1.   In the current experiments, the researchers used normal young mice with the normal complement of leptin genes.

2.   The company has applied for a broad patent on the leptin receptor gene that would cover related signalling molecules as well, said Mark Levin, chief executive officer.

3.   The scientists were inspired to consider leptin as a puberty factor by previous experiments in which they had worked with genetically altered mice lacking the leptin gene.

4.   The DNA sequence responsible for controlling expression of the human obesity gene, also called the leptin gene, has been identified by US and French researchers.