New Insights into Gpr45 Gene Activity in Brain Cilia Reveal Potential Targets for Obesity Treatment
A groundbreaking study uncovers the role of Gpr45 gene activity in brain cilia, revealing new potential targets for obesity treatment by regulating appetite through cellular signaling pathways.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered a critical genetic pathway involved in appetite regulation, focusing on the Gpr45 gene's activity within brain cell primary cilia. Using innovative tools like Automated Meiotic Mapping (AMM), they identified mutations in Gpr45 that contribute to overeating and obesity in mice. Further experiments confirmed that the absence of GPR45, the protein expressed by Gpr45, disrupts the transport of Gαs into primary cilia of hypothalamic neurons, impairing the activation of MC4R—a receptor crucial for controlling hunger. This disruption results in increased food intake and weight gain.
The study also highlights that proteins localized in primary cilia play vital roles in regulating feeding behaviors. Mutations affecting these proteins are linked to pediatric obesity and ciliopathies. The discovery suggests that boosting GPR45 activity may serve as a novel approach for developing anti-obesity therapies, especially since current drugs targeting the MC4R pathway are limited to rare genetic cases.
Published in Science, this research opens new avenues for understanding the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying overeating. It emphasizes the importance of primary cilia in appetite regulation and presents potential new targets for pharmacological intervention to combat obesity, one of the most pressing health issues worldwide.
source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-discovery-gpr45-gene-brain-cilia.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Immune Cell Signatures Drive Organ Damage in Systemic Sclerosis
Scientists from Osaka have identified immune cell signatures that are associated with severe organ damage in systemic sclerosis, paving the way for targeted therapies and early diagnosis.
Cost Comparison: Multitarget Stool DNA Tests vs. FIT for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
A new study compares the costs of multitarget stool DNA tests and FIT for early detection of colorectal cancer, revealing higher expenses associated with DNA-based methods despite their increased sensitivity. The findings highlight the importance of cost-effectiveness in colorectal cancer screening strategies.
WHO Approves Pandemic Agreement to Strengthen Global Health Response
The WHO committee approved a groundbreaking pandemic agreement aimed at improving global coordination, surveillance, and vaccine access to better prepare for future health emergencies.
'Groovy' brains may be linked to increased cognitive efficiency
New research reveals that the depths of small brain folds, called tertiary sulci, are linked to increased connectivity and reasoning ability in young individuals, offering insights into cognitive development and potential biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders.