A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science has uncovered a striking genetic link between labradors and humans that could explain tendencies towards obesity. Researchers from the University of Cambridge, led by Dr. Eleanor Raffan, have identified a gene, DENND1B, that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and body weight. This discovery, made through examining the genetics of 250 labradors, reveals a powerful biological connection that could inform future weight management strategies for both dogs and humans.
Dr. Raffan and her team found that the DENND1B gene is associated with higher body mass in labradors and, intriguingly, in humans as well. Prior to this study, no one suspected that this gene had any correlation with obesity. The research highlights how certain individuals are genetically predisposed to weight gain due to an increased responsiveness to food and their appetite.
"It's about the fact that some people are prone to weight gain because they have a genetic risk which increases their responsiveness to food and their appetite." – Dr. Eleanor Raffan
The research has gained significant attention for its novel approach of studying canine genetics to uncover human obesity pathways. Alyce McClellan, another member of the research team, emphasized the significance of brain pathways in controlling hunger and body weight.
"the importance of fundamental brain pathways in controlling appetite and body weight" – Alyce McClellan
Interestingly, weight loss drugs like Ozempic target similar biological processes related to appetite and body weight, yet the researchers identified a different pathway through their study. This new understanding could lead to innovative treatments for obesity.
"By studying dogs, we've honed in on some interesting new biology here." – Dr. Eleanor Raffan
The study's findings underscore the importance of genetic factors in obesity risk. Dr. Raffan explained how genetic predisposition can alter an individual's tendency to gain weight by influencing how hungry they feel and how much energy they expend.
"It alters the predisposition to weight gain because it's tweaking a system that is involved in regulating how hungry we feel and how much energy we burn off." – Dr. Eleanor Raffan
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