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The genetics of human obesity
Qianghua Xia1, Struan F A Grant
1Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 31, 2013
Summary
Genetic factors contribute to obesity. While specific genes for monogenic obesity are identified, common obesity genetics remain largely unexplained, necessitating advanced research for future interventions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Obesity Research
- Human Physiology and Metabolism
Background:
- Obesity has a known genetic component, crucial for developing future interventions.
- Monogenic obesity gene identification has been successful using linkage analysis and mouse models.
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have advanced understanding of common obesity genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genetic architecture of obesity.
- To highlight the gap in explaining obesity heritability.
- To emphasize the need for new technologies and analytical approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic studies including linkage analysis, mouse models, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
- Analysis of current understanding of genetic loci associated with obesity.
- Discussion of the concept of 'missing heritability' in body mass index (BMI).
Main Results:
- Multiple genes identified for monogenic obesity.
- Numerous genetic loci associated with common obesity have been revealed by GWAS.
- A significant portion of body mass index (BMI) heritability remains unexplained.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances, the genetic underpinnings of common obesity are not fully understood.
- The 'missing heritability' requires novel analytical methods and technological innovation.
- Further research is essential to identify key causative genes for effective obesity intervention.
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