The molecular structure of Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a critical component in calorie burning within brown fat tissues, often termed as ‘beneficial fat’, has been discovered by scientists. This significant understanding of the molecular structure could assist in the creation of drugs that could artificially stimulate UCP1, facilitating excess calorie burning and potentially combating obesity and diabetes.
An international collaboration of researchers from the University of East Anglia, the University of Cambridge, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Free University of Brussels has made a pivotal discovery that could potentially influence the treatment for obesity and diabetes-related conditions.
Their newly published study is the first to reveal the molecular structure of ‘Uncoupling protein 1’ (UCP1). This protein is responsible for burning off calories as heat in ‘beneficial’ brown fat tissue, in contrast to the conventional white fat that stores calories.
According to the research team, their findings offer critical molecular information that will aid in the creation of drugs that can artificially stimulate UCP1 to burn excess fat and sugar calories. This breakthrough could someday combat obesity and related diseases, like diabetes.
Dr. Paul Crichton from UEA’s Norwich Medical School said, “Brown fat or the beneficial fat helps maintain body temperature by breaking down blood sugar and fat molecules to generate heat. But an excess of white fat, which stores energy, leads to obesity. UCP1 is the pivotal protein that enables brown fat to burn off calories as heat.”
He further elaborated on the importance of UCP1, how its activity varies in humans, and the current focus of research on ways to increase brown fat and activate UCP1 therapeutically as a possible obesity treatment.
The lead researcher, Prof Edmund Kunji from the University of Cambridge, stated: “For the first time, our paper reveals UCP1’s structure in atomic detail and how its activity in brown fat cells is inhibited by a key regulatory molecule.”
Utilizing a cryogenic electron microscope at the Penn Singh Center for Nanotechnology, the team managed to observe UCP1 at atomic detail. Prof Kunji further explained how their work shows the binding of a regulator to prevent UCP1 activity and the potential of the structure to assist scientists in understanding how activating molecules bind to trigger the protein, resulting in fat burning.
This research has been supported by the Medical Research Council, the Biological and Biotechnological Sciences Research Council, and the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The discovery of Nanobody was funded by the Instruct-ERIC part of the European Strategy Forum on Research infrastructures, and the Research Foundation – Flanders, and the Strategic Research Program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
The findings are published in the journal Science Advances under the title “Structural basis of purine nucleotide inhibition of human uncoupling protein 1”.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
What is the main discovery of this research?
The research has discovered the molecular structure of a protein called Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which is essential for calorie burning in brown fat tissue, also known as ‘good’ fat.
Why is UCP1 important in the context of obesity and diabetes?
UCP1 is a key protein that allows brown fat tissue to burn calories as heat, rather than storing them like conventional white fat does. This process can help combat obesity by reducing excess fat storage. Additionally, the activation of UCP1 can also help control diabetes by removing glucose from the blood.
Who conducted this research?
This research was an international collaboration between the University of East Anglia, the University of Cambridge, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Free University of Brussels.
What are the potential implications of this research?
The detailed understanding of UCP1’s molecular structure could lead to the development of therapeutics that could artificially activate UCP1. This could facilitate the burning of excess calories, potentially combating obesity and diabetes.
Where was this research published?
The research was published in the journal Science Advances.
Who funded this research?
This research was supported by the Medical Research Council, the Biological and Biotechnological Sciences Research Council, and by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The discovery of Nanobody was funded by the Instruct-ERIC part of the European Strategy Forum on Research infrastructures, the Research Foundation – Flanders, and the Strategic Research Program of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
More about
- UCP1 and Its Role in Thermogenesis
- Understanding Brown Fat
- Mechanism of Obesity and Diabetes
- Therapeutic Approaches for Obesity and Diabetes
- Science Advances Journal
5 comments
Wow, this is some cutting edge stuff. Who knew there was good fat? Science never ceases to amaze, huh?
I’m pretty stoked about this. If they can really turn bad fat into good…this could be huge for ppl struggling with weight issues, me included.
Its mind blowing, the detail they’re able to get now. Atomic level, thats like, really really small, right? Brilliant work by these researchers.
Brown fat, white fat, all too confusing… just gonna stick to my regular workouts and salad, thanks. But good on these scientists though, their work’s gonna help lots of people.
This is fantastic news! Not just for obesity, but diabetes too. Can’t wait for the next update, fingers crossed.