Key Genes Identified for Potential Obesity Treatment

Researchers at the University of Delaware have uncovered critical genes that could revolutionize obesity treatment, SciTech Daily reported. Their study, published in Physiological Genomics, reveals significant differences in gene expression between harmful visceral fat and less harmful subcutaneous fat. Led by assistant professor Ibra Fancher, the research highlights that over 30 million Americans are obese, increasing their risk of various health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.

Using an animal model, the team found that nearly 700 genes were differentially expressed in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) compared to over 300 in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). This distinction underscores the inflammatory role of visceral fat in obesity-related diseases.

The researchers identified four specific genes linked to metabolism and inflammation that may serve as targets for new treatments. Fancher plans to explore gene expression in human fat tissue in collaboration with Dr. Caitlin Halbert of ChristianaCare, aiming to validate their findings and investigate potential sex differences.