Receptor CD36 links a risk-associated allele to obesity and metabolic disorders.

Mice harboring a particular allele of the human brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNFM/M mice) develop extreme obesity and insulin resistance when fed a high-fat diet. The underlying mechanisms of this genetic risk factor for obesity are unclear. In the current issue of JBC, Yang et al. report that pharmacological inhibition of integral membrane protein CD36 significantly reduces body weight gain and improves glucose tolerance in BDNFM/M mice. Targeting CD36 may therefore be a promising strategy to improve metabolic dysfunctions and normalize risk factors in obese individuals.