What is it about?
We have identified that amplification of oxidant stress by signaling through the sodium pump plays a key role in the development and maintenance of obesity and metabolic syndrome. We have further demonstrated that a peptide that targets this sodium pump signaling dramatically attenuates the oxidant stress and the development and maintenance of both obesity and metabolic syndrome in experimental animals without substantial toxicity. This work suggests that this signal cascade may be an effective target for conditions characterized by oxidant stress such as but not limited to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Based on our work, we see the sodium pump as an amplifier of oxidant signals. While this may be advantageous in some settings, it is maladaptive in others. Targeting this amplification pathway is not only novel but it has an element of safety built in as the primary signals are not affected.
Perspectives
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: pNaKtide inhibits Na/K-ATPase reactive oxygen species amplification and attenuates adipogenesis, Science Advances, October 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science,
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1500781.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page