Description
Leptin is a hormone secreted from white adipocytes and plays important role in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Leptin functions via signaling pathways involving OB-R in hypothalamus. Animal models have revealed the influence of Leptin in reducing body weight and regulating blood glucose level. When mutations are introduced in obese gene, mice with impaired function of leptin are massively obese and in high risk of diabetes. Leptin deficiency reduces metablic rate. Leptin deficient mice are less active and with lower body temperature than normal animals. Human Leptin shares approximately 84% sequence identity with the mouse protein. Human Leptin consists of 167 amino acid residue including a 21 amino acid residue signal sequence and 146 amino acid residue mature protein sequence.