Gene Responsible for Controlling Cholesterol and Obesity Identified

A group of British researchers has identified a gene that is responsible for controlling cholesterol and obesity and other obesity related diseases. Researchers from King's College London and the University of Oxford identified the gene, KLF14, which acts like a “master switch” in relation to fat genes in the body and also controls how other genes behave.

The researchers said that though the gene is passed by both the father and the mother to the offspring, only the gene from the mother is active in determining how the fat genes behave. The researchers added that the finding could pave a way to find a cure for type 2 diabetes in the near future.

“KLF14 seems to act as a master switch controlling processes that connect changes in the behavior of subcutaneous fat to disturbances in muscle and liver that contribute to diabetes and other conditions”, Oxford University’s Mark McCarthy said. The study has been published in the journal Nature Genetics


Source-Medindia