Search

A study of the cloning and sequencing of mouse obese (ob) gene and its human homologue showed that the ob gene has a significant role to play in regulating fat mass in the body. The ob gene expression regulates the size of the adipose depot and falls in line with the lipostatic theory that ob gene forms a part of the signalling pathway that regulates food intake and energy expenditure. Mapping and identification of the ob gene and the formation and conservation of the sequence are also described.

Cloning of murine 'obese' (ob) gene producing a hormone secreted by fat cells may play an important role in regulating total fat mass through the formation of a signalling pathway. It is also possible that there exists a fat-derived satiety factor produced from adipose tissue, inhibiting food intake, thus controlling body weight. However, the origin of ob protein has not yet been traced to the adipose tissue, and so conclusions should not be drawn on the function of ob gene as the satiety factor.