Discovery of protein regulating brown fat activity
Scientists in Barcelona have found a new protein, ACBP, that could help fight muscle loss in cancer patients.
Normally, brown fat (BAT) burns energy to keep us warm, but when it goes into overdrive—as often happens during cancer—it can lead to dangerous weight and muscle loss called cachexia.
ACBP seems to put the brakes on this process, hinting at a new way to help people stay stronger during treatment.
Targeting ACBP could treat cachexia
When researchers removed ACBP from mice, their brown fat burned even more energy and they lost extra fat—even on high-fat diets.
This shows ACBP helps control BAT's activity.
The team believes targeting ACBP could open up fresh options for treating cachexia.
"ACBP is a key regulator of BAT activity and its inhibition could be a promising strategy to combat muscle wasting in cancer patients."