Open AccessAllelic variants of the Melanocortin 4 receptor ( MC 4R ) gene in a South African study group
Author(s) -
Logan Murray,
Van der Merwe MariaTeresa,
Dodgen Tyren M.,
Myburgh Renier,
Eloff Arinda,
Alessandrini Marco,
Pepper Michael S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
molecular genetics and genomic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2324-9269
DOI - 10.1002/mgg3.180
Subject(s) - sanger sequencing , melanocortin 4 receptor , genetics , allele , obesity , gene , biology , cohort , population , postprandial , melanocortin 3 receptor , medicine , mutation , bioinformatics , melanocortin receptor , endocrinology , receptor , melanocortin , environmental health , insulin
Obesity is a global epidemic that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Mutations in the melanocortin 4 receptor ( MC 4R ) gene, which codes for a G‐protein‐coupled receptor responsible for postprandial satiety signaling, have been associated with monogenic obesity. The prevalence of obesity is on the increase in South Africa, and it is hypothesized that mutations in MC 4R are a contributing factor. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective assessment of the relationship between allelic variants of MC 4R and BMI in a South African study cohort. DNA was isolated from a demographically representative cohort of 297 individuals and the entire MC 4R gene sequenced by Sanger sequencing. Eight previously reported MC 4R variants were identified in 42 of the 297 (14.1%) study participants. The most frequently observed MC 4R alleles were V103I (4.0%), I170V (1.5%), and I198I (1.2%), while the remaining five variants together constituted 1.18%. Five compound heterozygotes were also detected. Although MC 4R variants were rare, the majority of variation was observed in individuals of Black African ancestry. No statistically significant associations with BMI were reported. Given that lifestyle interventions have limited success in decreasing obesity, there is an urgent need to perform large‐scale population studies to further elucidate the molecular underpinnings of this disease.