SCIENTISTS DISCOVER MITOCHONDRIA’S ROLE IN WEIGHT LOSS

Thu 27 June 2024:

Researchers in China have identified a gene that could increase resistance to obesity, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind this global health issue.

Obesity is linked to serious health conditions like cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. While diet and lifestyle are crucial factors, a study led by Professor Jin Li and Associate Professor Zheng Hongxiang from Fudan University highlights genetics’ role in obesity.

The team analyzed 2,877 samples from populations in Guangxi, Jiangsu, and Henan, publishing their findings in the Journal of Genetics and Genomics.

Genetics and Obesity: The Connection

The study identified a type of mitochondrial DNA common in southern China and Southeast Asia that seems to protect against obesity. Mitochondria, known as the cell’s powerhouses, generate most of the energy needed for human behaviors. Mitochondrial DNA, inherited only from the mother, is more prone to mutations than nuclear DNA.

Jin’s team analyzed 16 basal mitochondrial DNA haplogroups and found that the M7 variant group was consistently associated with a reduced risk of obesity. The M7b1a1 subgroup was identified as the most likely source of this protection.

A 2019 study by Professor Kong Qingpeng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences noted that M7b1a1 is primarily found in southern China and mainland Southeast Asia, particularly among southern Han Chinese individuals.

Jin suggested that reduced mitochondrial function might explain the lower obesity risk associated with M7b1a1, as it leads to less energy conservation and more heat production, resulting in less weight gain.

“Our findings offer new insights into the genetic basis of obesity-related traits, enhancing our understanding of how genetics can influence body fat distribution and obesity risk,” Jin concluded.