Scientists have found a molecular switch to strengthen bones
Scientists have discovered a molecular "switch" that activates the hidden energy-burning system in brown fat and at the same time helps strengthen bones. Such a discovery could lead to the creation of new treatments for bone diseases. This was reported on May 12 by Science Daily magazine.
Researchers have found that when exposed to cold, the body breaks down accumulated fat, releasing glycerin. In collaboration with structural biologist Alba Guarne, the scientists found out that glycerol binds to the TNAP enzyme in a specific area called the glycerol pocket. This interaction triggers an alternative heat generation pathway known as the creatine idle cycle.
Lawrence Kazak, head of the study and associate professor of Biochemistry at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute at McGill University
For the first time, we were able to determine how an alternative heat generation pathway is activated, independent of the classical system. This opens the way to understanding how multiple energy-intensive systems work together to keep body temperature at optimal levels.
Although brown fat is traditionally studied in the context of metabolism and the fight against obesity, the authors emphasize that the most significant result may be progress in the treatment of skeletal diseases. The TNAP enzyme plays a key role in calcification, the process of forming and maintaining bone strength.
Mutations that reduce the activity of this enzyme cause hypophosphatasia, a rare disease characterized by softening of bones, pain, and fractures. By studying TNAP mutations in the laboratory, scientists have discovered that the same molecular mechanism is responsible for both energy burning in fat cells and bone mineralization.
Mark McKee, co-author of the study and professor at the Faculty of Dentistry and Oral Hygiene Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Public Health
The results open the door to a new type of treatment, in which increasing the activity of the TNAP enzyme through its glycerol pocket using natural or synthetic bioactive compounds can potentially enhance the beneficial effects of the enzyme in patients, helping to restore insufficient bone mineralization to a healthy level.
On March 21, Science Daily reported on the effect of "eternal chemicals" on children's bones. This type of chemicals includes polyfluoroalkyl substances, synthetic compounds widely used in industry and everyday goods. According to the researchers, their exposure at an early age can negatively affect the formation of bone tissue in children and adolescents, especially in girls.
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