LEP
GeneName
LEP
Summary
LEP, also known as leptin or OBS, is a 19 kDa peptide hormone primarily secreted by adipose tissue. It plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis, appetite, and metabolism. LEP is expressed in the extracellular region and cytosol, and it binds to specific receptors to activate various signalling pathways, including the JAK-STAT pathway. This hormone is involved in multiple biological processes such as adipose tissue development, glucose homeostasis, and the regulation of feeding behaviour. Its involvement in cellular responses to insulin and leptin stimuli highlights its significance in metabolic regulation.
Importance
LEP is relevant to: - The regulation of body weight and obesity due to its role in appetite suppression and energy expenditure - Metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, as it influences insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism - Cardiovascular health through its effects on blood pressure regulation and cardiac muscle hypertrophy - Immune responses, given its role in the regulation of cytokine production and leukocyte activity - Reproductive health, as it is involved in processes such as ovulation and pregnancy
Top Products
For researchers investigating LEP, we recommend two primary antibodies that cater to various experimental needs. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-Leptin antibody (ab16227), which has garnered 41 citations, reflecting its reliability in the field. This antibody is particularly effective for Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunocytochemistry (ICC), making it a versatile choice for detecting leptin in different sample types. Additionally, we offer the recombinant monoclonal antibody, Anti-Leptin antibody [EPR16848-34] (ab181298). While it does not have specific application validations listed, its recombinant nature ensures batch-to-batch consistency, which is invaluable for researchers seeking dependable results. Together, these antibodies provide robust options for studying LEP in various contexts. The Recombinant Human Leptin protein ELISA Kit (ab281816) is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure leptin levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that the LEP gene, which encodes leptin, is being studied across various species including humans, rats, mice, and domestic pigs. The primary application of the Abcam antibody ab16227 is in Western blotting and immunofluorescence, highlighting its role in research focused on adipocyte function, adipose tissue characterization, and the molecular effects of genetic modifications.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Key player in the regulation of energy balance and body weight control. Once released into the circulation, has central and peripheral effects by binding LEPR, found in many tissues, which results in the activation of several major signaling pathways (PubMed:15899045, PubMed:17344214, PubMed:19688109). In the hypothalamus, acts as an appetite-regulating factor that induces a decrease in food intake and an increase in energy consumption by inducing anorexinogenic factors and suppressing orexigenic neuropeptides, also regulates bone mass and secretion of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal hormones. In the periphery, increases basal metabolism, influences reproductive function, regulates pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion, is pro-angiogenic for endothelial cell and affects innate and adaptive immunity (By similarity) (PubMed:11460888, PubMed:19688109, PubMed:24340098, PubMed:25060689, PubMed:8589726). In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, activates by depolarization POMC neurons inducing FOS and SOCS3 expression to release anorexigenic peptides and inhibits by hyperpolarization NPY neurons inducing SOCS3 with a consequent reduction on release of orexigenic peptides (By similarity). In addition to its known satiety inducing effect, has a modulatory role in nutrient absorption. In the intestine, reduces glucose absorption by enterocytes by activating PKC and leading to a sequential activation of p38, PI3K and ERK signaling pathways which exerts an inhibitory effect on glucose absorption (PubMed:24340098). Acts as a growth factor on certain tissues, through the activation of different signaling pathways increases expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation such as CCND1, via JAK2-STAT3 pathway, or VEGFA, via MAPK1/3 and PI3K-AKT1 pathways (By similarity) (PubMed:17344214). May also play an apoptotic role via JAK2-STAT3 pathway and up-regulation of BIRC5 expression (PubMed:18242580). Pro-angiogenic, has mitogenic activity on vascular endothelial cells and plays a role in matrix remodeling by regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) (PubMed:11460888). In innate immunity, modulates the activity and function of neutrophils by increasing chemotaxis and the secretion of oxygen radicals. Increases phagocytosis by macrophages and enhances secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. Increases cytotoxic ability of NK cells (PubMed:12504075). Plays a pro-inflammatory role, in synergy with IL1B, by inducing NOS2 which promotes the production of IL6, IL8 and Prostaglandin E2, through a signaling pathway that involves JAK2, PI3K, MAP2K1/MEK1 and MAPK14/p38 (PubMed:15899045, PubMed:19688109). In adaptive immunity, promotes the switch of memory T-cells towards T helper-1 cell immune responses (By similarity). Increases CD4(+)CD25(-) T-cell proliferation and reduces autophagy during TCR (T-cell receptor) stimulation, through MTOR signaling pathway activation and BCL2 up-regulation (PubMed:25060689).
Involvement in disease
Leptin deficiency
LEPD
A rare disease characterized by low levels of serum leptin, severe hyperphagia and intractable obesity from an early age.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the leptin family.
Tissue Specificity
Adipose tissue is the main source of leptin. It is also produced by other peripheral tissues such as the skeletal muscle (PubMed:12448771, PubMed:16052473, PubMed:7789654). Expressed by intercalated and striated tracts of submandibular and parotid salivary gland intralobular ducts (PubMed:12448771). Detected by fundic epithelium of the gastric mucosa (PubMed:10896907). Secreted into blood and gastric juice (PubMed:10896907).
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
OB, OBS, LEP, Leptin, Obese protein, Obesity factor