Recent research by the University of Cambridge has identified the DENND1B gene as a significant contributor to obesity in Labrador Retrievers and humans.
DENND1B – An obesity gene in dogs and humans.
The DENND1B gene is also found in humans, in whom it was also associated with higher body mass.
5 obesity-associated genes – The researchers identified five obesity-associated genes, and then checked if these genes were also relevant to human obesity.
Among the 5 obesity-associated genes, DENND1B gene was found to be most strongly associated with body mass and obesity in labradors.
Regulates appetite – The gene essentially interferes with a brain signalling pathway that helps regulate our appetite.
Weight gain – This gene affects the body's hunger and energy balance, which can lead to weight gain.
Dogs with a mutation in this gene had about 8% more body fat than those without it.
Multifaceted interplay – Obesity is a complex condition resulting from a multifaceted interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors like diet and lifestyle, rather than being solely determined by either.
