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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
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Segmentation and Measurement of Fat Volumes in Murine Obesity Models Using X-ray Computed Tomography
Published on: April 4, 2012
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Obesity genetics in mouse and human: back and forth, and back again
Fereshteh T Yazdi1, Susanne M Clee2, David Meyre3
1Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University , Hamilton, ON , Canada.
Peerj
|April 1, 2015
Summary
Understanding obesity genetics is crucial for developing effective treatments. Mouse models and human genetic studies are accelerating the identification of obesity-causing genes and pathways to combat the global epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Obesity is a complex public health issue driven by gene-environment interactions.
- Current obesity management strategies show moderate effectiveness, necessitating deeper etiological understanding.
- Mouse models offer valuable genetic tools for studying obesity due to their defined genomes and manipulation capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review innovative strategies for identifying obesity-causative genes.
- To deepen the understanding of obesity etiology through integrated genetic approaches.
- To highlight the role of mouse models in obesity research.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging mouse models with complete genome sequences and genetic manipulation tools.
- Analyzing human genome-wide association studies for polygenic obesity traits.
- Integrating mouse and human genetic data to identify candidate genes.
Main Results:
- Established the importance of the leptin-melanocortin pathway in monogenic obesity.
- Identified 119 common gene variants associated with polygenic obesity traits in humans.
- Illuminated novel biological pathways and candidate genes through integrated approaches.
Conclusions:
- Mouse-human genetic collaborations are vital for pinpointing obesity genes.
- Advanced strategies are accelerating gene discovery for obesity.
- A comprehensive understanding of molecular obesity roots is key to addressing the worldwide epidemic.
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