A NOVEL BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE NESFATIN AND ITS RELATED SUBSTANCES AND USES THEREOF

摘要

A novel method for obtaining a factor involved in the control of food intake and/or body weight; a gene produced by the method, a polypeptide encoded by the gene or a novel peptide produced based on the information on the polypeptide encoded by the gene for use as a means for the treatment/control/diagnosis of a disease involving the eating disorder and/o r body weight control; and a substance capable of inhibiting the action of the gene or polypeptide for use as a means for the treatment/control/diagnosis o f a disease involving the control of food intake and/or body weight. A gene or polypeptide involved in the suppression of food intake and/or decrease in bo dy weight can be produced by using a thiazolidione having a PPAR.gamma.-agonist ic activity. NESFATIN or the like produced by the method can be used as a means for the treatment/control/diagnosis of a disease involving the eating disord er and/or body weight control.