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A groundbreaking study from the University of Delaware has shed light on how diet influences gene expression in fat tissue, offering new insights into obesity and its related health risks. With obesity affecting nearly 40% of Americans, the research aims to better understand the genetic mechanisms at play in fat tissue, which could lead to targeted treatments.
The Role of Adipose Tissue
Principal investigator Ibra Fancher, an assistant professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in UD’s College of Health Sciences, led the study published in Physiological Genomics. Traditionally viewed as a simple fat reservoir, adipose tissue is now recognized as a vital endocrine organ linked to various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
The research team examined how diet affects gene expression in adipose tissue using an animal model. One group of subjects was fed a high-fat, high-caloric Western diet, while the other consumed a standard chow diet for over a year. The study revealed significant differences in fat tissue between the two groups, with notable gene expression changes in those fed the high-fat diet.
Key Findings
Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study discovered over 300 differentially expressed genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and nearly 700 in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). VAT, which surrounds vital organs, is particularly linked to severe health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
“The comparison between VAT and SAT is striking,” Fancher explained. “VAT expansion, along with its inflammatory role in obesity and metabolic diseases, highlights the serious impact of poor diet and obesity. This makes adipose tissue an important target for medical interventions.”
Researchers also identified four key genes involved in metabolism, calcium regulation, and inflammation that warrant further study. “We are investigating whether these genes could be targeted with existing drugs or inspire new treatments to improve fat tissue function in obesity,” Fancher said.
Cutting-Edge Research Approach
The study was a collaborative effort involving Bruce Kingham, director of UD’s Sequencing and Genotyping Center, and Shawn Polson, director of the Bioinformatics Data Science Core. Their advanced RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses helped pinpoint obesity-related genes and pathways.
Doctoral student Malak Alradi, who played a key role in the study, expressed surprise at the stark differences between VAT and SAT. “I initially thought fat was uniform throughout the body, but our RNA sequencing revealed that VAT is far more affected by obesity,” she said.
Stringent statistical methods reinforced the study’s findings, confirming significant changes in metabolism and inflammation in different fat depots. “This strengthens our confidence in the genes we identified and underscores the novelty of our findings,” Fancher noted.
Future Directions
Fancher’s next steps include expanding the study to human adipose tissue samples in collaboration with Dr. Caitlin Halbert, director of bariatric surgery at ChristianaCare. Researchers will assess whether the observed gene expression changes apply to human obesity.
The study may also explore potential sex differences in obesity-related gene expression. “Obesity affects men and women differently, so recognizing these differences is crucial for developing personalized treatments,” Fancher added.
This research represents a significant advancement in understanding obesity at the genetic level, paving the way for more effective interventions to combat this widespread health issue.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to their diet or health regimen.
