NatCom: 5 new genes linked to obesity discovered

Researchers at the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) have identified 13 genes associated with obesity, five of which had never previously been linked to the disease. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications (NatCom).

Obesity is recognized as a global epidemic affecting millions of people. It increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some other serious illnesses. Although lifestyle plays a significant role inn this regard, genetic research shows that certain mutations can substantially increase the risk of developing this condition.

For their respective analysis, the aforesaid researchers used data from the UK Biobank, which includes information on more than 450,000 individuals, and the US National Institutes of Health’s All of Us program, which involved about 385,000 volunteers. The sample included individuals of African, American, East Asian, European, Middle Eastern, and South Asian ancestry.

The researchers focused on rare mutations that disrupt gene function—mutations that most often have the largest impact on disease development. The analysis revealed 13 genes associated with body mass index. Eight of them—including MC4R and BSN—were previously known, while five—YLPM1, RIF1, GIGYF1, SLC5A3, and GRM7—were newly identified. These mutations roughly tripled the risk of severe obesity.

The study showed as well that some of the identified genes are linked not only to obesity but also to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. Statistical analysis indicated that some genes directly increase the risk of these diseases, while others do so indirectly through weight gain.

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