Cysteine-Free Diet Triggers Rapid Fat Loss in Mice
Slice of Healthcare Team
May 23, 2025
Key highlights
- Mice lacking cysteine lost 30% body weight in one week
- Cysteine depletion disrupted CoA-linked energy pathways
- Activated oxidative and integrated stress responses
- Increased GDF15 led to appetite suppression and lipid breakdown
- First study to directly link cysteine loss to metabolic changes
Notable Quotes
“ Our surprising findings reveal that low cysteine levels triggered rapid fat loss in our study mice by activating a network of interconnected biological pathways. ”
Evgeny Nudler, PhD, Julie Wilson Anderson Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
“ We hope in the future to hijack parts of this process to induce a similar weight loss in humans but without completely removing cysteine. ”
Dan L. Littman, MD, PhD, Helen L. and Martin S. Kimmel Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Why This Matters
This groundbreaking research uncovers how cysteine, an essential amino acid, regulates energy metabolism and fat storage. By genetically modifying mice and eliminating dietary cysteine, scientists revealed the pivotal role of coenzyme A in energy production. The dramatic fat loss and activation of cellular stress responses show potential metabolic levers that could be targeted for obesity treatment. However, real-world application remains complex due to cysteine's ubiquity in food and crucial biological functions. These insights enrich our fundamental understanding of metabolism and may guide future, safer strategies for weight management.
