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Carlos Silva: How Flights, Tech Speeds Up Scientific Discovery
"I think it #39;s great we #39;re now able to amass the power of so many different people all over the world to reach a common goal." Carlos Silva talks about the wa...

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Newswise LOUISVILLE, Ky. Excess abdominal fat can be a precursor to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A persons measure of belly fat is reflected in the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference, and it is estimated that genetics account for about 30-60 percent of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Kira Taylor, Ph.D., M.S., assistant professor, University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences, and her research team have identified five new genes associated with increased WHR, potentially moving science a step closer to developing a medication to treat obesity or obesity-related diseases.

The researchers recently published their findings in Human Molecular Genetics. The team conducted an analysis of more than 57,000 people of European descent, and searched for genes that increase risk of high waist-to-hip ratio, independent of overall obesity. They investigated over 50,000 genetic variants in 2,000 genes thought to be involved in cardiovascular or metabolic traits.

Their analysis identified three new genes associated with increased WHR in both men and women, and discovered two new genes that appear to affect WHR in women only. Of the latter, one gene, SHC1, appears to interact with 17 other proteins known to have involvement in obesity, and is highly expressed in fat tissue. In addition, the genetic variant the team discovered in SHC1 is linked to another variant that causes an amino acid change in the protein, possibly changing the function or expression of the protein.

This is the first time SHC1 has been associated with abdominal fat, Taylor said. We believe this discovery holds great opportunity for medicinal chemistry and eventually, personalized medicine. If scientists can find a way to fine-tune the expression of this gene, we could potentially reduce the risk of excessive fat in the mid-section and its consequences, such as cardiovascular disease.

Prior research has found that mice lacking the SHC1 protein are leaner, suggesting this molecule may have a role in metabolic imbalance and premature cell deterioration by supplying too much nutrition for normal growth and development.

Additional evidence finds SHC1 activates the insulin receptor, triggering multiple signaling events that affect fat cell growth.

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Epidemiologist Uncovers New Genes Linked to Abdominal Fat

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22-Jan-2014

Contact: Kathy Ridgely Beal kbeal@acmg.net 301-238-4582 American College of Medical Genetics

Do you cover genetics, genomics, healthcare or medicine? The media are invited to register now for the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, March 25-29, 2014 at the Nashville Convention Center.

From Incidental Findings to Whole Genome/Exome Sequencing to Cancer Genetics, the focus of the ACMG Meeting is on the actual practice of genetics and genomics in healthcare, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in genetics research and its practical applications to medical practice. The ACMG Annual Meeting attracts medical and scientific leaders from around the world working to apply research in the human genome to the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of genetic conditions and rare and common diseases.

Reporters will hear about the latest medical genetics research; have the opportunity to interact with doctors, laboratory professionals and genetic counselors about what is happening right now in genetics and genomics; and view the latest products available in the extensive exhibit hall.

Topics range from common conditions to rare diseases. Sessions include information of interest to the general public, to health professionals and to the industry/trade.

The ACMG Meeting is the genetics meeting most focused on the practical applications of genetic discoveries in the clinical setting. And the 2014 Meeting is already shattering records with a record number of abstracts submitted and attendee registration to date is at an all-time high.

Two Genetics Short Courses on Tuesday, March 25:

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Complimentary press registration now open for ACMG 2014 Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting