Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Zebrafish Used to Study Fat Storage Gene
A study involving zebrafish has led to discoveries in understanding certain components of fat storage in relation to humans. The gene, Plexin-D1, plays an important role in controlling the shape of fat cells and their method of storage. Earlier studies hypothesized this gene’s involvement with fat storage, but were unable to determine the exact mechanism behind how it was capable of working.
A team of researchers at Duke University in North Carolina first examined the Plexin-D1 gene in mice, but the project came to a halt when all the mice lacking the gene died. The team was able to continue the experiment using zebrafish, with the added advantage of the zebrafish being partially transparent. This allowed the researchers to visually study fat distribution. Some zebrafish were genetically engineered to lack the Plexin-D1 gene. These genetically modified fish had less overall visceral fat and smaller fat cells than the control group, fish with the Plexin-D1 gene. These fish also did not exhibit insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes consistent with a diet high in fat.
This research identified a new molecular pathway that affects metabolic health by determining how fat is stored in the body. Researchers believe this gene is responsible for building blood vessels and setting up structures to house fat cells. Now researchers may be able to farther study this pathway to address these concerns in humans as potential targets for the build-up of visceral fat. Though many genes play a role in metabolism and body type, analysis of the Plexin-D1 gene will play an integral part in determining methods of fat accumulation in humans.
Labels:
fat cells,
Fat Metabolism,
Fat Storage,
plexin D-1,
Zebrafish
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depending on how exactly this gene plays a role in human metabolism, this research could potentially do a lot in terms of medical advancement. Severe, medically determined, obesity has a terrible and vast impact on the health of, primarily, Americans, but really developed countries all over the world. While some aspect of obesity does lay in portion control and healthy living, there is also genetic susceptibility to obesity. If this type of research could be used in human subjects to assist in managing metabolism and fat accumulation. And, as the article and student point out, the manipulation of this gene also resulted in a lack of insulin resistance. This may help those who are predisposed for diabetes, or even possibly those who are already suffering from diabetes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Heather and believe that further research on this gene can vastly improve medical advancement across the globe. This will be especially helpful in America, which is known for having the highest obesity rates across the world. By manipulating the gene it may help to lower fat accumulation levels and promote a greater level of health in individuals.
ReplyDeleteWith this huge modern epidemic of obesity and weight related health issues, science has the tools to look for alternative solutions. Heather, I agree completely with your statement on diabetes. Generating an analysis to determine a genetic predisposition to diabetes by examining this gene could enable doctors and individuals to find preventative measures or be on the lookout for early signs of the disease.
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