The human genetics of eating disorders lessons from the leptin/melanocortin system.
Genetic analysis of eating disorders is complex phenotypically and genotypically. As seen in the leptin/melanocortin system, however, the results can lead to a deeper understanding and to new therapies. Benefits are expected for eating disorders that stem from genetic and psychologic causes. Finally, an awareness of possible genetic causes of eating disorders will help determine the causes--and thus the treatments--in children and adolescents with eating disorders, as exemplified by obese patients with mutations in the POMC, PC1, leptin, and MC4R loci.
Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, 1899 Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA. jessica.costa@uchsc.edu
Jessica Lynn
JL
Costa
Miles B
MB
Brennen
Ute
U
Hochgeschwender
D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D016282:Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D020738:Leptin / Q000235:genetics*; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D043484:Proprotein Convertases; D044105:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4; D018043:Receptors, Corticotropin / Q000235:genetics; D054411:Receptors, Leptin; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000235:genetics*
C515448:LEPR protein, human; D020738:Leptin; D044105:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4; D018043:Receptors, Corticotropin; D054411:Receptors, Leptin; D000521:alpha-MSH; D043484:Proprotein Convertases; D016282:Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases