New Fat-Blocking Enzyme Discovery Could Treat Obesity & Liver Disease
Scientists in Cleveland have identified a previously unknown enzyme, SCoR2, that plays a critical role in the body’s fat production process. Blocking this enzyme in laboratory settings dramatically reduced weight gain and lowered cholesterol levels, offering a potential new avenue for treating obesity, fatty liver disease, and related cardiovascular issues.
Rising Rates of Obesity and Liver Disease
Obesity is a growing global health crisis, contributing to a range of serious illnesses, including heart disease and fatty liver disease – also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent as modern diets become more calorie-dense and lifestyles become more sedentary.
The Role of Nitric Oxide
The research centres on nitric oxide, a naturally occurring gas in the body that regulates numerous biological processes. Nitric oxide functions by attaching to proteins and altering their behavior. Maintaining a proper balance of nitric oxide is essential for health, as imbalances can contribute to disease.
Discovering the SCoR2 Enzyme
Researchers from University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University published their findings in Science Signaling, detailing the discovery of SCoR2. This enzyme was found to remove nitric oxide from proteins that control fat accumulation. When SCoR2 is active, fat production increases; conversely, blocking SCoR2 inhibits fat production.
Blocking SCoR2: Positive Results in Mice
The research team tested the effects of blocking SCoR2 using both genetic methods and a specifically designed drug. In mouse models, inhibiting SCoR2 prevented weight gain and protected the liver from injury. The treatment also led to a reduction in unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Expert Insight
“We have a new class of drug that prevents weight gain and lowers cholesterol — a potential therapy for obesity and cardiovascular disease, with additional hepatic benefits,” explained Jonathan Stamler, MD, President and Co-Founder, Harrington Discovery Institute, Distinguished University Professor, Robert S. And Sylvia K. Reitman Family Foundation Professor of Cardiovascular Innovation, and Professor of Medicine and of Biochemistry at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University.
How Nitric Oxide Influences Fat and Cholesterol
According to Dr. Stamler, nitric oxide acts as a natural regulator of fat production in various tissues. In the liver, it inhibits the proteins responsible for creating fat, and cholesterol. In fat tissue itself, nitric oxide suppresses the genetic processes that produce enzymes involved in fat creation.
Researchers are now preparing to initiate clinical trials to test the drug’s effectiveness and safety in humans. This process is anticipated to take approximately 18 months.
“Our team looks forward to further developing a first-in-class drug to block weight gain and lower cholesterol, with favorable effects on liver health,” Dr. Stamler said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCoR2 enzyme?
SCoR2 is a previously unknown enzyme identified by researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. It removes nitric oxide from proteins that regulate fat buildup, essentially triggering fat production when active.
What were the results of blocking SCoR2 in mice?
Blocking SCoR2 in mouse models prevented weight gain, protected the liver from injury, and reduced levels of unhealthy cholesterol.
What is the next step in this research?
Researchers plan to move the drug developed to inhibit SCoR2 toward clinical testing in people, a process expected to take about 18 months.
As research progresses, will a deeper understanding of the SCoR2 enzyme and nitric oxide regulation lead to more effective strategies for managing weight and improving metabolic health?