Leptin Mouse

Leptin was first identified in 1994 through the cloning of the mouse and human leptin genes . The protein product of the obese gene, leptin, was found to be a key regulator of energy balance. Mice with mutations in the obese gene that block the synthesis of leptin exhibit obesity, diabetes, reduced activity, decreased metabolism, and lower body temperature .

Leptin is primarily synthesized and secreted by white adipose tissue (WAT), which is now recognized as an active endocrine organ. WAT secretes a variety of hormones, collectively known as adipokines or adipocytokines, which have autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine effects on metabolic processes both in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS) .

Initially considered an anti-obesity hormone due to its role in maintaining body weight, leptin has since been found to have significant effects on glycemic control and cognitive function . Leptin deficiency (hypoleptinemia) and leptin resistance (hyperleptinemia) are characterized by dysfunctional leptin signaling, leading to systemic metabolic defects, including obesity and diabetes .

Recombinant mouse leptin is produced using E. coli expression systems. The recombinant protein is often used in research to study leptin’s role in various physiological processes. It is typically purified to a high degree, with a purity of over 97% as determined by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions . The endotoxin level is kept below 1.0 EU per 1 μg of protein, ensuring its suitability for biological assays .

Recombinant leptin is used in various research applications, including cell proliferation assays, where it has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of BaF3 mouse pro-B cells transfected with human leptin receptors . It is also used to study the effects of leptin on energy balance, metabolism, and cognitive function .