Functional analysis of the brown adipocyte-specific marker, Eva1

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06240
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44040:Morphology and anatomical structure-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Son You Lee 北海道大学, 遺伝子病制御研究所, 講師 (10605306)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪組織 / 褐色脂肪細胞 / 肥満

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Metabolically active brown adipocytes (BAT) play a crucial role in regulating whole-body energy metabolism. Understanding the function of BAT-specific marker genes can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms associated with anti-obesity and anti-aging. One such gene is Eva1 (epithelial V-like antigen, also known as myelin protein zero like-2, Mpzl2), which is a single transmembrane protein. Recently, it has been reported that Eva1 expression in human BAT is positively correlated with age and BMI, suggesting that Eva1 may be involved in the regulation of obesity and aging. However, the precise function of Eva1 is still unknown. In this study, we used Eva1-deficient mice to explore the role of Eva1 in metabolic regulation.

Free Research Field

分子内分泌学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究ではEva1遺伝子欠損マウスを用い、Eva1有無が肥満や老化に伴う脂肪組織の機能低下に及ぼす影響に注目し、Eva1を介した新たな代謝制御メカニズムの発見を目指した。細胞表面タンパク質はバイオ医薬品の標的になる可能性が高いことから、Eva1の作用機構を明らかにすることで、肥満と老化関連疾患の新規治療法の開発につながると期待される。