GPR75 – Is It The Future Of Weight Loss?

Chances are that you may have come across the word “genes” being used in a conversation about

fitness and athleticism. Although this aspect is quite ambiguous to common people, the scientific

world has made massive advancements in deciphering how genomic sequences can be used as

well as developed upon to be able to deliver desired results. Traditional methods of losing weight

include Exercise, dieting and a couple of other nutritional and lifestyle changes that a person

would have to make. Not only do these methods require immense levels of commitment,

dedication, focus and hours of hard work, but fully implementing them comes with a detrimental

price to pay (quite literally). A recent study conducted by Marketdata Enterprises, a market and

service research business that specializes in tracking niche sectors, has found that Americans

manage to spend almost $60 billion annually in weight-loss and fitness programs.

However, recent scientific breakthroughs in the fields of biotechnology, and regenerative

medicine have allowed scientists to come up with probable theories, conclusions and maybe even

an easier solution to targeting weight gain for example. With regard to the latest technological

advancements, methods such as Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) wherein sequencing all the

genomic exons helps identify mutations or variations in the protein-specific region of a gene

have assisted in identifying probable gene related causes of not only diseases but more

importantly, conditions such as morbid obesity and debilitating orthopedic deformities.

The type of gene in focus is known as the G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR). In the most

basic sense, they are cell surface membrane receptors which act as message receivers. These

definitive messages manage to inform cells if there are any vital nutrients or substances absent or

present in the body. When it comes to signaling, most modern organisms use GPCR’s for very

specific factors such as monitoring levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Linking this to us

humans, it is estimated that our bodies may contain more than 1,000 different GPCR’s, each

responsible for a single biological signal.

With regard to the aforementioned concept of WES, many conditions, and diseases stem from

mutations in a GPCR. By taking obesity as an example, research done by New York based

pharmaceutical firm Regeneron Inc manages to express a link between mutated genes and weight

gain. A team of researchers from the Regeneron Genetic Centre (RGC) conducted a study which

consisted of sequencing the particular exomes of 640,000 individuals which were part of a

culturally diverse cohort, showed that around 16 or more genes have a connection to the Body

Mass Index (BMI). Within those selected 16, five were signal related GPCRs and one mutated

variant within those 5 managed to show a 54% lesser chance of developing obesity in the long

run.

More so along with scientists from RGC, a panel of experts from the New York Medical College

(NYMC) lead by Dr Michel Schwartzman and Dr Victor Garcia, both professors of

Pharmacology; were able to come up with an initial finding which claimed that people with a

mutated version of GPR75 weighed almost 12 pounds lesser than people with a functioning

version of the gene. To further support their elementary theory, both teams used Regeneron’s

VelociMouse technique wherein altered embryonic stem cells containing the genetically

engineered gene is injected into the surrogate mother (in this case mice), with this, all the

immediate offspring of the surrogate mother contain the modified gene. If this was done using

the regular method in science, multiple generations would have to be individually examined,

only resulting in a few mice who had managed to receive a direct copy. The old method proved

to be very cumbersome as it took too much effort and far too much time, thereby lengthening the

process of a study.

As this study involved the GPR75, the team inactivated the already in-built gene in the mice.

Once the “knockout” (the sample which was being tested) mice had received the gene, they

gathered another group of mice whose genetic systems had not been tampered with these were

classified as the “control” group, both groups of mice were then fed a high-fat diet which was

continuously monitored to be uniform in all terms. At the end of the experiment, it was observed

that the knockout mice gained almost 12 pounds/5.4 kilograms less compared to the control

group.

As mentioned earlier, worsened health conditions are always a by-product of an unhealthy life.

Scientists are currently working day and night to identify whether or not complementary diseases

due to weight gain, such as diabetes can be combated using a similar method involving

engineering.

We all still have a long journey to go before genomic changes regarding weight gain can be

widespread amongst the population, but that day is slowly inching towards us. Eventually, we

may even be able to manipulate and alter genes before a child is born.

Zayd Anis

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Citations

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