Scientists discover a ‘skinny gene’ mutation that acts like Ozempic
One in 7,000 people carry this gene mutation
Scientists have identified a rare genetic mutation, FNIP1, that influences how the body processes and burns calories, much like the diabetes drug Ozempic. This gene is found in around one in 7,000 individuals worldwide. When functioning properly, FNIP1 slows down the body's calorie-burning process, allowing it to conserve energy when food is scarce—a trait that was advantageous for our ancestors.
However, those with a mutated version of this gene burn calories more rapidly, leading to lower risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Researchers found that individuals with the mutated FNIP1 gene have lower blood lipids, less liver fat, and better blood sugar control. In lab tests, silencing FNIP1 in liver cells promoted fat burning and improved insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat, sugary diet.
This discovery could potentially lead to new drugs that mimic the effects of FNIP1, offering a natural alternative to pharmacological treatments. However, the mutation's rarity is attributed to the evolutionary environment, as such mutations were previously disadvantageous in a calorie-scarce world. While the mutation could potentially lead to beneficial therapeutic effects, further research is needed to understand its implications and safety in humans.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
