FTO
Fat mass and obesity-associated protein
Gene Number: 79068
Location: 16q12.2
Key Functions: Energy balance regulation, appetite control, fat mass accumulation, obesity susceptibility
FTO encodes the fat mass and obesity-associated protein, a Fe²⁺/2-oxoglutarate–dependent dioxygenase that functions as an RNA demethylase. It specifically removes N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modifications from messenger RNA (mRNA), thereby influencing RNA stability, splicing, and translation. Through this epigenetic regulation of gene expression, FTO plays a pivotal role in controlling energy homeostasis, appetite regulation, and adipose tissue metabolism.
SNP ID | Your Genotype | Alt Allele | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
rs1421085 | Analyze your DNA to see your genotype | C | Analyze your DNA to see a personalized result. |
rs9939609 | Analyze your DNA to see your genotype | A | Analyze your DNA to see a personalized result. |
rs1421085
TT – Common “risk-free” genotype; typical BMI and metabolic profile (R).
TC – Increased obesity risk and higher dietary fat intake (MUFA +2%, SAFA +1%) (R).
CC – Highest obesity risk; associated with lower thermogenic capacity in beige adipocytes, more meals/snacking, and elevated BMI/waist circumference (R).
Functional effect: The C allele disrupts a regulatory enhancer in intron 1, increasing expression of IRX3/IRX5 in adipocytes, shifting cell programming toward energy storage over thermogenesis and increasing hunger (R).
rs9939609
TT – Common genotype; baseline BMI and metabolic response (R).
TA – Each A allele adds ~0.26 kg/m² BMI (~750 g) and ~0.51 cm waist; increases hunger, fat intake, and meal frequency (R).
AA – Homozygous risk; strongest overall effect on adiposity and obesity risk (R).
Functional effect: The A allele increases food intake and snacking behaviors across populations, raising obesity risk substantially; physical activity can attenuate (~80% reduction) its BMI effect (R).
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