About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Gene Mutations may Influence Basal Metabolic Rate

by Dr. Enozia Vakil on October 27, 2013 at 10:32 PM
 Gene Mutations may Influence Basal Metabolic Rate

A novel and rare genetic cause of obesity has now been discovered by scientists; which could also be playing a role in lowering basal metabolic rate of the body.

Previous studies (performed by David Powell and colleagues at Lexicon Pharmaceuticals in Texas) demonstrated that when the gene KSR2 (Kinase Suppressor of Ras 2) was deleted in mice, the animals became severely obese. As a result of this research, Professor Sadaf Farooqi from the University of Cambridge's Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science decided to explore whether KSR2 mutations might also lead to obesity in humans.

Advertisement

In collaboration with Dr Ines Barroso's team at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, the researchers sequenced the DNA from over 2,000 severely obese patients and identified multiple mutations in the KSR2 gene. The research was published online today, 24 October, in the journal Cell.

KSR2 belongs to a group of proteins called scaffolding proteins which play a critical role in ensuring that signals from hormones such as insulin are correctly processed by cells in the body to regulate how cells grow, divide and use energy. To investigate how KSR2 mutations might lead to obesity, Professor Farooqi's team performed a series of experiments which showed that many of the mutations disrupt these cellular signals and, importantly, reduce the ability of cells to use glucose and fatty acids.
Advertisement

Patients who had the mutations in KSR2 had an increased drive to eat in childhood, but also a reduced metabolic rate, indicating that they have a reduced ability to use up all the energy that they consume. A slow metabolic rate can be found in people with an underactive thyroid gland, but in these patients thyroid blood tests were in the normal range - eliminating this as a possible explanation for their low metabolic rate. People have speculated for a long time that some individuals may burn calories more slowly than others. The findings in this study provide the first evidence that defects in a particular gene, KSR2, can affect a person's metabolic rate and how their bodies processed calories.

Professor Farooqi said: "Up until now, the genes we have identified that control body weight have largely affected appetite. However, KSR2 is different in that it also plays a role in regulating how energy is used in the body. In the future, modulation of KSR2 may represent a useful therapeutic strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes."

Changes in diet and levels of physical activity underlie the recent increase in obesity in the UK and worldwide. However, there is a lot of variation in how much weight people gain. This variation between people is largely influenced by genetic factors, and many of the genes involved act in the brain. The discovery of a new obesity gene, KSR2, adds another level of complexity to the body's mechanisms for regulating weight. The Cambridge team is continuing to study the genetic factors influencing obesity, findings which they hope to translate into beneficial therapies in the future.



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Obesity News

Pathbreaking Anti-Obesity Drug KDS2010 Helps Burn Fat Without Diet Restrictions
KDS2010 drug was found to regulate astrocytes in brain which enhances fat metabolism resulting in weight loss without the need for dietary restrictions.
Inflammation Impacts Weight Loss Post Bariatric Surgery
In obese patients undergoing weight-loss surgery, higher blood levels of inflammation are associated with poor weight loss post-surgery.
Coconut Oil Supplements Linked to Fuel Obesity
Coconut oil supplements over a long period of time may have a major impact on the metabolic changes in diet that can lead to obesity.
Anti-Obesity Drug Liraglutide Enhances Associative Learning
Intake of anti-obesity drug liraglutide, resulted in better brain activity and in-turn finer associative learning in obese individuals.
Nature's Anti-obesity Secret from China
Anti-obesity potential of a tropical plant emerges as a promising solution to address the global surge in obesity-related lifestyle diseases.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Gene Mutations may Influence Basal Metabolic Rate Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests