Big eaters who remain slim due to missing gene
Scientists at MRC CRH have found that a missing gene may be the secret of men with an unrestrained appetite who avoid gaining weight.
This article was first published on 21 February, 2018
Niki Gray and her team have discovered that male mice who lack the specific gene can feed on high-calories food without gaining weight and suffering health consequences. Normal mice on the same diet became obese, which affected their liver and put them at risk of health concerns such as diabetes.
The CRH scientists have now launched a study – funded by BBSRC – to investigate the gene in the hope of creating a treatment that can manipulate the pathways which influence diet induced obesity.
