Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables DNA binding activity and growth factor activity. Involved in several processes, including adult feeding behavior; positive regulation of cytokine production; and positive regulation of signal transduction. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including determination of adult lifespan; monocarboxylic acid metabolic process; and regulation of protein localization. Located in cytoplasm and extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including adipose tissue; alimentary system; central nervous system; early conceptus; and reproductive system. Used to study abdominal obesity-metabolic syndrome (multiple); obesity; steatotic liver disease (multiple); and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including alcohol dependence; congenital leptin deficiency; liver disease (multiple); lung disease (multiple); and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Orthologous to human LEP (leptin).