Leptin was discovered in 1994 by Jeffrey Friedman and his colleagues at Rockefeller University. The hormone is encoded by the ob (obesity) gene and is secreted into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain and binds to leptin receptors in the hypothalamus. This binding action signals the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure .
Recombinant leptin refers to leptin that is produced through recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene that encodes leptin into a host organism, such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli), which then produces the hormone. Recombinant leptin is used in research and therapeutic applications to study its effects and potential treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders .
Porcine leptin is leptin derived from pigs. It shares a high degree of similarity with leptin from other species, including humans, making it a valuable model for studying leptin’s functions and effects. Porcine leptin has been extensively studied for its role in reproduction, energy metabolism, and fat regulation .
Recombinant porcine leptin has been used in various research studies to understand its effects on different biological processes. For example, studies have shown that leptin can modulate steroidogenesis in porcine granulosa cells, which are involved in ovarian function and reproduction . Leptin’s role in energy homeostasis has also been explored, particularly in the context of obesity and metabolic disorders .