One Gene May Be Quietly Impacting Your Ability To Lose Weight in Adulthood
Summary
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute in Israel discovered that a gene called Orthopedia (Otp) remains active in adults and helps control stress, metabolism, and fat storage. Experiments with mice showed that when Otp is turned off in adult brain cells, it causes high stress hormones, depression-like behavior, and changes in metabolism that lead to more body fat even without weight gain.Key Facts
- The gene Otp is known for shaping the brain before birth but stays active in adults.
- Otp helps control hormone systems linked to stress response and metabolism.
- Without Otp, mice released too much stress hormones like corticosterone.
- Mice lacking Otp showed behavior similar to depression.
- Their metabolism changed: thyroid hormones dropped, body temperature fell, and cholesterol rose.
- Mice stored more fat while eating normally and keeping the same weight.
- Otp acts like a switchboard, sending signals to DNA to regulate hormones in response to the environment.
- This gene's function shifts from helping brain development in the embryo to managing stress and energy use in adults.
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