Many believe obesity is attributed to simply
the overconsumption of unhealthy foods and lack of exercise. However, a recent
study done by the Research Triangle, at Duke University, shows there may be a
gene contributing to those who are obese, predetermining weight gain, in
humans. The gene is called Ankyrin-B, and it is carried by millions of
Americans.
Originally
discovered by Dr. Vann Bennet, more than thirty years ago, was recently
reopened for research, by an MD/PhD student, Jane Healey. She created an
experiment, using mice carrying variants of the Ankyrin-B gene. It was found
that the mice carrying the gene stored their calories in their fat tissue,
instead of using it, as a form of energy; using fat as a source of energy is
what those not carrying the gene do. Even with regular exercise and a healthy
diet, the mice’s gained weight, with their fat cells doubling in size.
This
experiment showed that the abnormal accumulation of fat in the mice’s tissues
were a marker for type II diabetes. By eliminating the Ankyrin-B gene, glucose
could normally flow into cells, without storing it in tissues. In the future,
this study can be used to predetermine those at risk for type II Diabetes and
those at risk to gain weight. Additionally, this study shows that some
individuals are just prone to gaining weight. Some people may have a difficult
time losing weight, because they may be carrying a gene they did not know they
had.
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This is study is really interesting. Thinking about obesity on a genetics level could completely change the way people view this issue. By locating a potential gene that exposes one to be more prone to obesity and diabetes may lead into additional studies on how to treat them. Is one ethnicity more prone to obesity than another? This is just one of the many questions that could potentially answered based off of this study.
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