The search for an (the) obesity gene has been a long and arduous one that has implicated many candidate genes during this quest. Although these genes that have had important roles in regulating weight, the common thread linking them together has been that have had some role in metabolism and regulating the cell's ability to use energy.
Researchers at the University of Colorado and Tufts Medical School have recently identified another potential regulator of obesity, Plin2. Like previous candidate genes, Plin2 may play a key role in regulating cellular metabolism. Further, the deletion of this gene in mice prevented weight gain, even when the animal was fed a high fat diet. Surprisingly, researchers found that lack of expression of this gene prevented the onset of other obesity associated outcomes -- like high triglycerides and increased inflammation that are seen along with obesity. Even the adipose (fat) cells in these mice were smaller than their paired control mice that faithfully expressed Plin2.
Work is ongoing to learn more about Plin2 and how this gene controls metabolism and weight gain. http://www.scienceomega.com/article/863/removing-gene-stops-obesity-in-mice
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