Scientific publications or announcements from research institutions

Inhibiting ABHD6 Enzyme in Nucleus Accumbens Boosts Physical Activity, Reduces Obesity in Mice

Dec 16, 2024, 02:30 PM

A recent study published in Nature Communications by researchers from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM) has revealed that targeting a brain enzyme known as ABHD6 could be a new strategy in combating obesity. The enzyme ABHD6 is responsible for degrading 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a key endocannabinoid molecule. By inhibiting ABHD6 in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region involved in reward, motivation, and addiction, the researchers observed a significant reduction in body weight and an increase in physical activity in mice. Contrary to expectations, this inhibition did not lead to increased food intake but rather reduced motivation for food and enhanced physical activity, with mice choosing to spend more time on a running wheel. The study also found that brain-wide inhibition of ABHD6 protected mice from weight gain on a high-fat diet, and mice did not show signs of anxiety or depressive behavior. While mice with hypothalamic ABHD6 inhibition were resistant to weight loss, this research opens up potential avenues for developing therapies to address obesity and related metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. ABHD6 drug inhibitors are currently being screened.