Researchers Discover Fat Gene

A critical gene responsible for fat cell development has been discovered by two separate research groups, one from Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA, USA) and one from Sangamo Biosciences (Richmond, CA, USA). The research was published in the January 1, 2002, issue of Genes & Development.

The researchers determined that the gene that encodes the PPARgamma protein is responsible for fat cell development. PPARgamma is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates gene expression in response to extra-cellular signals. This determination provides a molecular target for drugs to treat obesity. The researchers created cells lacking PPARgamma and demonstrated that previously identified components of the adipogenic cascade were unable to induce adipogenesis in the absence of PPARgamma. This suggests that PPARgamma is the critical gene in the fat differentiation pathway.

The team from Sangamo Biosciences also identified exactly which form of PPARgamma is responsible for fat cell development. This was done by selectively expressing either gamma1 or gamma 2 in cells that lacked both isoforms. The results showed that PPARgamma2 is singularly responsible for adipogenesis.




Related Links:
Harvard Medical School
Sangamo Biosciences