RECOMBINANT OB-GENE PRODUCT REDUCES FOOD-INTAKE IN FASTED MICE

The ob-gene encodes for a protein of 167 amino acids which is expresse d exclusively in white adipose tissue. The ob-gene product is probably released from adipocytes as a soluble hormone of 146 amino acids and has been proposed as a satiety factor. To test this hypothesis, the so luble portion of the ob-gene product devoid of signal sequence was exp ressed in E. coli and purified. The purified protein, which contains t wo Cys residues, was recovered from the periplasm in an oxidized form. After a single intravenous injection, the ob-gene product decreased f ood intake after fasting in normal mice. The results show that recombi nant ob-gene product can be obtained in a functionally active conforma tion and provide direct proof that this protein is a satiety factor. ( C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.