Modern society has influenced every facet of our lives and in the case of attaining an ‘ideal’ body image, we have constantly strived towards a thin outlook. This in itself poses the question, “Why are some people so thin, whereas others are not?” The answer may lie in genetics and similarly, a single gene might control whether or not individuals tend to pile on fat (analogous to the gene linked with obesity). Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas have discovered this so-called ‘Skinny gene’, that may provide new ways to fight obesity and diabetes.
“People who want to fit into their jeans might someday be able to overcome their genes” – Joanathan Graff, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
The ‘Skinny gene’ has been identified as adipose, a gene discovered in fat fruit flies over 50 years ago by a graduate student at Yale; however its function and mechanism was previously unknown until just recently. The label ‘Skinny gene’ can be attributed to how adipose works, by analyzing and manipulating the gene’s function on and off during different stages of development as well as various body parts. Similar to a volume control (high and low) the gene adipose, which is present in humans, was observed experimentally in fruit flies, worms and mice; results confirming that it is indeed responsible for a dual function – the accumulating fat or burning fat.
From an evolutionary perspective such genetic variations are important towards the survival of a species, forming the basis of natural selection and adaptation. Yet the specificity of genes can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. Joanathan Graff explains “In times of plenty, these super skinny, sleek and fast flies can easily get away from predators…but in times of shortage, they don’t make it.” (UT) However such a recent discovery would inevitably require extensive research, development and testing before any real human applications are viable… decades away.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2753_136/ai_n24258928
“People who want to fit into their jeans might someday be able to overcome their genes” – Joanathan Graff, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
The ‘Skinny gene’ has been identified as adipose, a gene discovered in fat fruit flies over 50 years ago by a graduate student at Yale; however its function and mechanism was previously unknown until just recently. The label ‘Skinny gene’ can be attributed to how adipose works, by analyzing and manipulating the gene’s function on and off during different stages of development as well as various body parts. Similar to a volume control (high and low) the gene adipose, which is present in humans, was observed experimentally in fruit flies, worms and mice; results confirming that it is indeed responsible for a dual function – the accumulating fat or burning fat.
From an evolutionary perspective such genetic variations are important towards the survival of a species, forming the basis of natural selection and adaptation. Yet the specificity of genes can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. Joanathan Graff explains “In times of plenty, these super skinny, sleek and fast flies can easily get away from predators…but in times of shortage, they don’t make it.” (UT) However such a recent discovery would inevitably require extensive research, development and testing before any real human applications are viable… decades away.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_2753_136/ai_n24258928
