A gene regulating fat storage identified! To identify genetic factors responsible for fat deposition, the researchers analyzed gene expression data from fat tissue compared with other tissue types. The results showed that HSP47, a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, is a significant determinant of body fat levels. “HSP47 is expressed at high levels in fat tissue and increases with obesity and greater food intake; in contrast, its expression level decreases with fasting, exercise, calorie restriction, bariatric surgery, and wasting syndrome,” explains the senior author. “In addition, HSP47 expression correlates closely with fat mass, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference.” Importantly, the researchers found that insulin, a hormone associated with fat storage or fat loss, increases HSP47 expression levels; while conversely, glucocorticoids decrease HSP47 expression levels. In addition, high or low HSP47 expression was linked to high or low body fat levels in both humans and mice. #ScienceMission #ScienceNewsHighlights https://lnkd.in/dYTsKesN
