Specifically, the authors demonstrated in Phf2-knockout mice, that Phf2 potentiates adipogenesis through an interaction with the transcription factor, the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, indicating Phf2 as a potential new therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity and the metabolic syndrome (Okuno et al., 2013). Here, PHF2 is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.