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FTO Gene
Gene encoding an RNA N6-methyladenosine demethylase whose intronic variants (notably rs9939609) are the strongest common genetic risk loci for adiposity discovered to date.
Also: FTO, Fat mass and obesity-associated gene
Each FTO risk A allele is associated with roughly 1-1.5 kg higher body weight in adults; the effect is partially mediated through altered appetite and food preference, and is attenuated by physical activity and possibly by Mediterranean-style diets. Mechanistically, FTO variants affect distant gene expression (IRX3, IRX5) in adipocyte progenitor cells, switching them from energy dissipation to energy storage. MNHD uses FTO as the textbook example of a gene-by-environment obesity interaction.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 38: Nutritional Genomics
Each FTO risk A allele is associated with roughly 1-1.5 kg higher body weight in adults; the effect is partially mediated through altered appetite and food preference, and is attenuated by physical activity and possibly by Mediterranean-style diets. Mechanistically, FTO variants affect distant gene expression (IRX3, IRX5) in adipocyte progenitor cells, switching them from energy dissipation to energy storage. MNHD uses FTO as the textbook example of a gene-by-environment obesity interaction.
Related terms
APOE, FADS, Nutrigenomics, Obesity