Enzyme switch may prevent obesity and diabetes in mice.
Switching off CAMKK2 in immune cells prevented obesity in mice, offering a new metabolic disease target.
Why it matters
- Obesity and related diseases are rising globally.
- CAMKK2 could be a new therapeutic target.
By the numbers
- Obesity prevalence tripled since 1975.
- CAMKK2 knockout mice burned more energy, had lower blood sugar, and resisted fatty liver disease.
The big picture
- CAMKK2 links immune cells to metabolism.
- Inhibiting it improved metabolism in mice.
What they're saying
- Interest in human applications but concerns about safety.
- Potential for broader anti-inflammatory benefits.
Caveats
- Mouse study; human results unclear.
- Current inhibitors not clinically viable.
What’s next
- Human studies needed.
- Better inhibitors to be developed.