Identifying a Gene Linked to Obesity
Author Information
Author(s): Jiao Hong, Peter Arner, Johan Hoffstedt, David Brodin, Beatrice Dubern, Sébastien Czernichow, Ferdinand van't Hooft, Tomas Axelsson, Oluf Pedersen, Torben Hansen, Thorkild IA Sørensen, Johannes Hebebrand, Juha Kere, Karin Dahlman-Wright, Anders Hamsten, Karine Clement, Ingrid Dahlman
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify additional genes associated with obesity through genome-wide association analysis.
Conclusion
The study identified KCNMA1 as a new susceptibility locus for obesity and confirmed the association of the BDNF locus.
Supporting Evidence
- KCNMA1 rs2116830*G was associated with obesity in five of six investigated cohorts.
- Meta-analysis showed genome-wide significant allelic association with obesity for KCNMA1.
- Adipose tissue expression of KCNMA1 was increased in obesity.
Takeaway
Researchers found a new gene that may make people more likely to be obese, and they confirmed another gene that was already known to be linked to obesity.
Methodology
The study performed a genome-wide association analysis in morbidly obese subjects and followed up with multiple cohorts to validate findings.
Potential Biases
The gender ratio differed widely between samples, which could confound results.
Limitations
The study's sample size was limited, and the results may not apply to all obese populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants included morbidly obese individuals and lean controls, primarily of Scandinavian descent.
Statistical Information
P-Value
2.82 × 10-10
Confidence Interval
[95% C.I. 1.12-1.41]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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