A previously unknown genetic syndrome associated with obesity is described
Copper news
A group of scientists from the University of Manchester (University of Manchester) described a rare genetic syndrome they found in six families. Patients suffering from this disease develop obesity and have mental and behavioral problems. Siddharth Banka and his colleagues found out that the disease is associated with a deletion on the sixth chromosome. In carriers of this mutation, the hypothalamus is affected.
The researchers conducted a series of experiments on danio-rerio fish, which are a popular object of genetic research. They found out that deletion on the sixth chromosome causes changes in the work of the hypothalamus cells producing oxytocin.
Scientists believe that now they will be able to explain from a genetic point of view why it is difficult for many obese people to control their appetite, as well as the fact that they often suffer from mood swings. The researchers also believe that by understanding the mechanism of the disease, they will be able to develop a therapy for patients suffering from this syndrome.
The article Kasher et al. Small 6q16.1 Deletions Encompassing POU3F2 Cause Susceptibility to Obesity and Variable Developmental Delay with Intellectual Disability is published in The American Journal of Human Genetics; a short message New syndrome which causes obesity and intellectual disability identified can be read on the website of the University – VM.
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04.02.2015