A newly identified receptor protein that's present on fat cells may play a role in obesity, says a study by researchers at McGill University Health Center in Montreal.
The discovery of this new protein, called C5L2, may indicate that there is more to weight control than diet and exercise, and it could have implications for the many people who are obese.
"We have identified a receptor protein on fat cells that, when stimulated, may increase the amount of lipid stored in fat reservoirs. This protein, C5L2, made by fat tissue, is on the surface of fat cells and binds a specific hormone to increase fat production," researcher Dr Katherine Cianflone says in a news release.
-Online