Possible "Obesity Gene" Discovered
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Many people have been heard blaming their obesity on their bad genes and the family history of being obese. For what is is worth, it might be entirely true. Scientists have discovered a possible gene that is the reason for the hereditary nature of obesity.
The gene encodes a protein responsible for production and growth of fat cells, showed the findings that point the way to a possible drug therapy for obesity.
"People gain fat in two ways - through the multiplication of their fat cells, and through the expansion of individual fat cells," explained one of the researchers Gareth Lim from University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
"This protein affects both the number of cells and how big they are, by playing a role in the growth cycle of these cells," Lim noted.
The gene, which encodes the protein 14-3-3zeta, is found in every cell of the body.
The gene encodes a protein responsible for production and growth of fat cells, showed the findings that point the way to a possible drug therapy for obesity.
"People gain fat in two ways - through the multiplication of their fat cells, and through the expansion of individual fat cells," explained one of the researchers Gareth Lim from University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
"This protein affects both the number of cells and how big they are, by playing a role in the growth cycle of these cells," Lim noted.
The gene, which encodes the protein 14-3-3zeta, is found in every cell of the body.
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