Impacts of CIHR-funded research: Obesity

[ Table of Contents ]

Slowing down fat production to fight obesity
Discovery points way to potential new treatment

Overview

Obesity is often about diet and physical activity levels. But in some cases, it's also about how bodies function at the most fundamental levels. Dr. Katherine Cianflone of Laval University has discovered that a receptor protein found on fat cells, called C5L2, may play a role in obesity. She has found that the protein binds ASP, a protein that is known to affect fat production and that is present in high levels in people who are obese.

Impact

Identifying compounds that can block C5L2 activity may help to slow fat production, helping to treat obesity in some people. Dr. Cianflone and her team are evaluating C5L2 to learn more about it, as well as evaluating antibodies that could block the receptor and reduce fat storage.

First Published

CIHR Health Research Results, 2003-04; updated 2009