Removing Plin2 gene made mice resistant to obesity Fat cells were 20% smaller and rodents also ate less Scientists think the effect could be duplicated in humans

By Claire Bates

PUBLISHED: 07:53 EST, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 09:02 EST, 6 March 2013

Switching off a certain gene could stop junk food eaters from gaining weight

Switching off a 'fat' gene could prevent you from piling on the pound even if you stick to a high-fat diet, say researchers.

A two-year study found that removing this gene in mice made them resistant to obesity. The animals showed unusual restraint when fed a high-calorie diet and were more active as well.

'When fed a diet that induces obesity these mice dont get fat,' said study author Professor James McManaman from the University of Colorado.

'It may be possible to duplicate this in humans using existing technology that targets this specific gene.'

The absence of the gene may cause fat to be broken down faster by the body, he said.

The research team created a strain of mice without the Plin2 gene, which humans also possess. It produces a protein that regulates fat storage and metabolism.

More here:
Switching off obesity gene found to prevent weight-gain EVEN if eating a high-fat diet

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