We all know those lucky people who can eat whatever they want while remaining thin. The real reason behind this luck may be unknown for those individuals who believe they only have "good genes". However, the truth may be far beyond that.
An international team of scientists found that the low levels of a certain gene can be linked to a stronger body capacity to resist weight gain. Researchers from Austria, Canada, and Estonia suggest that the low levels of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-ALK gene may be linked to thinness. While many past studies focused on the genes linked to weight gain, this one looked at skinniness and the reason behind it.
In order to identify candidate thinness genes, the research team profiled over 47000 volunteers from Estonia, analyzed the genes of the thin participants, and compared them to individuals of average weight. They discovered that the ALK gene is a candidate gene for thinness.
To test the hypothesis of ALK being involved in thinness, the researchers inactivated the gene in a group of mice. The results showed that despite normal food intake and activity, mice with no ALK were skinnier.
First author Michael Orthofer from the Penninger lab explained: "By using a technique called indirect calorimetry, we could show that ALK deficient mice exhibit increased energy expenditure. This means that they burn more calories than normal mice and explains why they remain thin even if they eat the same amount of food. In addition to that, these animals also show improved glucose tolerance."
The study was published in the journal Cell.
