As obesity continues to be the leading cause of deaths world-wide, researchers are working to understand what role genetics play in a person's predisposition for obesity. New research is shedding light on the fact that while exercise and diet are important, sometimes there are underlying genetic factors at play.
A new study from Western University showed that regardless of diet, a protein called Pannexin 1 (Panx1) significantly regulates the accumulation of fat in mice. Panx1 is a glycoprotein involved in cell signalling which plays an important role in early development.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that a deletion of the Panx1 gene in the early stages of development of mouse fat cells increases the amount of fat accumulated, leading to a higher risk for obesity later in life. The study also demonstrated that the absence of the glycoprotein led to increases in insulin and blood glucose levels, increasing the propensity for Type 2 Diabetes.
"What this tells us is that if you have this deletion in mice or loss-of-function mutation in humans that makes Panx1 work improperly, then you might be prone to accumulate more fat," said Silvia Penuela, PhD, assistant professor at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and lead author on the study. "This is the first study to show a link between Panx1 and fat accumulation."
The study used mouse models which were missing the gene for Panx1. Mice fed both normal and high-fat diets had significantly greater total fat mass compared to mice with the gene for Panx1. The research team which includes Lauren Flynn, PhD, and Rob Gros, PhD, also from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, explained that fat accumulation can result from hyperplasia, which refers to an increase in the number of fat cells, as well as hypertrophy, which refers to excessive growth of the individual fat cells.
"When the mice don't have Panx1, there is more hypertrophy – so their fat cells are much larger and accumulate more fat," Penuela said. "The next step in our research is to look at the levels of expression of Panx1 in human fat cells, and examine the presence of potential mutations in the Panx1 gene in samples taken from patients that suffer from obesity in comparison to donors with a healthy body weight. In the very early days of this research, we are already starting to show a connection."
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MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, [email protected] @CrystalMackay
ABOUT WESTERN
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada's preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
Media Contact
Crystal Mackay
[email protected]
519-661-2111 x80387
@mediawesternu
http://www.uwo.ca
https://mediarelations.uwo.ca/2018/11/05/researchers-uncover-new-gene-regulates-fat-accumulation-obesity/
Related Journal Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-34234-9
