MTCH2 protein switch controls fat burning and fat cell formation

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute found that the protein MTCH2 regulates energy use and the development of immature cells into fat cells. Disabling it in human cells increased fat and carbohydrate consumption and disrupted fat cell formation, while mice without it in muscle burned more energy and resisted diet-induced obesity.

• Disabling MTCH2 made human cells consume more fats and carbohydrates
• Without the protein, mitochondrial networks fragment and energy efficiency drops
• Mice with MTCH2 switched off in muscle showed greater endurance and resisted obesity
• The findings were published in The EMBO Journal in January 2025