Genomics of body fat distribution

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Metabolic Health
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Central obesity, measured by waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratio (WHR), predicts cardio-metabolic risks independently of overall adiposity.
• Body fat distribution is significantly heritable (31-76%), with genetic predisposition to visceral fat storage increasing metabolic complication risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the genomic basis of body fat distribution.
• To highlight genetic factors influencing fat depot-specific patterns and sexual dimorphism in regulation.

Main Methods:

• Review of linkage and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for body fat distribution traits.
• Analysis of studies identifying genes with depot-specific expression (subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT] and visceral adipose tissue [VAT]).
• Examination of research on sexual dimorphism in the genetic regulation of body fat distribution.

Main Results:

• Numerous loci regulating body fat distribution have been identified through GWAS.
• Genes with SAT/VAT-specific expression patterns offer insights into fat regulation.
• GWAS identified over 100 loci, with more pronounced effects in females, suggesting sex-specific genetic architectures.

Conclusions:

• Genetic factors play a substantial role in determining body fat distribution.
• Understanding the genomic basis, including sex differences, is key for metabolic health.
• Validated GWAS findings across populations provide a foundation for future research.