Novel regulatory mechanisms for generation of the soluble leptin receptor: implications for leptin action.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The adipokine leptin realizes signal transduction via four different membrane-anchored leptin receptor (Ob-R) isoforms in humans. However, the amount of functionally active Ob-R is affected by constitutive shedding of the extracellular domain via a so far unknown mechanism. The product of the cleavage process the so-called soluble leptin receptor (sOb-R) is the main binding protein for leptin in human blood and modulates its bioavailability. sOb-R levels are differentially regulated in metabolic disorders like type 1 diabetes mellitus or obesity and can, therefore, enhance or reduce leptin sensitivity.

Methodology/principal findings

To describe mechanisms of Ob-R cleavage and to investigate the functional significance of differential sOb-R levels we established a

SUBMITTER: Schaab M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3335825 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature