A study led by MRC researchers identified rare genetic variants in the genes BSN and APBA1 that significantly increase the risk of adult-onset obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. These genes are not involved in the usual pathways associated with childhood obesity. The findings suggest a new biological mechanism for obesity related to age-related neurodegeneration affecting appetite control. Large-scale databases like UK Biobank helped uncover these variants, leading to potential new drug targets for obesity treatment. Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for accelerating research in understanding disease biology and improving patient outcomes. Further research will explore the neural biology of obesity and its genetic underpinnings.
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Study identifies genetic variants with profound impact on obesity risk
