Scientists have found a key mechanism for controlling appetite and weight

The main role in appetite control belongs to the MC4R receptor. It is activated by the hormone MSH and sends a signal to the brain about saturation. If this receptor does not work properly (for example, due to mutations), a person may experience a constant feeling of hunger — this is one of the most common causes of severe obesity.

But in order for MC4R to work at all, it needs an assistant, the MRAP2 protein. It is he who delivers the receptor to the cell surface, where it begins to transmit signals. Without MRAP2, the receptor remains blocked inside the cell and cannot fully suppress appetite.

Scientists have shown for the first time that MRAP2 is not just an auxiliary element, but the key to activating the saturation mechanism. This means that exposure to MRAP2 may be a new way to combat obesity.

There is already a drug called setmelanotide, which directly activates MC4R and helps people with rare forms of genetic obesity reduce hunger. But the new data opens up another possibility: drugs that enhance the work of MRAP2 may make therapy more effective and accessible to more patients.

The experts used advanced fluorescence microscopy and bioimaging techniques. These technologies have made it possible to literally see how MRAP2 moves the MC4R receptor to the cell surface and changes its behavior.

The discovery was the result of international collaboration and the work of several research groups at once. Now they are faced with the task of finding ways to mimic MRAP2 or enhance its activity. If this is successful, medicine will have a powerful weapon against obesity and related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.