New potential obesity target is identified

CINCINNATI, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have found a cell receptor that might become a target in programs designed to control obesity and prevent such ills as obesity and diabetes.

University of Cincinnati researchers said their findings about adipocyte low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, or LRP1, provide important clues about the biological mechanisms controlling fat transport in the body.

Using genetically altered mice, Professor David Hui and colleagues demonstrated how "knocking out" LRP1 in fat cells has a direct impact on how many lipids are transferred and deposited to different tissues. Hui said the experimental mice gained less weight, stored less fat, tolerated glucose better and expended more energy as compared with a control group.

"This receptor is expressed in numerous tissues throughout the body -- including the heart, muscles, liver and vascular wall -- but its specific functions in the different tissues are still relatively unknown," said Hui. "Our study has shown this molecule directly impacts the rate of fat transport in the body, so with further study it could be a new target for drugs aimed at controlling obesity."

The findings appear in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.