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Lucknow. Scientists at McGill University have discovered a hidden molecular “switch” that activates a powerful calorie-burning mechanism in the body. This landmark discovery not only opens up new ways of understanding obesity and metabolism, but its most immediate impact is expected to be on bone health, which could revolutionize the treatment of rare diseases such as ‘soft bones’. This research published in the prestigious journal ‘Nature’ sheds new light on the way brown fat works.

What is this ‘molecular switch’?

The discovery focused on a molecule called ‘glycerol’, which is released when body fat breaks down in cold temperatures. The scientists found that glycerol activates a specific part of an enzyme called TNAP (tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase) by binding to what they are calling the ‘glycerol pocket’. This process triggers an alternative and still mysterious biological pathway that produces heat in the body, called the ‘futyl creatine cycle’.

“This is the first time we have identified how an alternative heat-producing pathway, other than the classic mechanism, is activated,” said Associate Professor at McGill University, who led the research. This opens the way to understanding how different energy-burning systems work in coordination to maintain the body at the right temperature.

Hope for revolution in bone treatment

Researchers believe that although this discovery may be helpful in the treatment of obesity in the future, its most immediate importance is to bone health. The TNAP enzyme is already known for its important role in bone formation and calcification (mineralization), the process of strengthening bones.

Genetic mutations that reduce the activity of TNAP cause a rare disease called ‘hypophosphatasia’, commonly known as “soft bones”. Patients with this condition suffer from frequent fractures, chronic pain and bone abnormalities. In laboratory tests, scientists found that the same molecular switch that controls energy-burning fat cells also has a direct effect on the cells responsible for bone mineralization and hardening.

paving the way for new treatments

“This discovery opens the door to a new form of therapy where the beneficial effects of the enzyme can be promoted in patients by enhancing the activity of the TNAP enzyme through the glycerol pocket with natural or synthetic bioactive compounds,” said Mark McKee, a professor at McGill University and co-author of the research. This has strong potential to help normalize bone mineral loss, especially for patients who suffer from a weak TNAP enzyme due to genetics.

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