A novel marker in the response to dietary fat, obesity and diabetes
Referenznummer TO 05-00026
Challenge
An estimated 61% of US adults are either overweight or obese. The proportion of children and adolescents in the US who are overweight has more than doubled since the early 1970s, with about 13% being seriously overweight. Obesity is associated with serious co-morbidities such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, making it a public health epidemic. Dietary fat intake is considered a major factor in the development of obesity and insulin resistance.
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A: Gene structure and LD plot for TBC1D1;
B: proposed mechanism for TBC1D1 action.
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Technology
The present invention relates to a newly identified specific mutation of the gene TBC1D1 and its use as a genetic marker in the response to dietary fat, obesity and diabetes. This mutated TBC1D1 has proven impact on the protein activity which determines the capacity of gaining weight in response to a given caloric input. Animals with a high activity/ high amount of wildtype Tbc1d1 gene product gain more weight than animals with low activity/low amount of wildtype TBC1D1 in response to a caloric input. In fact, mutations in the human TBC1D1 gene are linked with certain forms of familial obesity. TBC1D1 provides a valuable tool not only for diagnostic, but also for therapeutic approaches.Commercial OpportunityThe new technologiy is offered for in-licensing and/or co-development of in the field of therapeutics and/or diagnostics.
Developmental Status
Proof of concept in mice
Patent Situation
A European Patent Application is pending (priority of 4th of April 2007).
Further Reading
Chadt A et al. (2008) Tbc1d1 mutation in lean mouse strain confers leanness and protects from diet-induced obesity. Nat Genet. 40:1354-9. Stone S et al. (2006) TBC1D1 is a candidate for a severe obesity gene and evidence for a gene/gene interaction in obesity predisposition. Hum Mol Genet. 15:2709-20.
