 |
|
Body weight influenced by thousands of genes
January 15, 2008Reporting in the online journal BMC Genetics, researchers from the Monell Center have for the first time attempted to count the number of genes that contribute to obesity and body weight.
The findings suggest that over 6,000 genes - about 25 percent of the genome - help determine an individual's body weight.
"Reports describing the discovery of a new 'obesity gene' have become common in the scientific literature and also the popular press," notes Monell behavioral geneticist Michael G. Tordoff, PhD, an author on the study.
"Our results suggest that each newly discovered gene is just one of the many thousands that influence body weight, so a quick fix to the obesity problem is unlikely."
To obtain an estimate of how many genes contribute to body weight, the Monell researchers surveyed the Jackson Laboratory Mouse Genome Database for information on body weights of knockout mouse strains.
Knockout mice have had a specific gene inactivated, or "knocked out." By studying how the knockout mice differ from normal mice, researchers obtain information about that gene's function and how it might contribute to disease. Mice can provide valuable information on human disease because they share many genes with humans.
The knockout approach is so useful that the inventors of the technology were awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Knockout mice are now standard tools in all mouse models of behavior and disease.
In 60% of strains, knocking out a gene produces mice that are nonviable; that is, the mouse cannot survive without the knocked out gene.
The Monell survey revealed that body weight was altered in over a third of the viable knockout stains; 31 percent weighed less than controls (indicating that the missing genes contribute to heavier body weight), while another 3 percent weighed more (contributing to lighter weight).
Extrapolating from the total number of genes in the mouse genome, this implies that over 6,000 genes could potentially contribute to the body weight of a mouse.
Tordoff comments, "It is interesting that there are 10 times more genes that increase body weight than decrease it, which might help explain why it is easier to gain weight than lose it."
Because body weight plays a role in many diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, the implications of the findings extend beyond studies of obesity and body weight. Gene knockouts reported to affect these diseases and others could potentially be due to a general effect to lower body weight.
The findings also hold clinical relevance, according to lead author Danielle R. Reed, PhD, a Monell geneticist. "Clinicians and other professionals concerned with the development of personalized medicine need to expand their ideas of genetics to recognize that many genes act together to determine disease susceptibility."
Monell Chemical Senses Center
"Our results suggest that each newly discovered gene is just one of the many thousands that influence body weight, so a quick fix to the obesity problem is unlikely."
To obtain an estimate of how many genes contribute to body weight, the Monell researchers surveyed the Jackson Laboratory Mouse Genome Database for information on body weights of knockout mouse strains.
Knockout mice have had a specific gene inactivated, or "knocked out." By studying how the knockout mice differ from normal mice, researchers obtain information about that gene's function and how it might contribute to disease. Mice can provide valuable information on human disease because they share many genes with humans.
The knockout approach is so useful that the inventors of the technology were awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Knockout mice are now standard tools in all mouse models of behavior and disease.
In 60% of strains, knocking out a gene produces mice that are nonviable; that is, the mouse cannot survive without the knocked out gene.
The Monell survey revealed that body weight was altered in over a third of the viable knockout stains; 31 percent weighed less than controls (indicating that the missing genes contribute to heavier body weight), while another 3 percent weighed more (contributing to lighter weight).
Extrapolating from the total number of genes in the mouse genome, this implies that over 6,000 genes could potentially contribute to the body weight of a mouse.
Tordoff comments, "It is interesting that there are 10 times more genes that increase body weight than decrease it, which might help explain why it is easier to gain weight than lose it."
Because body weight plays a role in many diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, the implications of the findings extend beyond studies of obesity and body weight. Gene knockouts reported to affect these diseases and others could potentially be due to a general effect to lower body weight.
The findings also hold clinical relevance, according to lead author Danielle R. Reed, PhD, a Monell geneticist. "Clinicians and other professionals concerned with the development of personalized medicine need to expand their ideas of genetics to recognize that many genes act together to determine disease susceptibility."
Monell Chemical Senses Center
Body Weight Current Events and Body Weight News RSSGenes influence effectiveness of weight-loss drug
Obese patients with a specific genetic make-up lose more weight when taking the weight loss drug sibutramine and undergoing behavioral therapy compared to those without this genetic make-up, reports a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.
Direct recording shows brain signal persists even in dreamless sleep
Neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have taken one of the first direct looks at one of the human brain's most fundamental "foundations": a brain signal that never switches off and may support many cognitive functions.
Researchers note differences between people and animals on calorie restriction
Calorie restriction, a diet that is low in calories and high in nutrition, may not be as effective at extending life in people as it is in rodents, according to scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Low sperm count may be associated with prenatal testosterone excess
Exposure to an excess of sexual steroids, like testosterone, during fetal development may be a potential risk factor for low sperm count and motility.
Calorie restriction does not appear to induce bone loss in overweight adults
Young adults who follow a diet that is low in calories but nutritionally sound for six months appear to lose weight and fat without significant bone loss.
People with type 2 diabetes can put fatty livers on a diet with moderate exercise
Weekly bouts of moderate aerobic exercise on a bike or treadmill, or a brisk walk, combined with some weightlifting, may cut down levels of fat in the liver by up to 40 percent in people with type 2 diabetes, a study by physical fitness experts at Johns Hopkins shows.
