A research team in Dijon may have discovered the key to the how humans perceive fat in their food. The research carried out by members of the Laboratory of Physiology and Nutrition at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, directed by Philippe Besnard, already suggests that the protein CD36, a Fatty Acid Transporter, is also a fat-taste receptor in mice. This is the scientific basis for SENSOFAT, a nationally funded research project accredited by Vitagora, which is officially being launched this year. “The goal of this project is to understand how CD36 works, whether at the level of the tongue, the intestine or even the brain”, says Philippe Besnard.
Focusing on the tongue, this project aims to find out if this protein is indeed a fat-taste receptor in humans. As CD36 is also present in the intestine, researchers are trying to discover what role it plays. “Is it a fatty-acid transporter increasing the absorption of lipids, or a fat-receptor that allows the intestine to pick up on the presence of fats in the digestive tract”, explains the research team. But CD36 is also found in the brain, in particular in the hypothalamus, an area of the brain involved in eating, hence the question of the role of CD36 in dietary behavior.
Two doctoral theses have already been launched in relation with SENSOFAT. “As we did not have all the skills needed to quickly carry out all the research, we have put together a joint team with four other research units at the University of Burgundy, the University Paris VII and the Insitut Pasteur in Lille”, says Philippe Besnard.
ContactPhilippe BesnardEmail : Philippe.Bernard@u-bourgogne.fr
Source: Agence JFD and Co
31/01/08
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