In the study, published in Nature Communications, a group of Japanese scientists revealed that this single gene could affect body shape
It is well known that the increase and loss of body weight, as well as calorie intake, are determined by countless factors. Now, researchers atOsaka University have identified a gene that could serve as a master regulator of fat accumulation in a wide range of conditions. In the study, published on Nature Communications, Japanese scientists revealed that this single gene could affect body shape. Whether a person is thin or fat depends on a number of factors, from activity levels to food intake, illnesses, living environment and more. Family history clearly plays a role too, but the genetic basis of body weight is still poorly understood. “Fat is a unique tissue, regulated by different nutritional, hormonal and molecular factors,” he explained Jihoon Shin, lead author of the study. “However, one unified genetic basis for its regulation remains elusive,” Shin continued. To identify the genetic factors responsible for fat storage, the researchers analyzed gene expression data from the adipose tissue compared to other types of fabric.
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The results showed that HSP47, a molecular chaperonethat is, a functional class of protein families with the predominant function of preventing incorrect associations and aggregations of polypeptide chains unfolded in both physiological and stressful conditions, specific to collagen, is a significant determinant of body fat levels. “L’HSP47 is expressed at high levels in the adipose tissue and increases with obesity and food intake. In contrast, its expression level decreases with fasting, exercise, calorie restriction, bariatric surgery and wasting syndrome,” he said Iichiro Shimomura, senior author. “Furthermore, HSP47 expression is closely related to fat mass, body mass index, waist circumference and the circumference of the hips,” continued Shimomura. It is important to note that insulin, a hormone associated with fat storage or loss, increases HSP47 expression levels, while glucocorticoids levels decrease.
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Furthermore, a high or low expression of HSP47 has been linked to high or low levels of body fat. “The results of our study highlight the significant role that HSP47 plays in determining an individual’s amount of body fat under normal conditions and in response to various factors such as disease or changes in hormone levels,” Shin said. The identification of HSP47 as a key element influencing fat storage provides a clear genetic basis for overall body fat levels and energy utilization. Given the central role of HSP47 in this process, it is possible that alterations in this gene could create metabolic disorders.
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