ATLANTA--A trace component of lecithin called DLPC (dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine) was recently discovered to have antidiabetic properties in animals. When fed to diabetic mice, DLPC could increase insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

Now scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have obtained a detailed molecular picture of how DLPC fits into LRH-1, the protein sensor that triggers its effects. The information gives hints about how beneficial dietary fats regulate metabolism and could help researchers tweak DLPC to work best in humans.

The results were published online April 15 in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.