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Identification of ALK in Thinness.
Michael Orthofer1, Armand Valsesia2, Reedik Mägi3
1IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1030, Austria.
Cell
|May 23, 2020
Summary
Researchers identified anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) as a key gene contributing to thinness. This gene plays a role in regulating body weight and resisting obesity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Metabolism
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Individual susceptibility to weight gain varies significantly.
- Obesity research often focuses on genetic predispositions to weight gain, overlooking factors contributing to thinness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes associated with maintaining a healthy thin physique.
- To investigate the role of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in regulating body weight and preventing obesity.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a metabolically healthy thin Estonian cohort.
- Gene knockdown studies in Drosophila and gene deletion studies in mice.
- Investigation of ALK's role in hypothalamic neurons and sympathetic nervous system control of adipose tissue.
Main Results:
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was identified as a candidate gene for thinness.
- Knockdown of Alk in Drosophila reduced triglyceride levels.
- Genetic deletion of Alk in mice resulted in thinness and resistance to diet- and leptin-mutation-induced obesity.
- ALK in hypothalamic neurons regulates energy expenditure through sympathetic control of adipose tissue lipolysis.
Conclusions:
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a significant factor in maintaining a healthy thin body weight.
- ALK functions in the hypothalamus to control energy expenditure and lipolysis, conferring resistance to weight gain.
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