The most important gene causing obesity has been identified

Geneticists at the University of Chicago (USA) announced on March 12 that they have identified the most important gene causing obesity, opening up hope of developing a drug to treat this dangerous and growing disease.

In a study published in the journal Nature, scientists said mice lacking a gene called IRX3 weighed nearly a third less than other mice carrying the gene.

Illustration photo. (Source: fandbnews.com)

Meanwhile, in humans there is also a gene with a similar function, which partly explains why some people tend to be more obese than others.

Previous studies have suggested that the FTO gene is the main culprit in obesity after scientists discovered a fairly clear link between variations in the gene and excess body fat in humans. However, no studies have shown that these variations actually change the function of the FTO gene.

To find the answer, the team of experts, led by scientist Marcelo Nobrega, conducted experiments on mouse and zebrafish embryos, adult mouse brains, and human body cells, including brain cells. The results showed that instead of affecting the FTO gene, the variations in this gene caused a reaction in a completely different gene, IRX3.

Specifically, these variants lead to excess production of the IRX3 protein in the brain, potentially affecting the hunger-controlling brain region that controls metabolism and appetite.

In addition, the team of experts also analyzed the bodies of mice without the IRX3 gene. These mice were less obese and diabetic, burned more energy and were about 30% lighter than mice with the IRX3 gene, even though they had similar diets and activities.

Based on the research results, Mr. Nobrega determined that the IRX3 gene regulates metabolism in the body, a discovery that could solve the "mystery" that has caused experts to fail in researching the genetic genes that cause obesity.

Obesity and its complications such as diabetes have become a growing concern in many developed countries. Diets high in fat and sugar, lack of exercise and genetics are all thought to be contributing factors.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of obese people has nearly doubled globally from 1980 to 2008. The United Nations health agency said that at least 2.8 million adults die each year due to being overweight or obese./.

According to VNA