Dance to the music: Learning and exercising at YMCA can prevent diabetes
Community-based exercise organizations, such as the YMCA, are an effective tool in the fight against diabetes, according to a study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers in the October 2008 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
High levels of physical activity can blunt effect of obesity-related gene, study suggests
High levels of physical activity can help to counteract a gene that normally causes people to gain weight, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Community-based diabetes prevention program shows promise
With over 60 million Americans diagnosed with prediabetes, putting them at increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular events and other obesity-related ailments, finding ways to help large populations avoid these complications is an important initiative.
New once-a-week treatment for type 2 diabetes developed by Mount Sinai researcher
In a study published by the Lancet journal today, Toronto researcher Dr. Daniel Drucker reported that a new once-weekly treatment for type 2 diabetes could replace the more common twice-daily injection.
More Body Weight Current Events and Body Weight News Articles
 | Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture, and the Body, Tenth Anniversary Edition by Susan Bordo Revised edition with new preface and... |
 | When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies: Freeing Yourself from Food and Weight Obsession by Jane R. Hirschmann "Will empower all women to stop believing that our bodies are the problems, dieting the solution."--Harriet Lerner, Ph.D. Author of The Dance of AngerIn this revolutionary new book, bestselling authors Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann explore the myriad reasons why women cling to diets despite overwhelming evidence that diets don't work. In fact, diets turn us into compulsive eaters who are... |
 | Mind Over Body: The Key to Lasting Weight Loss Is All in Your Head by Nordine Zouareg The true secret to weight-loss success is all in your head.Nordine Zouareg has helped thousands of clients get healthier, be happier, and lose weight for good. And in the process, he's discovered something astounding: the mental work his clients do before they start their diet and exercise plan is actually just as (if not more) important than the plan itself.In Mind Over Body, Nordine describes... |
 | Weight Training Workouts and Diet Plan that Work by James Orvis Getting into shape is actually quite simple. Here is what you need to know! Eat wholesome, natural food 75% of the time. Eat 5-6 small meals each day. Drink water. Always eat breakfast. Have a protein shake 1-3x per day. Follow a proven weight training program. Do a little cardiovascular activity that you enjoy.TO LOSE FAT RIGHT NOW AND FAST - USE THE REVOLUTIONARY 5 DAY FAT MELTING... |
 | The pH Miracle for Weight Loss: Balance Your Body Chemistry, Achieve Your Ideal Weight by Robert O. Young, Shelley Redford Young DESCRIPTION: Weight loss is not about fat; it's about acid. So forget fat grams, cholesterol, carbs, and calories: reaching your ideal weight is simply a matter of maintaining the delicate pH balance of the blood. And with his 7-step diet and exercise plan, Dr. Young will help you change your shape and shed those pounds once and for all. How- ever many pounds you need to lose before you reach... |
 | Men's Health: The Book of Muscle--The World's Most Authoritative Guide to Building Your Body by Lou Schuler, Ian King The World's Most AUTHORITATIVE Guide to Building Your Body You probably know a lot about building muscle. You know which curl is the best for your biceps, you do every possible exercise for your abdominals, and your 20-set bench-press routine is the envy of everyone in the gym. So why haven't you gotten the results you want? This book has the answer. In fact, it probably answers every question... |
 | Weight Training for Cyclists: A Total Body Program for Power and Endurance by Ken Doyle, Eric Schmitz Since the publication of the first edition of the only cycling-specific weight training book on the market, time spent in the gym has become a standard part of every cyclist’s training schedule. This new edition, with updated material on core strength and nutrition, brings together the most current research on strength building and the most recent and effective equipment innovations. Authors... |
 | The Self-Hypnosis Diet: Use The Power Of Your Mind to Reach Your Perfect Weight by Steven Gurgevich, Joy Gurgevich Renowned hypnosis and health experts Steven and Joy Gurgevich reveal the most powerful tool available for sustainable weight loss--our subconscious minds. With The Self-Hypnosis Diet, readers can reach their perfect weight with proven, successful techniques designed to utilize and understand the subconscious mind-body connection. In this instructive book and companion CD of guided... |
 | Body Esteem: Weight Loss Through Self-Discovery (includes 2 Audio CDs) by Sherri Dawson Designed specifically for women, Body Esteem shows you the path to shedding pounds and developing radiant beauty. This workbook and 2 CD set guide you through a series of insightful exercises and proven techniques to achieve improvements in physical health, self-esteem, beauty and well-being. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rich guided audio journeys that easily and naturally move step-by-step... |
 | Provida Six Week Body Makeover Kit; Weight Loss Program by Michael Thurmond Michael Thurmond's Six Week Body Makeover kit DVD version from Provida. Here's what's in the kit: 1. Custom Eating Plan (several pages with a black binder to organize it all). 2. Infinite menu planner. 3. Dining out guide. 4. Makeover meals recipe cards. 5. Personalized 18-minute body scuplting program. 6. Body Sculpting Band. 7. DVD: Precision Body Sculpting. 8. CD: In Case of Emergency. 9. CD:... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |