British researchers have identified genetic variants in two genes that could increase the risk of obesity in adulthood.
- Genetics plays a role in the development of obesity.
- Genetic variants present in two genes could increase the risk of suffering from obesity.
- British researchers observed that certain variations are linked to obesity in adulthood and not to childhood obesity.
Nearly one in two French people are affected by obesity or overweight, according to Inserm. This abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat presents dangers to health, as it constitutes a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
The discovery of a new biological mechanism of obesity
Different causes can promote the appearance of obesity. Genetic factors sometimes contribute to the development of this disorder. Children of obese parents are, for example, more likely to develop overweight. In a recent study published in the journal Nature Geneticsresearchers from the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) have identified genetic variants in two genes, B.S.N. And APBA1, which could increase the risk of obesity in adulthood.
For the purposes of this research, the researchers analyzed databases, such as that of the UK Biobank. They also worked closely with the AstraZeneca laboratory with the aim of replicating their results in existing cohorts using genetic data from individuals in Pakistan and Mexico. This collaboration made it possible to apply their findings to populations other than those of European ancestry.
Scientists performed whole exome sequencing of body mass index (BMI) on 500,000 people. They were then able to detect rare genetic variants likely to be the cause of various pathologies, including obesity.
Genetic variants: a six-fold increased risk of suffering from obesity
According to the results, genetic variants of the BSN gene, also known as Bassoon, can increase the risk of obesity sixfold. Researchers also observed that these variants are correlated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. “We have identified two genes whose variants have the most profound impact on obesity risk at a population level that we have ever seen, but the most important thing to clarify is that the Bassoon variation is linked to the “Adult obesity and not childhood obesity. These results therefore give us a new appreciation of the relationship between childhood obesity and adult obesity.”underlined Professor Giles Yeo, author of the study and researcher at the Medical Research Council (MRC) at the University of Cambridge.
Following these conclusions, those responsible for the work estimated that age-related neurodegeneration could impact appetite control. “These results provide another example of the ability of large-scale genetic studies in human populations to improve our understanding of the biological basis of disease. The genetic variants we identify in BSN confer some of the most important effects on obesity, type 2 diabetes and hepatic steatosis observed to date and highlight a new biological mechanism regulating appetite control”, said Professor John Perry, study author and MRC researcher at the University of Cambridge.
In the future, the team wants to expand their research to better understand the neural biology of obesity, which would help target potential treatments to combat this disorder in adulthood.
