《Science》最新揭示：这个神秘信号通路，竟与肥胖关系密切

Core Insights - The article discusses a groundbreaking research published in "Science" that reveals a new signaling pathway in the brain's neurons, which plays a crucial role in appetite regulation and could lead to new anti-obesity strategies. Currently, obesity affects approximately 40% of adults in the U.S. and over 1 billion people globally [6][7]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team, led by Dr. Zhao Zhang, discovered a previously unknown signaling pathway in the cilia of brain neurons that regulates appetite, presenting a new breakthrough for weight loss treatments [7]. - The rapid development of weight loss medications is transforming the healthcare industry, achieving lasting weight control and showing significant benefits in cardiovascular health, blood sugar balance, and management of blood pressure and cholesterol [7]. - The study utilized Automated Meiotic Mapping (AMM), a combination of genetics and machine learning, to efficiently locate gene mutations associated with obesity [8]. Group 2: Genetic Insights - The research identified the Gpr45 gene as central to weight regulation, with mutations leading to obesity in mice due to increased food intake [8]. - GPR45 protein is highly expressed in hypothalamic neurons and is involved in transporting Gαs protein to primary cilia, activating the MC4R signaling pathway to regulate appetite [9]. - Current medications targeting MC4R are limited to specific genetic mutations and do not apply to the broader obesity population, highlighting the potential for developing drugs that enhance GPR45 activity for wider treatment options [9].