A new study from the University of Delaware explores the genetic factors contributing to obesity, a growing health concern affecting millions of Americans. By examining gene expression in adipose tissue of animal models, researchers identified key differences between subcutaneous and visceral fat, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to mitigate obesity-related health risks.
A new study from the University of Delaware is shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of obesity, a condition that affects a significant portion of the American population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 40% of Americans are obese, increasing their risk for various health complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Traditionally viewed as mere fat storage, adipose tissue, the body's fat, is now recognized as a crucial endocrine organ. Dysfunction in this tissue is strongly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Principal investigator Ibra Fancher, an assistant professor of kinesiology and applied physiology at UD's College of Health Sciences, led a research team that investigated how diet impacts gene expression in adipose tissue using an animal model. One group of animals consumed a diet resembling a typical Western diet, characterized by high fat and high calories, while the other group ate a standard chow for over a year. The results, published in Physiological Genomics, revealed significant differences in gene expression between the two groups. The study, funded by a National Institutes of Health grant to UD's Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Cardiovascular Health, found that over 300 genes were differentially expressed in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), a less harmful form of fat. Conversely, nearly 700 genes were differentially expressed in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), the fat surrounding vital organs. VAT, known to elevate the risk for serious health issues, showed a more pronounced response to the high-fat diet. Fancher emphasized the stark contrast between VAT and SAT, highlighting that the expansion of visceral fat, coupled with its inflammatory role in obesity and metabolic diseases, is particularly concerning. The research underscores the significant impact of obesity, often stemming from poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle, on specific adipose tissues. This finding suggests that targeting these tissues could be a valuable strategy for mitigating the health risks associated with obesity. Fancher's team identified four genes related to metabolism, calcium handling, and inflammation that warrant further investigation. These genes hold potential as therapeutic targets, either through existing medications or the development of new treatments specifically designed to influence their activity. The study's innovative approach involved collaboration with experts in sequencing, genotyping, bioinformatics, and data science. This multidisciplinary collaboration allowed for a comprehensive analysis of gene expression data, pinpointing obesity-related genes and pathways that differed between VAT and SAT. Malak Alradi, a doctoral student in molecular biology and genetics, played a crucial role in organizing the identified genes into pathways, providing a deeper understanding of their biological significance. Alradi's observations revealed the profound impact of obesity on VAT compared to SAT, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Stringent statistical methods further confirmed the key findings regarding adipose depots, including changes in metabolism and inflammation, bolstering confidence in the identified genes. Fancher plans to extend the research by investigating gene expression in human adipose tissue, paving the way for potential clinical applications
OBESITY GENETICS ADIPOSE TISSUE DIET RESEARCH UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
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