In addition, differentiation of these multipotent cells into anorexigenic neurons expressing proopiomelanocortin (POMC neurons) is impaired and, because these neurons control satiety and insulin resistance, their loss upon HFD contributes to the development of obesity and pre-diabetes (Li J. et al., 2012). The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.