Cilium (IMAGE)

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Cilium

Caption

Microscopic image of human cells (stained purple), showing the primary cilium (green). A new study shows how FTO, a gene commonly associated with obesity, contributes to weight gain. Changes in this gene indirectly affect the function of the cilium -- a hair-like appendage found on brain and other cells. Irregularities in the cilium, in turn, can affect receptors for leptin, which suppresses appetite.

Credit

Lab of Rudolph L. Leibel, M.D.

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