Recently, researchers at the University of Melbourne determined an internal “sensor” which can help fight by indicating cells to burn their fat. This finding might play an important role in the treatment for obesity and metabolic diseases (including type 2 diabetes).

 
In this study, the researchers found that when the increased dietary energy (food) intake triggers cells to become “unstable”, a protein called NLRP1 is opened. Activate this protein can trigger a series of events, indicating cells to use their energy or fat storage to prevent fat accumulation.

 
Conducted by Dr. Seth Masters and some others, this study was published recently on Cell Metabolism.

 
Dr. Masters said, NLRP1 is a biosensor, the key to developing new obesity and type 2 diabetes therapy. “NLRP1 is a biosensor that can respond to and prevent obesity and metabolic syndrome, which caused a sharp increase of the world’s burden of disease.”

 
“If this sensor detects excessive intake of energy, it will be activated. And when it was activated, it will tell cells to burn stored fat, in order to prevent the accumulation of excess fat. We found that, without NLRP1, The fat will continue to accumulate, especially when intake of high-energy diet, leading to obesity in the end.

 
“NLRP1 is well known for its role in the immune system. However, what’s more clear is that immune signaling proteins also plays an important role in the regulation process of metabolism.” said Dr. Masters.

 
Dr. Murphy said that the cooperation of the two leading immunology and metabolic research institutions in Australia provides new insights to obesity. “This study provides compelling evidence that the immune system is activated not only during infection but also when in response to high energy diet-related metabolic imbalance.”

 
NLRP1 and its anti-obesity effect lies in how it controls an important lipid-regulating hormone called interleukin-18 (IL-18). “We first show that NLRP1 is the key to the production of IL-18, which explains how it plays its role to reduce obesity.” Commented Dr. Murphy.

 
However, the researchers warn that the treatment must be strictly controlled to avoid potential side effects. The study has shown that NLRP1 activation can be exacerbated by certain dietary and it has been confirmed that there’s a good balance between the increase of the ability to burn fat and injury.