Scientists have discovered a genetic reason why some people don't gain weight even when eating abundantly. The key role is played by the FNIP1 gene: when it is turned off, liver cells accelerate fat breakdown, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 60% and protecting the liver even when consuming fast food, reports infohub.kz.
The study results were published in the journal Nature. The researchers analyzed genetic data and medical records of over 1 million people from 11 research groups across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The study identified 59 independent genes that directly influence energy distribution, fat accumulation, and metabolic regulation. Nearly all of them function in the liver and adipose tissue—the body's main metabolic centers.
The researchers also found that carriers of a mutated variant of the FNIP1 gene have a very healthy metabolic profile. Compared to carriers of the normal gene version, they had lower blood fat levels (including triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol), lower body mass and body fat percentage, and healthier fat distribution. Additionally, these individuals had lower blood sugar levels and significantly less fat accumulated in the liver.
To confirm that the FNIP1 gene is responsible for these benefits, the researchers suppressed its activity directly in human liver cells. As a result, the cells immediately activated genes responsible for fat breakdown and cellular waste removal.
The scientists then tested the effect in mice by disabling the FNIP1 pathway in the animals' livers. Even when fed a high-calorie, sugar-rich diet for 30 weeks, these mice did not gain weight or accumulate fat in the liver.
"The study results show that FNIP1 plays a key role in managing energy and metabolic biomarkers in the human body," the study authors note.
The researchers hope that therapeutic blocking of this protein could eventually be used to combat cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.