A collaborative research group led by Mitsuaki Kubo, Deputy Director of RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, used genetic information of about 16 Japanese people in collaboration with Tohoku University, Iwate Medical University, and National Cancer Research Center. A large-scale analysis, verification of reproducibility by about 1.5 Japanese, and cross-ethnic analysis with about 32 Westerners were performed to identify 193 genetic mutations in the human genome involved in weight regulation.
Obesity (BMI 25 and above) is a risk factor for the development of various diseases.In addition to overeating and lack of exercise, the cause is a large genetic effect.However, the elucidation of the biological mechanism by which genetic factors cause individual differences in body weight is not sufficient.
This time, the joint research group conducted a "genome-wide association study (GWAS)" using the genetic information of about 16 Japanese who participated in Biobank Japan (established at the University of Tokyo, the largest biological sample bank in Asia).Furthermore, we conducted a meta-analysis with GWAS conducted by about 32 Westerners.As a result, we identified 193 sensitive regions on the genome that are thought to affect body weight (112 regions were discovered this time).
In addition, tissue-specific epigenomic information (gene modification information) and integrated analysis of GWAS show that lymphocytes of immune cells play a major role in weight regulation in addition to previously reported brain cells. I found the genetic evidence of.
In addition, we evaluated the genetic relationship between 33 illnesses and body weight.As a result, lean people are genetically at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and schizophrenia such as rheumatoid arthritis, and obese people are at type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, obstructive arteries). It was shown that there is a high risk of developing bronchial asthma and posterior longitudinal ligament ossification as well as sclerosis).
The results of this research are expected to contribute to the development of research in a wide range of scientific fields related to body weight in the future.
