Genes identified that burn more calories

A new study has identified a pathway in muscle tissue that increases the rate at which we burn calories. The study is one of the first to actively look at the relationship between genetic variants and energy expenditure. Dr Paolo Piaggi, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, one of the authors of the study, explained that as obesity research continues, the area of genetic traits must be further explored to identify potential causes of, and treatments for, the disease.

Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken from 219 healthy donors and weight change was measured over 7 years. The researchers found that the expression of the THNSL2 gene in skeletal muscle had the strongest association with low energy expenditure and weight gain. They also found that the production of a cytokine (a type of chemical signaller) was heavily involved with energy expenditure. This has helped further research into the inflammatory process that underpins obesity. Overall, the research helps to further our understanding about how two people with similar diets may vary in weight, this study extends current research covering genetic traits and obesity, and even identifies a potential target for a treatment in THNSL2