Katharina Buczek
They identified 3,877 genes responsible for producing microproteins in white and brown fat, and these microproteins played a role in altering the metabolism of fat tissue in mice that consumed a high-fat Western diet.
“We’ve provided a roadmap on how to best use our data to link and eventually characterize the roles of microproteins in fundamental metabolic pathways,” noted Thomas Martinez, an assistant professor at UC Irvine.
Additionally, the researchers specifically focused on Gm8773, which is located in the hypothalamus – a brain region that controls feeding. When introduced to obese mice, the Gm8773 microprotein led them to increase their food intake – indicating its role in regulating appetite.
So, the equivalent gene in humans – known as FAM237B – is believed to have a similar impact on eating behaviors.
“The new microproteins presented in our study are exciting discoveries for the field of metabolism and for the study of fat biology. We hope that this resource will be used to generate numerous new experimental hypotheses for the scientific community to test in their own labs and that this work leads to the identification of novel mechanisms in biology,” concluded Chris Barnes, researcher and Velia Therapeutics’ head of proteomics.
Now, the team is hopeful that Gm8773 and its human equivalent could eventually allow scientists to develop methods that enhance metabolism and appetite, particularly to help cancer patients who are struggling with the side effects of chemotherapy.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Cell Metabolism, visit the link here.
