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Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against childhood obesity.
Published today in the esteemed journal Cell Genomics, the study sheds light on a causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity, marking a significant leap forward in understanding the complex interplay between genetics and this prevalent health issue.
Childhood obesity has become a pressing global concern, with both environmental and genetic factors contributing to its rise. Previous research has highlighted the role of neuronal pathways in the hypothalamus—a region of the brain responsible for regulating appetite and metabolism—in influencing obesity. However, the specific genetic mechanisms underlying childhood obesity have remained elusive.
Led by first study author Dr. Sheridan H. Littleton, a postdoctoral research associate at CHOP, the team focused their efforts on chr12q13, a genetic locus housing the FAIM2 gene. What they found was remarkable: a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), dubbed rs7132908, at this locus exhibited a significantly stronger association with childhood obesity compared to adult obesity.
“This discovery represents a major breakthrough in our understanding of childhood obesity,” Dr. Littleton explained. “By honing in on this specific genetic variant, we’ve uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle that could pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.”
The implications of this finding extend beyond childhood obesity alone. The locus in question has been linked to a range of related health issues, including heightened susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and increased body fat percentage across age groups.
To delve deeper into the functional implications of the rs7132908 variant, the researchers turned to cutting-edge techniques, including the use of stem cells that differentiate into hypothalamic neurons—a key player in eating behavior. Their findings revealed that the variant influenced the expression of the FAIM2 gene and impacted neurodevelopment, shedding new light on the intricate molecular pathways involved in childhood obesity.
Dr. Struan F.A. Grant, Director of the Center for Spatial and Functional Genomics at CHOP, emphasized the significance of the study’s findings. “This work underscores the pivotal role of the brain in the genetics of obesity and opens up new avenues for further exploration,” Dr. Grant remarked. “It highlights the importance of rigorous research efforts in uncovering the underlying genetic factors contributing to childhood and adult illnesses alike.”
The study was made possible through support from various grants, including those from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
As the global battle against childhood obesity continues, this groundbreaking research offers hope for targeted interventions and a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of this pervasive health issue.
