Brain Protein Influences Weight Gain

A weight control protein called SH2-B that helps the brain monitor body fat may help scientists develop new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes, researchers report. The findings also suggest that certain variants of SH2-B may underlie obesity in humans. The researchers found that SH2-B keeps the brain sensitive to the fat hormone leptin, which is produced by fat tissue and sends signals to the brain concerning body fat levels. In response to those signals, the brain makes adjustments to appetite and energy expenditure in order to maintain a more normal body weight. Mice that lacked SH2-B overate and became obese, the study found. These mice also developed a metabolic syndrome featuring high blood concentrations of leptin, insulin and lipids (fats). The mice also developed fatty livers and high blood sugar. The study appears in the August issue of the journal Cell Metabolism.