Twin Study Reveals Mitochondria's Role in Regulating Genes Linked to Obesity
Research on Finnish twins uncovers how mitochondrial quantity influences gene activity linked to obesity, shedding light on metabolic mechanisms that contribute to weight gain and potential personalized treatments.
Recent research involving Finnish twins has provided new insights into how mitochondria influence gene regulation underlying obesity. Led by scientists at the University of Helsinki and the Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, the study explores the complex relationship between mitochondrial activity, genetic factors, and obesity development.
Mitochondria are vital for energy production and maintaining overall metabolic health. In overweight and obese individuals, mitochondrial function is often compromised. However, it has been unclear whether mitochondrial impairment contributes directly to obesity or results from it. To clarify this, researchers studied nearly 90 twin pairs, exploiting the genetic similarity in twins to distinguish between hereditary and environmental effects.
The findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest that a decrease in mitochondrial quantity within fat cells plays a significant role in the onset of obesity. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA alongside DNA methylation patterns—chemical modifications that regulate gene activity—they identified that individuals with higher body fat and reduced mitochondrial DNA exhibited increased activity of the gene SH3BP4, which is involved in cell growth and nutrient sensing.
Dr. Aino Heikkinen, the lead researcher, explained that when mitochondrial metabolism falters—potentially due to calorie surplus—a feedback loop promoting obesity is activated, which may further stimulate the activity of genes like SH3BP4. The study also emphasized that measures such as insulin sensitivity and body fat percentage are more closely linked to mitochondrial quantity and gene regulation than body weight alone.
These insights highlight the importance of mitochondrial health in obesity development and point toward potential avenues for personalized obesity therapies, targeting mitochondrial function and gene regulation pathways. The research advances our understanding of the biological mechanisms contributing to obesity and underscores the interconnectedness between energy metabolism and genetic regulation.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-twin-mitochondria-gene-obesity.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Health Insurance Decisions
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used by health insurers to determine coverage and payments, raising concerns about transparency, fairness, and patient outcomes. Explore how AI influences insurance decisions and the ongoing regulatory challenges.
New Research Reveals Intestinal Surface Cells Use Pulling Forces to Remove Weak Neighbors
New research uncovers that intestinal surface cells pull on each other to identify and remove weak or malfunctioning cells, ensuring intestinal integrity and health.
The Dangers of Preserved Vegetables: Risks of Botulism and How to Stay Safe
Preserved vegetables can pose serious health risks like botulism if not processed properly. Learn how to stay safe and prevent outbreaks with proper food handling and canning techniques.