Genetic Variants Linked to Obesity and Metabolite Levels
Author Information
Author(s): Harismendy Olivier, Bansal Vikas, Bhatia Gaurav, Nakano Masakazu, Scott Michael, Wang Xiaoyun, Dib Colette, Turlotte Edouard, Sipe Jack C, Murray Sarah S, Deleuze Jean Francois, Bafna Vineet, Topol Eric J, Frazer Kelly A
Primary Institution: Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego
Hypothesis
Are rare and common regulatory variants in endocannabinoid metabolic genes associated with extreme obesity and metabolite levels?
Conclusion
The study identifies several genetic variants in the FAAH and MGLL genes that are associated with extreme obesity and suggests a regulatory role for these variants.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified 1,393 high-quality single nucleotide variants.
- Four intervals associated with BMI were found in the FAAH and MGLL genes.
- Most associated variants are located in regulatory elements rather than coding regions.
- Rare variants in the FAAH promoter are linked to increased levels of anandamide in obese individuals.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at genes related to fat metabolism in very obese and normal weight people to find genetic differences that might explain obesity.
Methodology
The study sequenced two gene intervals in 289 individuals at the extremes of the BMI distribution and performed association tests for variants with obesity.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of individuals from a specific cohort may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Limitations
The study's sample size may not be sufficient to replicate modest associations, and the focus on specific gene intervals may limit broader applicability.
Participant Demographics
289 individuals of European ancestry, aged 55 years or older, with extreme BMI values.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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