weight gain.
“Our research has established the role played by MT1-MMP in regulating satiety and has provided preliminary indications that the enzyme is a promising target for the treatment of obesity. Pharmacological inhibition of the enzyme could be a viable strategy for developing effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of obesity,” said Wong.
Their findings have been published in Nature Metabolism.