Genetically modified mice reveal protein receptor’s role in metabolic health

Excess PAQR4 leads to a buildup of ceramides that prompts green-labeled fat cells to lose their lipids and identity, resulting in the accumulation of undifferentiated and dysfunctional cells. Credit: UT Southwestern Medical Center A protein receptor called PAQR4 found within fat cells appears to act as a sensor for ceramides, waxy lipids whose overabundance has been linked to a variety of metabolic disorders and cancers, a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers suggests. Their findings, published in Nature Metabolism, could eventually lead to drugs that reduce cellular ceramide levels, much like statins reduce cholesterol levels. “Rising ceramides in the Read More