Muscling in on the brain

We aim to investigate an enzyme (carnitine acetyl transferase - CRAT) that acetylates melanocortins and endorphins. The significance is that acetylation increases potency of melanocortins and ifies potency of endorphins, both being produced by pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) cells. We will demonstrate the relevance of CRAT in obesity. CRAT will be shown to regulate of food intake, energy expenditure and blood pressure, through its role in the production of melanocortins and endorphins. CRAT is expressed in muscle, but we have found it in brain (POMC) cells! Outcomes: we will show, for the first time, how two products from the same gene, with opposing activities can be regulated to achieve a common physiological and homeostatic endpoint.