Researchers have identified a gene that plays an important role in controlling food intake and energy expenditure. Mutations in the SH2B1 gene are associated with metabolic problems related to obesity, type 2 diabetes and liver disease.
In research at the U-M Medical School, Laingiu-Roi and his team pinpointed the part of the brain (the paraventricular hypothalamus, or PVH) where this gene is activated, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. is involved in controlling
Gene activity in this part of the brain and its interaction with the dorsal raphe nucleus influence appetite and body weight. Improving the function of SH2B1 could potentially provide better obesity treatment without the disadvantages of existing drugs.
This gene controls food intake and energy expenditure, Laingyu Rui said. Obesity happens for two reasons: If you eat too much, you accumulate fat. Even if energy expenditure is very low, fat accumulates.
