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SummaryLipogenesis is regulated by sterols and by insulin through the regulated expression and activation of the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). A new study shows one way in which sterol and insulin regulation can be decoupled. In transgenic mice overexpressing a protein that regulates SREBP activation, lipogenesis is more sensitive to cholesterol and less sensitive to insulin. The protein encoded by this gene is highly similar to the protein product encoded by gene INSIG1. Both INSIG1 protein and this protein are endoplasmic reticulum proteins that block the processing of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) by binding to SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), and thus prevent SCAP from escorting SREBPs to the Golgi. DiscussionObesity 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. [1] |
