Research progress in FTO gene and obesity / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

Obesity is a rapidly growing international health problem. The association of fat mass and obesity associated(FTO) gene and obesity is becoming the hot topic in the gene research. FTO is a member of the nonheme dioxygenase [Fe(Ⅱ) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases]superfamily. FTO levels in the brain,especially in the hypothalamus,participate in the central control of food intake. The mutation of FTO gene accentuates body mass index,hip circumference and total weight,leading to obesity.