# Leptin and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling: Therapeutic potential in obesity

**Authors:** Xun Sun, Lincoln Brueck, Dongming Yang, Patrick L. Sheets, Baohua Zhou, Hongxia Ren

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2025.110768 · The Journal of Biological Chemistry · 2025-09-26

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how combining leptin with GPCR-targeting therapies could help treat obesity by overcoming leptin resistance.

## Contribution

The paper explores novel therapeutic strategies combining leptin and GPCR signaling to address obesity.

## Key findings

- Leptin resistance in obesity limits the effectiveness of leptin-based treatments.
- GPCRs are promising drug targets for regulating metabolism and energy balance.
- Combining leptin with GPCR-targeting therapies may improve metabolic outcomes in obesity.

## Abstract

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, plays a crucial role in regulating food intake and energy homeostasis. However, individuals with obesity exhibit hyperleptinemia and impaired leptin responsiveness, which contribute to greater food intake, reduced energy expenditure, and metabolic dysregulation, exacerbating weight gain and obesity-related complications. Leptin resistance remains a major challenge in obesity treatment, limiting the efficacy of leptin-based therapies. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of seven-transmembrane (7TM) receptors that respond to a variety of ligands, including neuropeptides, gastrointestinal hormones, and metabolites. GPCRs are central regulators of glucose metabolism and energy balance, which have emerged as key drug targets for diabetes and obesity. Combining leptin with GPCR-targeting therapies, such as gut peptides, shows promise in overcoming leptin resistance and improving metabolic outcomes. Understanding the molecular crosstalk between leptin and GPCRs provides valuable insights for expanding leptin’s therapeutic potential and developing effective anti-obesity treatments. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic potential of combining molecules targeting GPCR signaling with leptin for obesity treatment.

## Linked entities

- **Proteins:** lepa (leptin a), GPCR (G protein coupled receptor), FZD4 (frizzled class receptor 4)
- **Diseases:** obesity (MONDO:0011122)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** LEP (leptin) [NCBI Gene 3952] {aka LEPD, OB, OBS}
- **Diseases:** Obesity (MESH:D009765), weight gain (MESH:D015430), diabetes (MESH:D003920), metabolic dysregulation (MESH:D021081)
- **Chemicals:** glucose (MESH:D005947)

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

197 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596694/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596694