Friedman has discovered a mouse gene that encodes a hormone called leptin. When injected into mice, leptin reduces body fat. The leptin receptor is a member of the cytokine receptor family and is highly expressed in the mouse hypothalamus, known to regulate food intake and body weight. Friedman's family study requires participation of obese individuals as well as their biological parents. Travel is not required and there is no cost for participation in the study.
Confidentiality is ensured.
Obesity in the new millennium. Identification of microsatellite markers linked to the human leptin receptor gene on chromosome 1. Maffei M, Stoffel M, Barone M, Moon B, et al. Absence of mutations in the human OB gene in obese diabetic subjects. Lipostasis and the control of body weight.