Ob Gene

 

Scientist: Douglas Coleman
Institution: Jackson Laboratory
Period: 1960s

Two types of genetically obese mice were studied:

• ob/ob mouse → Obese due to mutation in the ob gene

• db/db mouse → Obese due to mutation in the receptor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Dr. Jeffrey Friedman and Ob Gene 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ob (obesity) gene is the gene responsible for producing the hormone leptin, which regulates appetite and body weight.

 Discovery

• Discovered in 1994 by Jeffrey M. Friedman and colleagues at Rockefeller University.

• Identified while studying genetically obese mice (ob/ob mice).

   

  The Ob gene, also called the leptin (LEP) gene, is located on:

• Chromosome 7

• Long arm (q)

• Region 7q31.3 

                                                              Cytogenetic location: 7q31.3 

   
   
   

• The Ob gene encodes leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose (fat) tissue.

  Leptin acts on the hypothalamus to:

• Suppress appetite

• Increase energy expenditure

• Regulate body weight

   
   
  Mutation of the Ob gene → leptin deficiency → severe obesity. 
   
   
  

  Most common obesity in humans is Leptin resistance
   
  

  
   
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