A new way to fight obesity may have been uncovered by New Zealand scientists, who have discovered a gene that links the immune system with obesity.
Researchers from The University of Auckland found the gene plays a vital part in the cell's immuno-metabolic reaction. This connects the immune response to infection with cell metabolism.
This led researchers to investigate connections between the traditionally distinct disciplines of immunity and metabolism, in a field of research termed 'immunometabolism'.
"We can use this to find drugs that regulate or target this new pathway in the fight against obesity," said Professor Phil Crosier from the university's Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology.
The research used live imaging within transparent zebrafish embryos to uncover a new mechanism - the discovered gene - that controls immune cell function and helps regulate fatty acids.
"We believe this pathway ... may prove useful for treating obesity-associated diseases," said Professor Crosier.
The research, led by Dr Chris Hall, was published in the latest issue of Cell Metabolism.
