Obesity is a heritable trait and a risk factor for many common diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. We used a dense whole-genome scan of DNA samples from the Framingham Heart Study participants to identify a common genetic variant near the INSIG2 gene associated with obesity. We have replicated the finding in four separate samples composed of individuals of Western European ancestry, African Americans, and children. The obesity-predisposing genotype is present in 10% of individuals. Our study suggests that common genetic polymorphisms are important determinants of obesity.
POF Topic(s)30202 - Environmental Health 30205 - Bioengineering and Digital Health 30501 - Systemic Analysis of Genetic and Environmental Factors that Impact Health 30503 - Chronic Diseases of the Lung and Allergies
Forschungsfeld(er)Genetics and Epidemiology Enabling and Novel Technologies