However, in both obese models, but not in the controls, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 or isocitrate dehydrogenase show a comparable correlation, whereas acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, catalyzing the rate-limiting step in the lipid synthesis of malonyl-CoA synthesis from acetyl-CoA, is inversely correlated in healthy and sick obesity. The gene discussed is ACACA; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.