Animal experiment: genetically modified "weight loss" mice

  In the experiment, the researchers associated the Wnt10b gene with the FABP4 promoter, which is specifically expressed in adipose tissue, and obtained transgenic mice using conventional transgenic technology. Under the control of the FABP4 promoter, the expression of Wnt10b in adipose tissue of transgenic mice was 50 times higher than that of normal people. The role of Wnt10b gene in white and brown adipose tissue of normal mice is different. Transgenic mice contain only half of normal white fat and no brown fat, which makes them unable to maintain body temperature and are vulnerable to cold attacks.

  Researchers cannot explain that the skin of genetically modified mice is thicker and heavier than that of normal mice, and consumes twice as little oxygen, but what’s even stranger is that they lead a healthy life. Adipose tissue is involved in the production of leptin and adiponectin protein, and the human body responds to insulin. Decreased insulin sensitivity is one of the first symptoms of diabetes. Too much white adipose tissue is also harmful to your health. Transgenic mice have only half of adipose tissue and only half of leptin. Therefore, at the beginning of the experiment, the researchers estimated that fat loss would lead to metabolic complications, such as diabetes. However, in terms of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, transgenic mice fed high-fat food are superior to ordinary mice fed low-fat food. The reason for this phenomenon has been further studied. Wnt10b is one of the 19 members of the Wnt protein family, mainly involved in the regulation of complex embryogenesis, including the formation of adipose tissue.

  The purpose of related research is to understand the regulation mechanism of adipose tissue cell development while understanding obesity and its complications. It is not clear whether the Wnt10b gene has the same effect in humans. The University of Michigan has applied for a patent for the transplantation of Wnt10b mice, and is currently studying the role of Wnt protein in obesity, and is preparing to study the role of Wnt signaling in osteoblast formation. However, it is unrealistic to expect immediate application of relevant research results. Although pharmaceutical companies are very interested in the potential therapeutic value of Wnt genes in reducing fat tissue, it is still difficult to find drugs that target specific targets without causing complications.