University of Cincinnati Researchers Uncover Key to Battling Obesity

The battle against obesity and related disorders, such as diabetes, got a boost Thursday as researchers from the University of Cincinnati identified a cell receptor involved in fat transport. With the discovery of this receptor, scientists hope to eventually develop drugs to reduce the rate of fat transport to adipose (fat) tissue.

Led by pathology and laboratory medicine professor David Hui, Ph. D., the team of pathologists focused their efforts on the cell receptor known as adipocyte LDL receptor-related protein 1, or LRP1. Through their study of LRP1, they developed a greater understanding of fat transport and the biological mechanisms that control the process. Knowledge of the way the body transports and stores fat would be of particular use in attempts to make the obesity epidemic a thing of the past.

"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 that this molecule directly impacts the rate of fat transport in the body, so with further study it could be a target for new drugs aimed at controlling obesity."

The study, which will be released in the Journal of Clinical Investigation's November 2007 edition, used genetically altered rats to determine what effect the presence or absence of LRPR1 had on the fat transport process. When manipulation of LRPR1 occurred, Hui and his team found that the number of fats and fat-like substances transported and deposited to different tissues were dramatically affected. Specifically, disabling the receptor in the rats resulted in increased muscle activity and a greater energy expenditure. The rats also had a better tolerance for glucose, stored less fat, and gained less weight than rats with LRPR1 in tact.