功能
This gene encodes a protein that is secreted by white adipocytes into the circulation and
plays a major role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Circulating leptin binds to the
leptin receptor in the brain, which activates downstream signaling pathways that inhibit
feeding and promote energy expenditure. This protein also has several endocrine functions,and is involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, hematopoiesis,
angiogenesis, reproduction, bone formation and wound healing. Mutations in this gene and
its regulatory regions cause severe obesity and morbid obesity with hypogonadism in human patients. A mutation in this gene has also been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus
development.
