African genomic variant associated with obesity

An international team of scientists have identified a genomic variant which predisposes Africans and African-Americans to obesity. Many genomic studies thus far have focused on Europeans, whilst across the USA, African-Americans have the highest age-adjusted rates for obesity. The researchers used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to investigate this, as well as the genomic effects in continental Africans. A GWAS compares the genomes of people with a health condition to those that do not. In this study, the gene semaphorin-4D (SEMA4D) was identified, which is absent in both Europeans and Asians.

Due to the dearth in research in people of African descent, this study has been recognised as one of the first to perform a GWAS for this particular issue. The findings may also help to explain how the African environment can influence specific genes in the context of obesity risk. The authors hope to replicate their findings in larger populations and use animal models to further assess the effect of SEMA4D.