Media

HKU researcher unveils the secret of fat burning
For development of potential new drugs in treatment of metabolic diseases

03 Feb 2015

A new study initiated in 2006 and co-developed by research assistant professor Dr Roger Hoi Fung Wong of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has identified a newly discovered protein, that 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.  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.

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 Wong will hold a press conference on the findings. Details are as follows:
Date: February 5, 2015 (Thursday)
Time: 11am
Venue: Central Facilities Laboratory, 2 Fl., North Wing, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, HKU

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications and Public Affairs Office, the University of Hong Kong, Senior Manager (Media) Ms Melanie Wan, tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk.