The March issue of Cell Metabolism reports a research study that reveals an attractive new target for therapies aimed at the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Studies conducted in rats showed that a novel drug or chemical simply tagged as PSN632408 is able to suppress appetite and weight gain.

As reported by Hilary Overton, Christine Reynet, and colleagues of the biotechnology company (OSI)Prosidion, the team found that so-called oleoylethanolamide, a naturally occurring lipid-signaling agent earlier shown to reduce food intake and weight gain in rats, can exert its effects through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR119.

A large proportion of all drugs sold today target GPCRs, protein "switches" that recognize and translate signals into cellular responses. Found predominantly in the pancreas and digestive tract in humans and mice, as well as in the rodent brain, the function of GPR119 had previously remained mysterious.

After screening a proprietary library of small molecules including several hundred thousand compounds for their ability to activate GPR119, the researchers then identified one such chemical, known only as PSN632408. PSN632408 had no effect on the distantly related cannabinoid receptors, which are the targets of the candidate obesity drug rimonabant, the team reported.

Just ignore the technicalities. Simply put, if and when this study passed human clinical trials, it would mean popping a pill to combat obesity, weight gain and other metabolic disorders. Isn't that truly exciting?

Source: [EurekAlert]