Scientists Discover Hidden “Switch” That Burns Fat and Could Treat Bone Disease

Researchers at McGill University identified a glycerol-sensitive switch on the TNAP enzyme that activates an alternative heat-producing pathway in brown fat.

The pathway, called the futile creatine cycle, could help explain how brown fat generates heat and opens new metabolic research directions.

Because TNAP also regulates bone mineralization, the discovery points to potential drug candidates for hypophosphatasia and other fragile-bone disorders.

Scientists say the shared biology between thermogenesis and bone health may offer a new target for treatments that strengthen weak bones.