Scientists have discovered a small protein in liver cells that appears to play a role in turning excess dietary carbohydrates into fat stores. The discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to fight the ever-increasing problem of obesity. Researchers discovered that a protein dubbed ChREBP, which they found in rats livers, appears to enhance the activity of at least two enzymes known to play a role in converting excess glucose into fat. Study leader Dr. Kosaku Uyeda, said of the discovery: “Inhibition of ChREBP activation would be expected to (lessen) excess fat accumulation resulting from a high-carbohydrate diet and provide novel opportunities to address the health consequences stemming from obesity and diabetes.”
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 2001; 98:9116
