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Genetics of the ghrelin system.
Maria Gueorguiev1, Márta Korbonits
1Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
Endocrine Development
|May 9, 2013
Summary
Genetic variants in the ghrelin system influence appetite, body weight, and potentially cancer and immune diseases. Rare genetic changes may significantly impact disease risk in individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Ghrelin, initially identified as a growth hormone secretagogue, is now recognized for its crucial role in appetite and body weight regulation.
- The ghrelin-ghrelin receptor axis is implicated in various physiological processes, including stature, metabolism, and eating behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current data on the genetics of the ghrelin axis in humans.
- To explore the association of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) genetic variants with diverse health conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating ghrelin axis genetics.
- Analysis of data linking genetic variants to stature, appetite, body weight, glucose metabolism, eating disorders, cancer, immune diseases, and addictive behaviors.
Main Results:
- Common genetic variants in the ghrelin axis generally show modest or no significant effects on the studied parameters.
- Rare sequence alterations in the ghrelin axis may be associated with disease development in specific individuals.
- Emerging evidence suggests a role for ghrelin and GHSR genetic variants in cancer, immune diseases, and addictive behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The genetic influence of the ghrelin axis on common traits appears limited for common variants.
- Rare genetic variations may hold greater significance for disease predisposition within the ghrelin system.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex genetic underpinnings of the ghrelin axis and its health implications.
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