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Gene 'controls body fat levels'
Scales
A single gene can keep in check the tendency to pile on fat, scientists have shown.
Last Updated: Tuesday, 4 September 2007, 23:54 GMT 00:54 UK
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Gene 'controls body fat levels'
Scales
Obesity may be at least partly in the genes
A single gene can keep in check the tendency to pile on fat, scientists have shown.
The University of Texas team manipulated the gene, called adipose, to alter the amount of fat tissue laid down by fruit flies, worms and mice.
If the same effect could be achieved in humans, which also carry the gene, it is hoped it could lead to new ways to fight obesity and diabetes.
Health impact
Mice with experimentally increased adipose activity ate as much or more than normal mice.
However, they were leaner, had diabetes-resistant fat cells, and were better able to control insulin and blood-sugar metabolism.
In contrast, animals with reduced adipose activity were fatter and less healthy, and had diabetes.