Nearly 40% of Americans suffer from obesity, a condition that increases the risk of a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A groundbreaking study from the University of Delaware (UD) is working to address this growing issue by exploring obesity at the genetic level.
The research, led by Dr. Ibra Fancher, an assistant professor of kinesiology and applied physiology at UD’s College of Health Sciences, has uncovered significant differences in gene expression within adipose tissue—commonly known as fat. Historically viewed as a simple fat storage organ, adipose tissue is now recognized as a crucial endocrine organ. Dysfunction in this tissue is directly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
The study, published in Physiological Genomics, focuses on how diet affects gene expression in adipose tissue using an animal model. One group of subjects consumed a typical high-fat, high-calorie Western diet, while the other group followed a standard chow diet for over a year.
“We expected to see significant changes in fat, and indeed, the adipose tissue of the high-fat group showed dramatic alterations associated with poor diet and obesity,” Fancher said.
Key Findings
The study, funded by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to UD’s Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Cardiovascular Health, discovered that over 300 genes were differentially expressed in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), a less harmful form of fat. In contrast, nearly 700 genes were differentially expressed in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which surrounds vital organs and significantly increases the risk of severe health issues.
“The contrast between VAT and SAT is stark,” Fancher noted. “Visceral fat’s expansion and its inflammatory role in obesity and metabolic diseases are particularly severe.” This finding highlights the importance of addressing the specific types of adipose tissue affected by obesity, a condition often caused by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
Among the numerous genes analyzed, Fancher’s team identified four genes linked to metabolism, calcium handling, and inflammation that could become potential targets for further research.
“We are investigating whether these genes could be targeted by existing drugs or lead to new treatments designed to improve adipose tissue function in obesity,” Fancher added.
Collaborative Innovation
Fancher’s research was made possible through collaboration with Bruce Kingham, director of UD’s Sequencing and Genotyping Center, and Shawn Polson, director of the Bioinformatics Data Science Core at UD’s Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. The team also included Malak Alradi, a third-year doctoral student, who played a key role in organizing the genes into pathways to understand their biological significance.
“Before I began this research, I thought all fat was the same in the body,” Alradi explained. “But after analyzing RNA sequencing data, I realized that VAT is more affected by obesity than SAT. Our approach reveals the complexity of these processes and the potential for targeting specific pathways in obesity treatment.”
The study also employed stringent statistical methods to confirm its findings, adding weight to the discovery of key changes in metabolism and inflammation related to adipose depots.
Looking Ahead
Fancher plans to extend this research by studying gene expression in human adipose tissue. Collaborating with Dr. Caitlin Halbert, director of bariatric surgery at ChristianaCare, Fancher aims to determine whether the findings in animal models also apply to humans.
Additionally, Fancher is investigating potential sex differences in how obesity affects gene expression. “Obesity impacts men and women differently, so identifying sex differences could lead to more personalized and effective interventions,” he said.
As obesity continues to be a major health crisis in the U.S., this innovative research could play a crucial role in developing more targeted treatments for the millions affected.
Related topic:
UK Government Announces Ban on Bird Gatherings to Curb Avian Flu Spread
Curcumin Shows Promise in Combatting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Sisters of Women with Pregnancy Complications Face Higher Heart Disease Risk
