On May 22, 2025, Professor Jonathan Long (Stanford University) presented his latest research on the chemical regulation of energy metabolism through physical activity under the title “Exercise, Metabolites, and the Chemical Control of Energy Metabolism.”
Physical activity alters metabolism at a systemic level — and leads to the production of specific metabolites with hormone-like functions.
However, the molecular signaling pathways through which these so-called liminal metabolites exert their effects are only partially understood.
Jonathan Long’s research therefore focuses on the identification, function, and translational application of such compounds, which mediate communication between muscle, adipose tissue, the nervous system, and other organs.
He specifically addressed Lac-Phe as an exercise-induced metabolite — a product of lactate and phenylalanine metabolism that is released after physical activity and significantly reduces food intake in animal models. He was able to identify Lac-Phe as a mediator of the appetite-suppressing effects of metformin.
He also discussed the breakdown of N-acetyltaurine by the enzyme PTER. In PTER knockout mice, this led to reduced food intake.
Finally, he introduced BHB–amino acids as a novel ketone signaling pathway that affects energy metabolism.
Like the HyperMet research group, Jonathan Long sees medical application potential in combining activity-induced metabolic changes and accompanying pharmacological therapies.