Bioinformatics analysis of functional protein sequences reveals a role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Med Hypotheses. 2008;70(2):424-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.03.034. Epub 2007 Jun 5.

Abstract

Using bioinformatics techniques and sequence analyses algorithms, a comparative study between human and rodents revealed similarity in the behavior of genes involved in the control of energy homeostasis. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates the secretion and actions of insulin, leptin, ghrelin, various neurotransmitters and peptides, and pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in energy homeostasis suggesting that it (BDNF) has a significant role in the pathobiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on these evidences, we propose that obesity and type 2 diabetes could be disorders of the brain and BDNF could serve as a biomarker in predicting their development. Hence, methods developed to selectively deliver BDNF to appropriate hypothalamic neurons may form a novel approach in their treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / physiology*
  • Computational Biology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / etiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Ghrelin / physiology
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Insulin / physiology
  • Leptin / physiology
  • Melanocortins / physiology
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Obesity / etiology*
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Ghrelin
  • Insulin
  • Leptin
  • Melanocortins