Final Report Summary - ALK7 (Metabolic control by the TGF-² superfamily receptor ALK7: A novel regulator of insulin secretion, fat accumulation and energy balance)
This project has unraveled the mechanism by which growth factors of the TGF-beta superfamily and their receptors contribute to fundamental aspects of metabolic regulation, including glucose homeostasis, fat deposition and energy expenditure. Signaling by the ALK7 receptor exerts negative effects on insulin secretion and diet-induced lipid catabolism, indicating that compounds able to block ALK7 signaling may have beneficial effects in diabetes and obesity.