Molecular Mechanism Involved in Energy Expenditure Identified
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Posted on Jan 18, 2010, 6 a.m.
Mayo Clinic (US) researchers identify a molecular mechanism that controls energy expenditure and influences body weight, potentially leading to new ways to treat obesity.
In that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) provides cells with the energy to conduct their various processes, Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, USA) researchers have found that energy expenditure is controlled by the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. Using a mouse model, the team determined that mice that lack the KATP channel burn more stored energy through the dissipation of heat at normal activity levels or when resting. In other words, a lack of KATP channels results in inefficient thermogenesis, depleting muscle stores. The team proposes that an approach to treating obesity may involve targeting KATP channels, making muscle less efficient.
Alexey E. Alekseev, Santiago Reyes, Satsuki Yamada, Denice M. Hodgson-Zingman, Srinivasan Sattiraju, Zhiyong Zhu, Ana Sierra, Marina Gerbin, William A. Coetzee, David J. Goldhamer et al. “Sarcolemmal ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels Control Energy Expenditure Determining Body Weight.” Cell Metabolism, Volume 11, Issue 1, 58-69, 6 January 2010.
