Drugs could be developed to enhance the health benefits of exercise, British researchers say.
The Leeds University researchers have found a protein that seems to respond to activity.
The job of the Piezo1 protein is to divert blood to the heart, muscles and brain from the stomach and gut during activity.
The researchers believe that this may be one of the reasons why activity in its own right has health benefits.
But they also suggest that stimulating the protein might increase these benefits.
So far the research, reported in Nature Communications, has involved laboratory mice. The scientists have already tested an experimental compound – called Yoda1 – to stimulate the activity of the protein.
Researcher Professor David Beech said: "One of our ideas is that Piezo1 has a special role in controlling blood flow to the intestines and this is really an important part of the body when we start to think about the metabolic syndrome which is associated with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
"By modifying this protein in the intestines then perhaps we could overcome some of the problems of diabetes and perhaps this Yoda1 compound could target the Piezo1 in the intestinal area to have a functional effect.
"It may be that by understanding the working of the Yoda1 experimental molecule on the Piezo1 protein, we can move a step closer to having a drug that can help control some major chronic conditions."
Nature Communications 24 August 2017
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