MTCH2 in human white adipose tissue and obesity

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Metabolism
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous loci linked to obesity.
• The functional mechanisms of these obesity-associated loci remain largely uncharacterized.
• The MTCH2 gene (mitochondrial carrier homolog 2) is located near an obesity-associated single-nucleotide polymorphism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of genes within obesity-associated loci in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) concerning obesity.
• To conduct a detailed expression analysis of MTCH2 in adipose tissue.

Main Methods:

• Microarray analysis of 66 genes from 40 loci in scWAT from lean and obese women.
• Quantitative RT-PCR to measure MTCH2 mRNA in various adipose tissue samples and adipocyte cultures from lean and obese individuals, with and without weight loss.
• Analysis of MTCH2 genotypes in relation to mRNA expression.
• Western blot analysis to assess MTCH2 protein levels in scWAT.

Main Results:

• Eight genes showed significant association with obesity in adipose tissue; MTCH2 had the highest signal.
• MTCH2 mRNA and protein expression were elevated in obese women.
• MTCH2 expression increased during adipocyte differentiation and was enriched in isolated fat cells.
• Weight loss did not alter MTCH2 expression levels.
• No cis-regulatory effect of MTCH2 genotypes on its mRNA levels was observed.

Conclusions:

• MTCH2 exhibits high expression in human white adipose tissue and adipocytes.
• Elevated MTCH2 levels in obese women indicate a potential role in obesity pathogenesis.
• MTCH2 may be involved in cellular processes contributing to obesity.