Overview:
Leptin is a serum protein produced by adipocytes that play a main role in the regulation of body fat. Leptin is a growth factor in colonic epithelial cells and one that may provide a biological explanation for the observed associations between obesity, physical activity, and colon cancer (1). Leptin appears to be able to control the proliferation of both normal and malignant breast epithelial cells and used for normal mammary gland development (2).
Gene Aliases:
OB; OBS; FLJ94114; LEP
Genbank Number:
NP_000221
References:
1. Hardwick JC. et.al : Leptin is a growth factor for colonic epithelial cells. Gastroenterology. 2001 Jul;121(1):79-90.2. X Hu. et.al: Leptin--a growth factor in normal and malignant breast cells and for normal mammary gland development. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2002 Nov 20;94(22):1704-11.
