Press Release
HKU researcher unveils the secret of fat burning
For development of potential new drugs in treatment of metabolic diseases
February 5, 2015
A new study initiated in 2006 and co-developed by Research Assistant Professor Dr Roger Wong Hoi-fung
of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has identified a newly discovered
protein, which is increased by cold exposure, critical for the conversion of white fat to brown fat that
generates heat. This study was published in the January issue of journal "Molecular Cell".
The protein discovered by the team is a fat-burning gene which can trigger the process of "browning" the
majority of fat, i.e. white fat that stores excess energy in our bodies, to resist cold and lose weight.
Transgenic mice with higher levels of the Zfp516 protein gained 30 percent less weight than counterparts
when fed on a high-fat diet. By activating this protein through potential drugs in the future, one could end up
with more brown fat without chilling and lose weight without exercising.
1 This new discovery is part of the larger research effort of a continuous study of regulation of lipid
metabolism and therapeutic treatment of metabolic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Previously, Dr Wong had discovered two key genes, DNA-PK in 2009 and
BAF60c in 2013, which controls the regulation of making fat.
Dr Roger Wong Hoi-fung
Chinese herbs with Berberine. The active ingredient is
Zfp516 protein triggers "browning" of white fat (photo on
right, O red oil staining indicating presence of brown fat)
noted to have the effect of triggering the "browning" of
white fat. Dr Wong's research team will look into its
relation with Zfp516 protein.
For the full report and findings, please visit:
http://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/abstract/S1097-2765%2814%2900954-X.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Department of Chemistry, the University of Hong Kong, Research Assistant Professor Dr. Roger Wong,
tel: 9444 6829 email: [email protected].
Communications and Public Affairs Office, the University of Hong Kong, Senior Manager (Media)
Ms Melanie Wan, tel: 2859 2600 email: [email protected].
~ End ~
2