Monocarboxylate transporters: new players in body weight regulation
1Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Over the last two decades, several genes have been identified that appear to play a role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and body weight. For a small subset of them, a reduction or an absence of expression confers a resistance to the development of obesity. Recently, a knockin mouse for a member of the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) family, MCT1, was demonstrated to exhibit a typical phenotype of resistance to diet-induced obesity and a protection from its associated metabolic perturbations. Such findings point out at MCTs as putatively new therapeutic targets in the context of obesity. Here, we will review what is known about MCTs and their possible metabolic roles in different organs and tissues. Based on the description of the phenotype of the MCT1 knockin mouse, we will also provide some insights about their putative roles in weight gain regulation.
Insights
Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are implicated in energy homeostasis. A specific MCT1 knockin mouse model shows resistance to diet-induced obesity, suggesting MCTs as potential therapeutic targets for obesity.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Genetics
- Obesity research
Background:
- Several genes regulate energy homeostasis and body weight.
- Reduced expression of some genes confers obesity resistance.
- Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are a family of genes involved in metabolic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the known roles of MCTs in metabolic regulation.
- To explore the potential of MCTs as therapeutic targets for obesity.
- To provide insights into the role of MCT1 in weight gain regulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on MCTs.
- Analysis of the phenotype of a Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) knockin mouse model.
- Discussion of metabolic roles in various organs and tissues.
Main Results:
- A knockin mouse model for MCT1 exhibits resistance to diet-induced obesity.
- The MCT1 knockin mouse model is protected from metabolic disturbances associated with obesity.
- MCTs are suggested as potential therapeutic targets for obesity treatment.
Conclusions:
- MCTs play a significant role in regulating energy homeostasis and body weight.
- The MCT1 knockin mouse phenotype highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting MCTs for obesity.
- Further research into MCTs could lead to novel strategies for weight management.
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